Quiet (historical) slice of life

[Jarulf]

After having filled up my to-read list with ecchi titles, I'm looking for something else. This may be a tough one

I'd love a low-key historical, or pseudo-historical/fantasy manga detailing life in small village. Slice of life, romance and drama.
I don't mind if there's a supernatural theme as long as it remains relatively low key. No hordes of demons and the like, but a ghost or fox spirit up to some mischief is fine.

Key words here would be; low-key, quiet, mature (i.e involving adults, not ecchi), village life.

Mushishi and Guardian of the spirit are close but not quite what I'm after. I've ordered Otoyomegatari which sounds interesting too, but I'd also want something that is more Japanese in its setting.

[MisaoFan]

Try at least Ikoku Meiro no Croisée : the 2011 12-episode historical slice-of-life TV anime follows a Japanese little girl named Yune who is sent to Paris by a iron worker named Oscar. He asks her to work on his workshop. During her visit, Yune meet Claude, the grandson of Oscar.

[Jarulf]

Merci beacoup, MisoFan!
I checked out the Manga and it looks like something I might enjoy quite a bit. An adorable little Japanese girl and Paris, what could be better!
The art looks great too from what I can see.

That said, I'm not sure it actually fits that many of the criteria I had (not that I mind!) so if anyone has other suggestions, please post away.

[frubam]

I can't believe Emma isn't on your list. That should be right up your alley.

[MeoTwister5]

Ikoku Meiro Croisee definitely.

You can give Haibane Renmei a shot as well.

[Jarulf]

Originally Posted by frubam

I can't believe Emma isn't on your list. That should be right up your alley.

I will get to Emma eventually, but it is set in England and I was looking for something Japanese. It should be on my list though, you're definitely right about that. Thanks for reminding me.

/trundles off to MAL

[Kirarakim]

Try House of Five Leaves. It's a samurai anime and while there is some action, the series is mainly a quiet character study. And yes the characters are adults.

[Jarulf]

Originally Posted by MeoTwister5

You can give Haibane Renmei a shot as well.

Already seen it and liked it a lot, so good call.

[Jarulf]

Originally Posted by Kirarakim

Try House of Five Leaves. It's a samurai anime and while there is some action, the series is mainly a quiet character study. And yes the characters are adults.

This looks very interesting, thank you.

[Stealther]

I also thought of Sarai-ya Goyou instantly.

[Guardian Enzo]

Originally Posted by Kirarakim

Try House of Five Leaves. It's a samurai anime and while there is some action, the series is mainly a quiet character study. And yes the characters are adults.

This this, this a thousand times over. You're very lucky in that the series that sounds as if it were perfectly designed for your request happens to be one of the best shows of the last few years.

[Haak]

I definitely recommend Ouji-san no Lamp. It's a one episode special.

[Obelisk ze Tormentor]

Another addition:
It’s not really a historical piece, but Absolute Boy (Zettai Shounen) do fits the “fantasy, quiet, slice of life, romance and drama detailing life in small Japanese village” element that you ask for.

[Jarulf]

Originally Posted by Haak

I definitely recommend Ouji-san no Lamp. It's a one episode special.

Thank you, that looks great.

Originally Posted by Obelisk ze Tormentor

Another addition:
It’s not really a historical piece, but Absolute Boy (Zettai Shounen)

I've been wracking my brains trying to remember the name of this series for several days now. I watched it when it was new and thought it was pretty nice, at least the first season.

[Tiresias]

When I read the thread title, Otoyomegatari was the first to came to mind.

[Jarulf]

Originally Posted by Tiresias

When I read the thread title, Otoyomegatari was the first to came to mind.

I ordered the first volume a couple of days ago