The slice-of-life genre in manga provides readers with a unique view into ordinary people’s daily lives, ranging from sweet friendships to emotional hardships and humorous situations.
Unlike action-packed shonen or fantasy-heavy titles, slice-of-life manga frequently focuses on real-life circumstances, making it extremely relevant and soothing to readers.
Here’s a list of the greatest slice-of-life manga to read in 2024, whether you’re searching for laugh-out-loud humor, moving narrative, or mesmerizing artwork.
1. March Comes in Like a Lion
Plot: Rei Kiriyama, a young and introverted shogi prodigy, struggles with personal issues and a sense of isolation.
As he builds relationships with the warm Kawamoto family, he learns about friendship, healing, and self-acceptance.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Drama |
| Author | Chica Umino |
| Publisher | Hakusensha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2007 – Present |
| Volumes | 16 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | ComiXology, Bookwalker |
This beautifully illustrated manga captures themes of grief, healing, and resilience, resonating with readers on a profound level.
2. My Dress-Up Darling
Plot: High school student Wakana Gojo, who loves creating Hina dolls, teams up with his outgoing classmate Marin Kitagawa to bring her cosplay dreams to life. As they explore their shared interests, they also develop a heartwarming friendship.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance |
| Author | Shinichi Fukuda |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2018 – Present |
| Volumes | 11 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | Square Enix Manga & Books |
Known for its playful art style and relatable characters, My Dress-Up Darling explores self-expression, passion, and acceptance.
3. Yotsuba&!
Plot: Yotsuba Koiwai, an energetic five-year-old girl, moves to a new town with her father. Through her curious and sometimes mischievous personality, she brings joy and a fresh perspective to everyone around her.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy |
| Author | Kiyohiko Azuma |
| Publisher | ASCII Media Works |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2003 – Present |
| Volumes | 15 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | Yen Press |
Yotsuba&! is cherished for its lightheartedness and charm, depicting everyday adventures through the eyes of a child.
4. A Man and His Cat
Plot: Fukumaru, an unwanted, chubby cat, is adopted by an elderly widower named Kanda. Together, they find companionship and solace, as Kanda learns to care for his new pet and reflect on life’s precious moments.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama |
| Author | Umi Sakurai |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2017 – Present |
| Volumes | 10 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | ComiXology, Bookwalker |
Heartwarming and tender, A Man and His Cat celebrates companionship, family, and the healing power of pets.
5. Silver Spoon
Plot: Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy, enrolls in an agricultural high school to escape academic pressure. There, he faces the realities of farm life and begins to understand the dedication behind producing food.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama |
| Author | Hiromu Arakawa |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2011 – 2019 |
| Volumes | 15 |
| Read at | Yen Press |
Silver Spoon offers a fresh perspective on agriculture, friendship, and self-discovery, with humor and real-life lessons.
6. Barakamon
Plot: After a meltdown over his work, calligrapher Seishuu Handa is sent to a remote village. He begins a journey of self-discovery while connecting with the quirky locals, including the mischievous young girl Naru.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama |
| Author | Satsuki Yoshino |
| Publisher | Square Enix |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2009 – 2018 |
| Volumes | 18 |
| Read at | Yen Press |
Barakamon is celebrated for its blend of humor, touching interactions, and exploration of personal growth.
7. My Brother’s Husband
Plot: Single father Yaichi is surprised when his deceased twin brother’s husband, Mike, visits from Canada. As Mike becomes a part of their lives, Yaichi confronts his own views on family, acceptance, and love.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Drama |
| Author | Gengoroh Tagame |
| Publisher | Futabasha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2014 – 2017 |
| Volumes | 4 |
| Read at | Pantheon Books |
This award-winning manga offers a touching exploration of family, identity, and societal norms with sensitivity and warmth.
8. Nana
Plot: Two women named Nana meet on a train to Tokyo and quickly form a deep bond despite their different personalities. The story follows their dreams, relationships, and the ups and downs of young adulthood.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Drama, Romance |
| Author | Ai Yazawa |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2000 – 2009 (on hiatus) |
| Volumes | 21 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
Nana is known for its realistic portrayal of friendships, love, and personal struggles, resonating with readers worldwide.
9. The Way of the Househusband
Plot: A former yakuza boss, now a full-time househusband, applies his skills to domestic chores with hilarious intensity. Each chapter highlights his devotion to his wife and his comedic adjustment to his new life.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Comedy |
| Author | Kousuke Oono |
| Publisher | Shinchosha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2018 – Present |
| Volumes | 11 (Ongoing) |
| Read at | VIZ Media |
This manga has gained popularity for its unique humor and fresh take on the daily life of an ex-gangster turned househusband.
10. Fruits Basket Another
Plot: Sawa Mitoma, a shy high schooler, struggles to find her place until she meets the next generation of the Sohma family. Through their interactions, she learns about friendship, self-worth, and the meaning of family.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Slice of Life, Romance, Drama |
| Author | Natsuki Takaya |
| Publisher | Hakusensha |
| Original Language | Japanese |
| Release Date | 2015 – 2020 |
| Volumes | 3 |
| Read at | Yen Press |
As a sequel to Fruits Basket, this series brings nostalgic charm with a fresh narrative on love and acceptance.
Conclusion
These top slice-of-life manga volumes provide readers a glimpse into real, realistic situations, with each presenting a unique perspective on love, friendship, growth, and humor. In 2024, go through these manga for a nice, comforting getaway into the warmth of ordinary life, relationships, and self-discovery.
Whether you’re looking for a series with emotional depth, lighthearted fun, or inspirational messages, these slice-of-life manga provide remarkable storylines and characters.