ReLife, based on the web manga by Yayoiso. This Anime has a unique way of blending the fantastical with the deeply human, and few series capture this balance as beautifully as ReLife. Released in 2016, this 13-episode gem (plus a set of concluding OVAs) offers a refreshing take on the slice-of-life genre, weaving a narrative that’s equal parts introspective, heartwarming, and bittersweet.
Why ReLife Is A Must Watch Anime?
- The Struggles of Adulthood
- The Value of Second Chances
- Growth Through Relationships
Adapted from Yayoiso’s manga of the same name, ReLife follows an unconventional premise: What if you could relive your high school years as an adult?
A Pill for a Second Chance!
At its core, ReLife centers on Arata Kaizaki, a 27-year-old man who’s hit rock bottom. After quitting his first job after just three months, he’s been stuck in a cycle of part-time gigs, unable to break free from the shame and stagnation that defines his life now.
The ReLife experiment, a mysterious program by the Government that offers him a literal redo. By taking a pill, Arata’s physical appearance reverts to that of a 17-year-old, and he’s enrolled back in high school for a year. He’s still got the mind of an adult, and his mission is to figure out what went wrong in his life while under the watchful eye of the ReLife corporation.
It’s a setup that could easily veer into cliché territory—time travel and high school tropes are well-trodden ground in anime—but ReLife sidesteps the pitfalls with its grounded storytelling and emotional depth. This isn’t about rewriting history or chasing lost love; it’s about self-discovery and the quiet courage it takes to face your own shortcomings.
The Characters!
What truly elevates ReLife is its cast. Arata is a protagonist you can’t help but root for. He’s flawed, sarcastic, and a little jaded, but his adult perspective gives him a unique lens on the teenage world around him.
He’s not there to ace exams or become the most popular kid in school—he’s just trying to survive the awkwardness of reliving adolescence while secretly grappling with his past.
The supporting characters shine just as brightly.
Hishiro Chizuru, the socially awkward but brilliant classmate, becomes an unexpected anchor for Arata. Their evolving bond—built on mutual understanding rather than forced romance—is one of the series’ highlights.
Then there’s Rena Kariu, the fiery volleyball player with a chip on her shoulder, and Oga Kazuomi, the cheerful but oblivious optimist.
Each character feels like someone you might’ve known in high school, their struggles and triumphs rendered with a sincerity that’s rare in the genre.
Regret & Redemption
At its heart, ReLife is a meditation on regret. Arata’s journey forces him to confront the choices that led him to his current state—quitting his job, drifting from his dreams, and losing touch with who he wanted to be. But the series doesn’t wallow in despair. Instead, it’s a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to change.
High school becomes a microcosm for Arata to test this idea, as he helps his classmates navigate their own insecurities while slowly rediscovering his own purpose.
The show also explores the tension between youth and adulthood. Arata’s adult mind gives him clarity, but it also isolates him—he can’t fully connect with his peers because of the experiences that separate them.
This push-and-pull creates some of the series’ most poignant moments, especially as he grows attached to people he knows he’ll have to leave behind once the experiment ends.
A Visual and Emotional Treat
Visually, ReLife is clean and vibrant, with a soft color palette that mirrors its introspective tone. The animation, handled by TMS Entertainment, isn’t flashy, but it doesn’t need to be—the focus is on the characters’ expressions and small, telling gestures.
The soundtrack, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks and tender piano melodies, complements the mood perfectly. And who can forget the ending theme, a rotating lineup of nostalgic J-pop songs from the 2000s that hit just the right emotional chords?
Why RELIFE Stays With You Long After You Stopped Watching
This isn’t just an anime about going back to school; it’s a poignant exploration of life’s second chances and the importance of self-discovery. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to change and grow, even when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom.
A Story told with humor and heart. The ending—wrapped up in the four-episode OVA finale—ties up Arata’s arc in a way that feels earned, if a little bittersweet. Without spoiling too much, it’s a conclusion that respects the characters’ growth while leaving room for reflection.
For anyone who’s ever wondered “what if?” about their own life, ReLife hits home. It’s a reminder that while we can’t turn back time, we can still move forward with the lessons we’ve learned.
Whether you’re a fan of slice-of-life anime or just looking for a story that feels authentic, ReLife is worth the watch. It’s a little experiment in living better—one that might just inspire you to rethink your own path.
Have you seen ReLife? What did you think of Arata’s journey?
Credits:
- If you need more Information about Relife: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ReLIFE
- If you’re a fan click here: https://relife.fandom.com/wiki/ReLIFE_Wiki
- Some pictures are from the ReLife Anime Series
