Defining and Redefining Comfort Anime on Your Own Terms

With the pandemic came a wave of people falling back on the word ‘comfort,’ and it extended past comfort foods. People started championing their comfort books, television series, movies, and more to anyone who would listen as it was key to aiding them in relaxing and processing the world around them. In short, a comfort piece of media like a web-comic you adore or a book series you keep coming back to is something that feels like stability to you. It feels like home. It is familiar and has significance to you. Just like a favorite dish you love to eat when you are under the weather or feeling down, this comfort is supposed to hit the spot and be a beacon when you need it. For many years I linked comfort anime to Iyashikei Anime, which is often referred to as “healing anime”. Anime Planet notes that “Iyashikei is a subgenre of Slice of Life anime that is designed to have a healing effect on the viewer. Iyashikei anime are typically episodic, have little to no conflict, and showcase the characters’ peaceful lives…Common features include mellow atmospheres, soothing soundtracks, and gorgeous background art.” There are several series in this genre that I enjoy including Girl’s Last Tour, Azumanga Daioh and Wakakozake.  

Wakakozake

As much as I enjoy Iyashikei anime, I know that it is an incomplete offering or definition of the fabled and much-loved comfort anime. Every December I rewatch two of my favorite anime series: Escaflowne and Cowboy Bebop. These are an…