UlasanAnime.com – The term “slice-of-life” within the anime community is often used loosely, akin to a harmless, albeit peculiar, social convention. While its application might seem unconventional, it’s a practice that has become widespread and generally accepted. The author likens it to minor transgressions that, while odd, don’t cause significant harm, suggesting it serves a purpose, however obscure, much like natural processes that are not fully understood.
The author expresses a personal sentiment that the term “slice-of-life” in anime circles is somewhat akin to minor indiscretions. However, they acknowledge that since it’s a common practice, they feel hesitant to openly criticize it, drawing parallels to dodging and the nitrogen cycle as examples of seemingly nonsensical yet functional processes.
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The article highlights a group of Finnish bloggers who discussed the concept of “slice-of-life” at a meeting. This practice is contrasted with gatherings of individuals driven by marketing or commercial interests, suggesting that such intellectual discussions are more commendable and indicative of a more developed cultural landscape, implicitly positioning Europe as more sophisticated than the “uncivilized folks of the East.”
From the author’s perspective, “slice-of-life” is primarily a metaphor, used to convey a feeling or a nuanced expression that simpler words cannot capture. It is not intended as a strict label or a defined genre. When applied to anime, the term often evokes a sense of nostalgia and the Japanese aesthetic concept of mono no aware, a gentle melancholy or pathos associated with the transience of things. This is why it’s frequently associated with iyashikei, anime that aims to heal or soothe the viewer, often characterized by a slow narrative pace that complements this healing quality.
However, the author reiterates that it remains a metaphor. While it could theoretically be used as a genre tag, it would require a clear and well-defined meaning beyond its metaphorical function. The author notes that such a definition is lacking, even on resources like TVTropes, which are known for their extensive categorization. Despite this, prominent anime databases like ANN and MAL use “slice of life” as a serious tag, perpetuating the use of this figurative language as if it were a concrete classification. The author likens this phenomenon to a zombie—a concept that persists despite a lack of understanding regarding its true nature or mechanics.
The author’s second major criticism of “slice-of-life” is its tendency to obscure the underlying elements that contribute to the feeling of a slice-of-life experience. Instead of analyzing these core components, people tend to focus on a superficial, legalistic definition. This, according to the author, is the fundamental flaw. It leads to unproductive debates about whether a particular show fits the “slice-of-life” label, rather than encouraging an examination of the simple elements that evoke the intended feeling. As a metaphor, “slice-of-life” is not a rational, cause-and-effect concept but is more closely aligned with art and emotion. The author suggests that terms like “wabi sabi” or “mono no aware,” which are genuine Japanese literary and art criticism terms with extensive scholarly backing, would be more appropriate for serious analysis. The current usage, in contrast, is seen as a misapplication, akin to incorrectly reinventing the wheel.
The author would prefer to categorize anime using terms like “iyashikei” or “kuukikei” if otaku-specific terms are necessary. This preference stems from the fact that these terms are more prescriptive and less vague than “slice-of-life,” which is perceived as a nebulous metaphor.
Unlike a zombie, the author cannot definitively “kill” the figurative phrase “slice-of-life.” Their only recourse is to express quiet frustration at their inability to fully translate the sophisticated fandom academia from Japan, a community that has been engaging with these concepts for a longer period and possesses a more mature analytical framework.
