Slice of Life is a popular genre because it is relaxing, refreshing, and entertaining. These 10 most popular slices of life male characters have created a refreshing and realistic take on life, maybe with a little twist.
Why are these slice-of-life characters so popular? These characters all have something in common- they all serve a pastiche of various groups that provide the image for the viewers as the idealized boyfriend. While that may be true, the whole idea of these characters provides normalcy that is unexpected of anime, especially with the more leading and popular genres such as Shonen, Fantasy, etc. The characters of those genres usually have some added pizzazz in addition to their extraordinary abilities.
Nevertheless, SoL can be a lot more enjoyable and relatable as they are associated with real-life situations. Sometimes, SoL anime also have other elements such as supernatural, fantasy, and so on. With that being said, these male characters have created their name for their popularity as an SoL heroes of sorts.
So, here are the 10 most popular Slice of Life male characters that you should know:
1. Haru Yoshida (Tonari no Kaibutsu kun)
Haru Yoshida is a little eccentric and is often viewed as violent and intimidating. Haru was suspended due to a misunderstanding with the upperclassmen.
When he was back, he met Shizuku Mizutani, the only friend he made in school who also fell in love with him. Haru is an honest, curious, and lovable guy beneath all his short temper and straightforwardness. In fact, this anime has a beautiful art style that makes him a more desirable anime male character in the Slice of Life genre.
2. Kyo Sohma (Fruits Basket)
Kyo Sohma, an estranged and lonely high school guy who is also a cat. The story of Fruits Basket is based on the Chinese zodiac where the spirit of Cat, an animal that would’ve been part of the zodiac if not for the Rat’s trick that made him miss the ceremony.
After leading a life where he was not accepted, fate drew him to Tohru Honda. His life story that turns loneliness and estrangement into love and acceptance makes him one of the most interesting anime male characters of this genre.
The Colorful Cast of Fruits Basket Characters
3. Kousei Arima (Your Lie in April)
Your Lie in April is a mix of drama, angst, and music. Kousei Arima is the protagonist who was a talented pianist until his mother passed away… and so did his passion.
An angst-filled life he led, led him to Kaori who helped him love music again. A typical Hollywood-style drama movie, with elevated themes, Kousei’s character has helped many gain the insight of a slowly dying conscience, one that can be enlightened through meaningful relationships.
4. Shoya Ishida (A Silent Voice)
A young Shoya Ishida can be described as a boy who bullied others, especially Nishimiya, the new deaf girl in middle school. Ishida was the kind of character you would hate solely because of the number of people who can relate to his wrongdoings, victim, or the bully themselves.
A changed man in high school, he aims to make things right between him and everyone. A necessary and admirable thing to do, he owned up to his mistakes which ended up in a happy ending. Ishida is one of the most relatable anime male characters in the Slice of Life genre anime because of how life-like the story was.
5. Tomoya Okazaki (Clannad)
Tomoya Okazaki, an unmotivated guy but smart nonetheless, he’s also got a charm that makes him lovable. He’s a typical teenage boy, who has parent issues.
His life turns around when he meets Nagisa, a girl who is enthusiastic and loves life. The complete opposite of him. Their relationship is interesting to watch as they are high school sweethearts. Tomoya is a strong man, but he also has his flaws which makes him a great anime male character for a simpler story like Clannad.
6. Toono Takaki (5 Centimetres per Second)
Toono Takaki has been a popular slice of life anime male character since the time the movie was released. Toono is a middle-class guy who follows through life uneventfully.
Toono often reminisces in the memories he had with Akari, a girl who he had a deep longing for. The way he longs for her, despite being in a relationship, and constantly reliving old memories after unwillingly losing touch with her, makes him one of the most relatable characters ever. It’s a very life-like situation and most of us have been in his shoes.
7. Ryuuji Takasu (Toradora)
Ryuuji Takasu is a high school guy who is the only known person to control the ‘palmtop tiger’ aka Taiga. He helps her with chores she often cannot do. He’s a tolerant guy.
Ryuuji is also a calm, and responsible guy who is also very smart and gets good grades. Their love story is adorable. Ryuuji’s character has many desirable qualities that make him an admirable male character that we all adore.
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8. Houtarou Oreki (Hyouka)
Houtarou Oreki is a Slice of Life anime male character who is sure of what he wants. Although he lives in a rather dysfunctional house, he’s set in his ways and knows what he wants.
He is also a calm person who can be quite cynical and apathetic. Despite his shortcomings, he’s a brilliant analyst. Eru Chitanda is the complete opposite of him and influences him to change his views.
9. Hirotaka Nifuji (Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii)
Hirotaka Nifuji is another relatable anime male character who is an avid gamer and gets very competitive while gaming. He is also an efficient employee who is good at finishing his work.
Nifuji does not really care about his image and is also an otaku. Nifuji’s character has realistic characteristics of the modern world. A gamer, average employee who enjoys the day to day life doing what he finds comforting. Relatable right?
10. Hikigaya Hachiman (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)
Hikigaya Hachiman is not so much of a relatable anime male character for the average person on a personal level but as a whole, he’s a pessimist and an anti-social guy who’s as lonely as ever.
He is also quite prideful, and stoic. His rather negative qualities got him into a club that requires him to interact with people and sort of forces him to change his behavior. Hikigaya’s character adds a lot to the story as a loner and someone who is often seen analyzing and calculating others’ moves.
