Anime not only excites and uplifts, but also inspires. Like any other medium, anime has the power to change people for the better with its profound themes. While plenty of anime can be comfy watches, only a few of them can shift their viewers’ perspective on life.
Whether it is a curious teenager, a burnt-out adult or simply anyone struggling to feel motivated, a feel-good anime can be instantly uplifting. When the same anime delivers an additional dose of life-changing lessons, it’s hard to forget them.
Run With the Wind Motivates Viewers to Keep Pushing Bit by Bit
Run With the Wind begins with a group of ragtag college students who reside in an old university dormitory, only to find out that they were actually living in the university’s track and field team’s base. As the entire group, mostly consisting of non-athletes, is forced to participate in Japan’s most treacherous marathon, they learn how to defy personal limitations.
Run With the Wind has a realistic plot, and the running novices have to go through hell just to be in basic shape. Yet, all of them begin to genuinely love the sport, and each of them performs their personal best, which solidifies the teamwork. Run With the Wind encourages its viewers to do their best, without comparing themselves to others. It teaches one to take one step at a time, and keep pushing bit by bit every day to achieve the goals that once seemed impossible.
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Barakamon’s Humor Delicately Handles Creative Burnout
When an uninspired calligrapher is exiled to a rural island, he finds himself getting suffocated by the local residents’ meddling habits, but also thankful to them for their unconditional support. Barakamon’s protagonist, Handa, is a typical city boy, who initially looks down on the villagers, but slowly learns to let go of his rigid worldview. The one who he owes the most to is Naru, a carefree 7-year-old girl, who makes Handa’s house her constant hangout place.
Handa, who struggled to achieve perfection in his calligraphy, learns that it is the artist’s personality that makes art resonate with others. Handa slowly realizes that it is more fulfilling to find personal excellence than to chase the number one spot in competitions. Handa’s slow life in the village is therapeutic, and instills the importance of community in its viewers.
Nodame Cantabile Is the Push That Every Artist Needs
While some artists stick to rigid discipline, others get lost in raw expression without refinement, and Nodame Cantabile shows both sides through its protagonists, Chiaki and Nodame. As the perfectionist conductor, Chiaki, clashes with the intuitive pianist, Nodame, both of them learn valuable lessons from each other. As a result, both characters emerge as well-rounded musicians after confronting their individual flaws.
Nodame Cantabile fosters a genuine love for music and any form of art in general. It balances slapstick comedy with a career-oriented storyline and a sweet romance. For many artists, Nodame Cantabile might be the push they need to follow their dreams, no matter where they are in their artistic journey. The anime also shows how true love forms when two individuals support each other’s ambitions.
Mushishi’s Meaningful Quests Teach Co-Existence and Patience
Mushishi makes its viewers aware of the countless organisms that exist on Earth, some of which can’t even be perceived by humans. Mushishi’s premise is based on a type of ethereal primitive lifeform known as Mushi, which, depending on their type, can summon rain, cause diseases, or even psychological ailments, and it is the job of a Mushishi to study them and how they impact humans.
As the protagonist, Ginko, a Mushishi, travels far and wide, he comes across curious cases of Mushi, which he tries to resolve without harming the creatures. Mushishi is a relaxing anime that teaches its fans to strive for harmony above dominance. The anime depicts how tragedies are inevitable and a part of life, and to embrace peace in solitude. After watching Mushishi, one discovers newfound love for every creature, big or small.
Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko Is a Radical Lesson In Self-Acceptance
Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko is a slice-of-life anime movie with a mother-daughter duo forming the core premise. Nikuko is optimistic, jovial, and has bad luck with men, but also falls in love way too easily. Her daughter, Kikuko, is an observant 11-year-old girl who navigates the complexities of being a teenager. Both characters impart new lessons to viewers of the movie.
While Nikuko is overweight, loud, and loves eating, she never apologizes for it. Everyone in the community embraces this quirky lady, just like how they accept the quiet Kikuko. Nikuko is happy because she can be her genuine self without any guilt, and Kikuko learns how to accept the flaws of those around her. Kikuko’s optimism is infectious, and her love for the simple acts of daily life is inspiring.