There are now countless works in the slice-of-life anime genre. Among them, the extremely popular "Non Non Biyori" has aired for a second season and will have a movie version released in the summer of 2018. Why is "Non Non Biyori" so popular? Here are 10 secrets to its popularity!
The ultimate countryside life
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
The setting of Non Non Biyori is the countryside! You can enjoy sights you would never see in the city, such as cows walking along the school route and wild raccoons appearing in the garden. Even in the countryside, there's likely to be a shopping district, but the only store that appears in the anime is a candy store. Komari says that a convenience store has opened nearby, but it's a two-hour walk away.
Ren-chon, a genius elementary school first grader with a very unique sensibility
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Renge, the main character of Non Non Biyori, is a genius! She gets full marks every time she takes a test. Her report card is all 5! He is a genius with countless talents, such as being able to calculate multiplication tables in his head in his head and answer questions instantly, even before he was taught them as a first grader. But what really stands out among them is his drawing skills! He has reached a level that is beyond the comprehension of ordinary people, and he even named a drawing of his sister Hikage "Agony."
An old-fashioned candy store where children gather
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
In this day and age, convenience stores have popped up everywhere, and candy stores have become extremely rare. However, in Non Non Biyori, supermarkets and convenience stores hardly ever appear, and when it comes to shopping, children head to candy stores. The store is tended by the delinquent-style Kaede. Although she is generally expressionless, she is beautiful and is affectionately called "Candy Shop" by the children.
Enjoy the gap between the city and the countryside!
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Common sense does not apply to girls who grew up in the countryside. Hotaru moved from Tokyo and knows common sense, so she has a different way of thinking from Renge and the others. When Hotaru has a house key, the girls say, "Normally, people don't lock their doors at home," and when Hotaru says she's been on an airplane, they get all excited and gather around to hear her impressions.
It's not just funny! There are some heartwarming stories, too!
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto, KADOKAWA/Asahioka Branch School Management Association
Non Non Biyori is basically a funny story with jokes and other things mixed in, but there are also some heart-warming stories. Among them, the episode with Renge's first friends of the same age is a must-see! You can see Renge's elementary school-aged side, such as her unusually excited side and her slightly sad side at the end.
Friends with unique personalities that are just as good as the heroines!
Source: Non Non Biyori ©Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
The story progresses with the four main characters, Renge, Hotaru, Komari, and Natsumi, but there are also other unique supporting characters who appear. Bururenge's sister Hikage, who is a true country girl but also a city girl, the teasing older sister Konomi, the candy store owner Kaede, and many more... The supporting cast is so rich that you could make a story out of just the supporting characters.
It's not just humans! There are lots of animals too!
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
As the story is set in a rural town, Non Non Biyori features not only humans but also many animals. The wild raccoon dog "Gu" was particularly noteworthy. Cows also cross the road as a matter of course, and there is even a warning sign on the school route that reads "Watch out for cows crossing the road." In addition, various creatures such as crabs, carp, and insects appear in nature.
The unique rural accent used in the dialogue
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Accents are not familiar to people who speak standard Japanese. Somehow, children with an accent are cute. Of course, accents appear in Non Non Biyori too! In particular, Renge's lines include "What is that?" and "I see...", which are somewhat understandable but unfamiliar to hear.
Children's games that bring back memories
Source: Non Non Biyori ©Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Today's children often play with smartphones, but the children in Non Non Biyori don't have cell phones and play in a very analog way. During the lunch break, you can play "guess the target" or catch crabs in the river. It makes you feel like you're looking back at a nostalgic time before smartphones and the like.
There's nothing serious about it!
Source: Non Non Biyori © Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Recently, there have been anime that seem like a slice-of-life anime, but suddenly take a serious turn... but you don't have to worry about that with Non Non Biyori! There are scenes where the characters get depressed or angry, but they are quickly resolved and the story never takes a serious turn. Every week, the end leaves you feeling carefree.
The good old days are appealing! Non Non Biyori Summary
Source: Non Non Biyori ©Atto・KADOKAWA/Asahigaoka Branch School Management Association
Non Non Biyori makes people in their 30s and older feel nostalgic. I think they will enjoy it as they remember their childhood. Of course, even young people who don't know the past can enjoy this work with a relaxed feeling. It's a work that parents and children can enjoy together, so please give it a watch!
