For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to agriculture. From comfy hilarious anime to gruesome tales, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a slice-of-life anime that has outstanding educational value. The manga that the anime is based on was done by the same author who brought you Fullmetal Alchemist. Like that beloved classic, this anime contains brilliant humor, lovable characters, and an enjoyable story. Silver Spoon follows Yuugo Hachiken, a student who enrols in a boarding school that resides in the countryside. Yuugo expects all his issues to vanish by doing so, but that’s far from the case. He finds out that his classmates excel more at farm life than himself, which shatters his expectations. The anime focuses on Yuugo’s journey of self-discovery and self-fulfilment as he learns more about his newfound lifestyle. It offers relatable scenes concerning the challenges and obstacles farmers go through. Some instances include raising cattle, stock management, and waking up at dawn to harvest, water, and care for the planet and animal life. On top of his farmer duties, Yuugo must forge bonds with people who view him as an ignorant amateur. In time, Yuugo learns to appreciate everyone’s passion for the craft. This change grows naturally and feels genuine. The side characters in this anime also offer memorable and stellar performances. This is an anime to watch if you enjoyed the brotherly dynamic between Edward and Alphonse in Fullmetal Alchemist. Fans of farming and agricultural lifestyles will get a kick out of this anime, too.
Moyashimon: Tales of Agriculture
As its name suggests, Moyashimon is an anime with a focus on agriculture and health. The anime offers some educational value like Silver Spoon but adds a degree of supernatural activity to spice things up. Moyashimon: Tales of Agriculture follows Tadayasu Sawaki, who has the ability to see microorganisms with his naked eye. He can see everything from microbes to fungi and perceives them as cutesy creatures. He attends an agricultural institute and piques the interest of Professor Itsuki, who specializes in fermentation. While Sawaki’s abilities are impressive and lead to many humorous scenarios, his character lacks nuance. This is because of his mundane personality. The other students, professors, and microorganism characters Sawaki concocts make up some of the series’ best moments. They also push Sawaki to commit to more entertaining and daring acts his character wouldn’t think about participating in. Despite having a bland protagonist, the hilarious shenanigans he finds himself in will provide viewers with an entertaining and insightful experience. I’d recommend checking out Moyashimon: Tales of Agriculture for its quirky moments alone.
Non Non Biyori
Non Non Biyori is a great anime to watch if you’re looking to relax and drop the worries that crop up in life. This anime’s natural setting, enjoyable characters, and cozy storyline enhance this effect further, allowing anyone to jump into its world. Non Non Biyori takes place in an isolated environment called Asahigaoka Village. This is where our protagonist Hotaru Ichijou moved to based on her parents’ demands. Everything about Asahigaoka feels like a wasteland from its weird school structure to its lack of convenience stores. Nonetheless, Hotaru embraces the isolated atmosphere of her new homeland, thanks to the help of her four classmates. Her four classmates each have interesting quirks that heighten her experiences in the village. Therefore, the anime highlights the clash between rural and metropolitan lifestyles through the mindset and shenanigans of Hotaru and her beloved friends.
Agriculture Angel BARAKI
Agriculture Angel BARAKI is as educational as an anime can get. The premise lacks depth and some of its characters fit general archetypes that are never explored further. Nevertheless, this anime is great for those wanting to learn more about farming. Agriculture Angel BARAKI takes place in the eastern Japanese prefecture of Ibaraki and revolves around a farmer girl named Sanae Baraki. Sanae participates in mundane farmer activities from planting crops and taking care of her family’s livestock. However, this anime offers a fascinating supernatural twist. Sanae can see and communicate with spirits. These spirits are friendly beings and assist Sanae in producing many agricultural goods. Sanae’s farmland becomes so popular that an evil group aims to swipe it from her. Little do they know that Sanae can transform into a farmer-like super-heroine named Agriculture Angel Baraki.
Maoyu
Maoyu is a character-driven anime with a mix of history and agricultural value. While Maoyu has an overarching plot, this anime’s structure can feel slightly episodic. With a slice of comedy and romance wedged in between, Maoyu delivers a satisfying experience. Our tale takes place during a war between humans and demons. Our protagonist, the Hero, fights for humanity. He proceeds to the Demon Queen’s castle to slay her. However, when he arrives at her room, he’s shocked. The Demon Queen, a woman of unparalleled beauty, seeks Hero’s help. The Hero refuses her offer due to believing the war between the demons has torn the Southern Nations apart. However, the Demon Queen refutes his claims and plans to end the war. These remarks convince the Hero to work alongside the Demon Queen as the anime follows their journey to end the war. Maoyu has a wonderful atmosphere that elevates from the Demon Queen’s schemes. You’ll see her wanting to reform agriculture, the economy, and other things. What will stand out to you most from her plans is the effects it has on the citizens and country. The relationship between the Demon Queen and the Hero gradually develops throughout the narrative. If you’re looking for a more political and historical anime with agricultural and romantic elements, check out Maoyu.
No-Rin
In life, I find myself gravitating toward people who are passionate and dedicated to their craft. Whether it’s sports, writing, or a small hobby, you can’t help but praise these individuals for finding an activity that speaks to their souls. Enter No-Rin, an anime with a protagonist who is passionate about farming. The story follows Kousaku Hata, who is heartbroken that his favorite idol named Yuka Kusakabe has retired. This news takes a toll on our pop-culture-obsessed friend, leading to him undergoing depression and self-isolation. However, one of his friends convinces him to attend school, and when he arrives, he’s shocked. He learns that his favorite idol has transferred into his class under the alias Ringo Kinoshita. With the support of his friends and teachers, Kousaka plans to get close to Ringo in hopes of winning her over. Unbeknownst to Kousaka, he’ll discover why Ringo decided to leave her fame and popularity behind. An anime with a heartwarming and cozy atmosphere, No-Rin will make you appreciate a farmer’s lifestyle. The relationship that blossoms between Kousaka and Ringo are charming. They’ll take part in numerous scenarios depicting them in funny manners. This is a series that beautifully tells a story of what it means to follow your passion, even if others may disagree with your decisions.
Flying Witch
With the amount of adrenaline-pumping action anime out today, many fans might be looking for a show that’s more laid-back and relaxing. If you’re looking for a break from those types of shows, Flying Witch is an anime to consider watching next. With its cosy atmosphere and likable cast, this show delivers a comforting viewing experience. Flying Witch follows Makoto Kowata, a witch who leaves her parents’ home to seek knowledge and training. She’s accompanied by her feline companion, Chito. The two head for a region called Aomori, which is rumored to be a favorable location for witches because of its natural setting and affinity with magic. They arrive at Makoto’s second cousin’s household and decide to live with them, as their new journey begins. This is a heartwarming anime that serves as a love letter to nature and magic. You’ll find Makoto getting into wacky scenarios involving anthropomorphic individuals to mundane citizens. The activities also vary from simple activities like gardening and harvesting to Makoto utilizing magic to solve problems. Makoto and the others also get a fair bit of screen time, allowing viewers to attach themselves to these characters. If you’re looking for a relaxing show to watch, check out Flying Witch.
Ox-Tales
Ox-Tales is an intriguing anime that’s unlike the others on this list. With its retro cartoon-like art style, animalistic protagonists, and simple plot, Ox-Tales is a nonsensical anime full of hilarity, charm, and agricultural elements. As its title, this anime follows a farm owner named Olly, who happens to be a kind-hearted ox. While you’ll see him performing typical farm activities like harvesting crops, taking care of wildlife, and managing his supply chain, you can expect him to engage in conversation with his colorful critters too. This is a silly anime with a simple premise. Each episode offers something new for Olly to experience. Whether it’s chatting with a turtle with a built-in television under his shell or competing with a bald lion, you can expect many whimsical scenarios to take place at his barn. This is an excellent anime tailored made for small children and there’s little to no violence to be found here. While adults may chuckle at some of its jokes, most of them feel more akin to childish humor. If you’re looking for a simple farming anime for your children to watch, give Ox-Tales a shot.
Wolf Children
While Ox-Tales felt tailored made to children, Wolf Children is the opposite. This is an anime made for young adults and parental figures. It highlights the struggles and hardships that stem from single-parent households. Our tale follows a girl named Hana, who falls for a mysterious werewolf named Ookami. The two adults end up having children named Ame and Yuki and live happily. Unfortunately, their peaceful livelihood crumbles, when Hana discovers Ookami’s lifeless body on the sidewalk. Although she desperately tries to revive him, her efforts were futile. Ookami’s death places a new burden upon Hana’s shoulders, forcing her to move to the countryside to protect her hybrid children from harm. Therefore, the anime focuses on Hana, Ame, and Yuki’s daily lives in the countryside. Wolf Children features a plethora of dramatic and heartbreaking scenes. Parents will find Hana’s character likable and relatable. The misery and pain she endures will leave people grabbing their tissues to wipe away their tears. While the kids are rambunctious at first, they will develop likable traits and personalities. If you’re looking for an anime that identifies the qualms that come from raising children in a single-parent household, Wolf Children is worth watching.
Only Yesterday
Only Yesterday feels slightly underrated. While films like A Silent Voice and Wolf Children have their audiences, Only Yesterday is an anime film that doesn’t have as wide of a following. With its incredible characters, well-written narrative, and beautiful world, you’ll find yourself questioning why this anime isn’t as well-known as it should be. Only Yesterday follows an independent 27-year-old named Taeko Okajima, who travels to the countryside to visit her family and help them with their harvesting issues. While aboard a train, she recalls memories of her past life as a school girl. When she reaches her destination, Taeko meets a young farmer named Toshio. He picks her up at the station and the two develop a bond. This anime follows Taeko’s temporary life on the farm and shows her forming new bonds with family and friends. Not only that, but she will discover the differences between urban and rural life, alongside the happiness and hardships that come with farming. While its premise is straightforward, Only Yesterday subverts viewers’ expectations and implements heavy-hitting and emotional sequences to throw viewers off. This anime does a phenomenal job showcasing Taeko’s blindness to rural life and displaying how difficult farming can be. This is a thought-provoking anime that everyone needs to watch! So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime through the years about agriculture! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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