Non Non Biyori

Non Non Biyori is a heartwarming slice of life anime that aired on the Anime Network in 2013. Developed by Silver Link, this anime is an adaption of Atto's comic of the same name which first published in 2009. It is set in a tranquil, rural, and countryside setting which instantly sets it apart from the bustling cityscapes commonly found in most anime series.

The series is set in an picturesque village of Asahigaoka, a place so secluded that there's only one convenience store, one single bus arrives there twice a day and even cell service is seldom available. The timeless tranquility is filled with the whispering of wind through trees, the chirping of insects, and the soothing flow of a nearby river. If you are a fan of slow paced, peaceful and calming rural scenery, Non Non Biyori is an anime that won't disappoint you.

The main characters of Non Non Biyori are four students who attend the only school in town: The Asahigaoka Branch School. Each grade only has one student, ranging from first to ninth grade. This unique scenario allows each of the main characters' distinctive personalities to shine, and plays a significant role in the development of the narrative.

Renge Miyauchi, a jovial and inventive first-grader, is the youngest among the four and often the center of attention. Natsumi Koshigaya, a tomboyish and mischievous seventh-grader, is known for her prankster habits and a carefree nature. Komari Koshigaya, Natsumi's older sister and an eighth-grader, is a perfect mix of maturity, naivety, and classic teenage anxiety. Hotaru Ichijou, a fifth-grade transfer student from Tokyo, illustrates the culture clash between rural and city life and beautifully adjusts to her new life in the village.

Non Non Biyori unfolds its story through the everyday life and experiences of these four characters. These interactions become the central plotline for the series, which varies from heartwarming to comedic, as they navigate their school life and leisure time. From cloud watching to catching beetles, from fishing to trekking in the mountains, the array of activities the girls participate in paints a vivid picture of the joys of countryside living.

The charm of Non Non Biyori greatly lies in its simplicity and realistic portrayal of rural life. There are no over-the-top dramatic moments or fabled heroes; instead, viewers are immersed in a humbler, simpler world where everyday activities are magic in themselves. The series isn't just visually pleasing; its acoustic arrangement is also beautifully composed, providing the most suitable, gentle background score to complement the rural aesthetics.

The anime also gives an in-depth exploration of friendship, with the four main characters being each other's best companions due to the lack of their peers. The camaraderie they share is pivotal to the overall narrative, and the theme of companionship is well explored throughout various episodes. Emotions like joy, sorrow, curiosity, and growing up are subtly handled, making it relatable to every age group.

Non Non Biyori takes pride in its tempo and rhythm that is harmonious with the life in countryside. Its languid pace may not suit everyone, especially those who have an affinity for action and fast-paced narrative. However, for those who appreciate heartwarming character development, a sleek humor sense, and wish to experience a soothing, pastoral countryside narrative in the form of an anime, Non Non Biyori is sure to be a wonderful treat.

Non Non Biyori can be seen as a tribute to rural life, showcasing a quiet celebration of the mundane moments that often go unnoticed in our busy lives. It is a wholesome anime that takes you on a soothing journey filled with laughter, friendship, and rural aesthetics. With its laid back narrative, engaging characters, and consistent focus on a relaxed lifestyle, Non Non Biyori is an anime series that can easily make one feel nostalgic and leave the audience with a sense of serenity, much like a quiet afternoon in the countryside.