The term Iyashikei (癒し系, which translates to "healing type" or "curative") defines an anime and manga genre focused on provoking a sense of peace, comfort, and emotional healing in the viewer. These series are the perfect antidote to the stress of work or modern life, offering an escape to beautiful, slow-paced, and benign worlds. Iyashikei is characterized by: Absence of Conflict: Plots lack...

The success of an anime in Japan is historically measured by Blu-ray/DVD sales and broadcast ratings. Global success, however, is measured by international licensing, streaming sales, and long-term cultural influence. The seven series below are primary examples of how low domestic reception was offset by an explosion of popularity in the West.   1. The Adult Swim Phenomenon (The Ratings...

Loved 'Demon Slayer'? 5 Other Action Anime with Breathtaking Animation   Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has become a global phenomenon. While its story of a young man seeking to avenge his family and save his sister is a pillar of the Shonen genre, the main reason for its success is its visual production quality. Studio Ufotable uses a technique that combines fluid 2D character animation...

Anime is a fantastic tool for immersion in the Japanese language. Although the dialogues are often dramatic or exaggerated, there is a core of words and phrases that are repeated in almost every series. Hearing these terms repeatedly not only helps you with pronunciation but also teaches you the cultural context of their use. Here are 10 essential words and phrases guaranteed to speed up your...

The Re-Rise of Sports Anime: How 'Blue Lock' and 'Haikyuu!!' Made Sports a Global Phenomenon   For decades, sports anime (or "Spokon") was a fundamental but consistent genre in Japan, with classics like Slam Dunk and Captain Tsubasa. Globally, however, it was often considered a niche. Today, in 2025, that has irrevocably changed. The sports genre now competes in global popularity with the...