9 Real World Settings in Anime Series

Anime is often synonymous with fantastical realms and dystopian futures, but a distinctive segment showcases stories in our everyday reality. From slice-of-life narratives to thrilling yet realistic tales infused with subtle sci-fi elements, these series resonate deeply with audiences because they’re rooted in familiar environments—be it the bustling city streets, the tranquility of rural areas, or the intimacy of school life.

These anime tackle ordinary challenges and emotional growth, capturing locations with such precision that fans often embark on journeys to experience them firsthand. By seamlessly blending fiction with tangible settings, the characters and their struggles linger in viewers’ minds long after the episode ends.

9.Barakamon

Rural Life and Artistic Redemption

In Barakamon, we follow Seishuu Handa, a young calligrapher sent to a secluded island after an altercation with a critic. This picturesque setting serves as a catalyst for his transformation as he engages with the island’s colorful inhabitants, especially the vivacious Naru.

Set against the backdrop of Fukue Island in Nagasaki, the series intricately ties Handa’s artistic growth to the real-world environment, illustrating his journey to find inspiration in the mundane and unexpected.

Through its authentic lens, Barakamon navigates the dynamics between urban and rural lifestyles, tradition and modernity, ultimately probing the quest for genuine self-expression within a real-world context.

8 March Comes in Like a Lion

Tokyo’s Shifting Seasons and Inner Battles

Meet Rei Kiriyama, a professional shogi player grappling with depression in modern Tokyo. Orphaned and engulfed by his internal struggles, Rei finds solace and a sense of belonging through his bond with the Kawamoto sisters, who illuminate his otherwise gloomy existence.

By incorporating the real locales of Shinkawa and its surroundings, with the Sumida River symbolizing Rei’s emotional journey, the series artfully depicts Tokyo’s seasons in relation to his mental state, transitioning from the cold isolation of winter to the refreshing embrace of spring.

The animation harnesses the familiarity of urban settings like homes and school classrooms to delve into profound emotional themes, showcasing how everyday environments encapsulate the complete range of human experiences.

7 A Place Further Than the Universe

Antarctica and the Journey to Get There

The plot of A Place Further Than the Universe centers around four high school girls, each with their own motivations, embarking on an adventure to Antarctica, framed by real-world locations spanning Japan to Singapore.

Mari Tamaki, eager to make the most of her youth, teams up with Shirase Kobuchizawa, whose determination to reach Antarctica stems from her mother’s mysterious disappearance. The group overcomes various challenges as they pursue their lofty dream.

Highlighting a dedication to geographical accuracy, the anime depicts the intricacies of securing passage on research vessels, navigating international travel, and braving extreme conditions, all while emphasizing how tangible journeys through real landscapes can catalyze personal transformation.

6 Kids on the Slope

Jazz in 1960s Kyushu

Set in the transformative era of post-war Japan during 1966 Kyushu, Kids on the Slope directed by Shinichiro Watanabe tells the story of Kaoru Nishimi, a classical pianist who forms a deep friendship with delinquent Sentaro Kawabuchi through their mutual love of jazz.

Their late-night jam sessions in a cozy record shop serve as serene moments where barriers fade away. The vibrant depiction of Sasebo showcases the impact of American culture brought in by the nearby naval base, enriching the narrative’s emotional depth.

With a focus on jazz clubs, record shops, and authentic school environments, the series effectively situates its emotional narrative in a tangible historical context.

5 Laid-Back Camp

The Serene Outdoors of Mount Fuji

Laid-Back Camp follows high school girls as they discover the joys of camping in the enchanting regions surrounding Mount Fuji and Yamanashi Prefecture. The introverted Rin Shima prefers the quiet of solo camping until she meets the vibrant Nadeshiko Kagamihara, cultivating a friendship that balances the beauty of solitude with the joy of companionship in nature.

With its meticulous representations of real camping sites, local landmarks, and seasonal variances, the anime inspires viewers to explore these natural wonders themselves.

Ultimately, Laid-Back Camp intricately showcases the therapeutic aspects of natural environments while contrasting urban life with serene landscapes, prompting a mindful appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.

4 Run with the Wind

Marathon Training Through Tokyo’s Streets

Run with the Wind revolves around a diverse group of university students who band together to participate in Japan’s prestigious marathon relay, the Hakone Ekiden. Haiji Kiyose, a former elite runner, recruits nine dormitory residents, including the disillusioned Kakeru Kurahara, who must adapt to a world beyond competition.

The anime realistically captures running routes throughout Tokyo and its surroundings, from collegiate tracks to rigorous mountainous paths, adding authenticity to the narrative.

Throughout the show, the geographical elements reflect character development, as their literal uphill training exemplifies their personal challenges, paralleling the varied backgrounds within the team.

3.Shirobako

Behind the Scenes of Anime Production

Shirobako delves deep into the anime industry in Tokyo, centering on five friends pursuing their dreams within various roles of animation production. Aoi Miyamori shines as a production assistant navigating her way through the complexities of the industry alongside her four friends.

This series presents a remarkably accurate portrayal of studio operations, creative challenges, and industry realities. By meticulously showcasing office environments, recording studios, and Tokyo’s neighborhoods, it provides a genuine backdrop for the characters’ journeys.

2 Hyouka

Mystery in Everyday School Life

Set in the fictional town of Kamiyama, inspired by Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, Hyouka tells the story of the Classics Club at a Japanese high school. The lethargic Hotaro Oreki joins reluctantly at his sister’s urging, where he encounters the enthusiastic Eru Chitanda, whose curiosity about mundane mysteries draws him into a world of deduction.

By transforming everyday school spaces—such as clubrooms and libraries—into settings for intellectual exploration and personal development, the series highlights how even the simplest environments are filled with hidden narratives and rich histories.

Impressive attention to detail enhances the ordinary, with visuals capturing seasonal changes and light filtering through windows, enriching the viewing experience as students engage in adolescent discovery.

1 Violet Evergarden

Post-War European-Inspired Landscapes

Violet Evergarden creates a fictional narrative drawing deeply from post-World War I European architecture and societal frameworks, cultivating a world that feels authentically historical rather than purely imaginative.

The plot follows Violet, a former child soldier-turned-‘Auto Memory Doll’, who aids others in articulating their feelings, all while grappling with the significance of her commander’s last words: “I love you.”

With a keen emphasis on town squares, postal offices, and pastoral landscapes, the series roots its emotional journey in a discernible past. The aftermath of war serves as a potent metaphor, highlighting the rebuilt cities and restored countryside as reflections of Violet’s healing process, while tools of communication, like the typewriter, play a crucial role in conveying the narrative’s exploration of interpersonal connections.

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