I’m back with Part 6 of our “must-adapt” manga series for AnimeJapan 2025, where I spotlight School & Workplace Slice-of-Life titles. Last time in Part 5, I delved into BL and Yuri picks—some were unexpectedly intense, right? Now, we’re shifting gears to more soothing, comedic, or sometimes refreshingly real stories set in schools and offices.
This series spans seven parts total, and you’ll find links to each genre-specific article toward the end. If you’re up for exploring them all, stick around! I’ll also be including a handy reference to all 47 manga announced at AnimeJapan 2025, plus a MangaDex link for those eager to dive straight in.
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses story details from various manga.
She is Fed Up with Her Siscon Brother 妹はシスコン兄がめんどくさい
- Author & Background: Yoshimizu, known for energetic gag comedies and expressive female characters, who first found fame on social media.
- Serialization: One volume so far (ongoing as of January 2025) in comic POOL.
- Genre: Sibling comedy with a slice-of-life tone.
- Story in Detail:
Yui Kashii is a first-year high school student whose biggest challenge isn’t exams or crushes—it’s her overly doting older brother, Satoshi. Hyper-protective and hopelessly fixated on keeping his sister out of trouble, he ends up butting into her daily life and friendships with comedic results. Although Yui is exasperated, sometimes her brother’s constant care and sincerity warm her heart. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Readers applaud how it balances hilarious sibling gags with genuine familial affection. Bonus comics and charming cover art have also fueled its rising popularity on social media.
Liar! Gokuo-kun ウソツキ！ゴクオーくん
- Author & Background: Makoto Yoshimoto, an established creator of children’s manga, regarded for blending mystery with laugh-out-loud humor.
- Serialization: Fifteen volumes published and counting (ongoing as of February 2025) in Weekly CoroCoro Comic.
- Genre: Kids’ gag comedy and light mystery.
- Story in Detail:
Gokuo, a mischievous elementary school kid, has a special talent: he can see through other people’s lies, and he’s pretty good at spinning his own tall tales too. In each chapter, Gokuo tackles a classmate problem or odd school mystery, using truth and fabrication in surprising ways. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Younger readers identify with classroom antics, while teachers and parents admire how it cleverly touches on honesty and friendship. It remains a staple in CoroCoro’s top ranks, sparking conversation among elementary schoolers nationwide.
On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance 会社と私生活－オンとオフ－
- Author & Background: Shinnosuke Kanazawa, a manga artist who draws heavily from past corporate experience, often showcasing relatable office characters.
- Serialization: Two volumes (ongoing as of February 2025) on Gangan pixiv.
- Genre: Workplace drama with romantic-comedy elements.
- Story in Detail:
Nozomi Shirai is a rookie office worker, toggling between her “on” mode at the company—focused, professional, and determined—and her “off” mode at home—sluggish sweatpants and cereal for dinner. As she navigates office tasks, personality clashes, and minor heartbreak, her coworkers prove both a headache and a source of comfort. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The comedic depiction of Monday-morning blues and corporate slip-ups resonates with readers in their 20s and 30s. Social media hashtags referencing funny scenes have helped bolster the series’ popularity.
Miss Downer Wants to Play ダウナーお姉さんは遊びたい
- Author & Background: Kei Yamataka, known for comedic manga featuring subtle fan-service elements, skillfully highlighting comedic facial expressions.
- Serialization: One volume to date (as of February 2025), serialized in a special Weekly CoroCoro Comic offshoot.
- Genre: Light adult-leaning comedy.
- Story in Detail:
The unmotivated yet beautiful Asako Kurahashi appears aloof—until she discovers her young cousin’s card battles and video games. She soon plunges into these playful adventures with surprising enthusiasm, dragging neighborhood kids (and occasionally other adults) along for the ride. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The mismatch between Asako’s languid demeanor and her intense love of gaming has charmed older CoroCoro fans. It’s often called a “comfort read,” balancing goofy moments with sweet familial interactions.
I’m Just a Sloth ただのなまけものなんです。
- Author & Background: Toriatama, an illustrator adept at creating anthropomorphic animal characters with a gentle comedic touch.
- Serialization: One collected volume (ongoing as of January 2025), published by KADOKAWA.
- Genre: Whimsical animal comedy.
- Story in Detail:
Namakichi is a sleepy, anthropomorphic sloth who rarely budges from his favored napping spot. The forest friends try to wake him with various wild schemes—mostly in vain. Yet whenever danger looms, Namakichi surprises everyone by showcasing hidden abilities. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Children and adults alike enjoy its laid-back atmosphere and stylish designs. Plushies, keychains, and other merchandise have become hot items, steadily boosting the sloth’s popularity across demographics.
Kindergarten WARS 幼稚園WARS | Youchien Wars
- Author & Background: Yusei Chiba, known on Shonen Jump+ for comedic spins on familiar settings, especially involving children’s unique perspectives.
- Serialization: Two volumes and ongoing (as of January 2025) on Shonen Jump+.
- Genre: Kindergarten battle comedy.
- Story in Detail:
Don’t be fooled by the adorable kiddos at Momonoki Kindergarten—these pint-sized rascals practically wage daily turf wars over the playground. New teacher Mr. Kinoshita tries to maintain harmony amid feuds over toys, snacks, and the coveted slide. The comedic flair stems from how intensely the children strategize and rally for control. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Readers are tickled by the clash between the kids’ cute appearances and their exaggerated “battle-hardened” attitudes. The manga’s dynamic art style channels over-the-top shonen influences, making it a standout on Jump+.
With so many slice-of-life stories—ranging from siblings navigating unexpected bonds to exhausted office workers seeking a spark of humor—I can’t help but feel there’s immense potential for a heartfelt Anime Adaptation among these titles. Personally, I love seeing how the mundane can transform into compelling narratives through comedic twists and relatable character arcs.
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