ReLIFE

Arata Kaizaki is a 27-year-old who quit his first job after just three months and watched his life slide downhill. With his parents threatening to cut him off and no close friends or partner to lean on, he hits a very low point. A man named Ryou Yoake shows up with an unusual offer: join a social rehabilitation experiment called ReLife. The program gives Arata a pill that restores his youthful appearance and sends him back into high school for one year, where he must pretend to be a student while trying to rebuild his confidence, form connections, and decide what kind of adult he wants to be.

ReLIFE was released as an anime TV series in 2016, credited to creators Michiko Yokote, Kazuho Hyoudou, and Sou Yayoi, with Kensho Ono and Ai Kayano among the principal voice cast. The show adapts Yayoiso's original manga and brought the story to a wider audience through its televised run.

The series struck a chord with viewers who relate to career uncertainty and the pressure to succeed. Fans have shared scenes and lines online, and the premise inspired conversations about what second chances might look like in modern life. Its school setting and adult protagonist made it a frequent subject for cosplay and fan art.

Critical and audience response balanced humor with heart. With a user vote average around 7.6 out of 10, many praised the chemistry between characters and the way everyday problems are handled with lightness and sincerity. Themes include second chances, social anxiety, and the slow work of changing habits. The tone mixes slice of life comedy with quiet character moments, keeping the series accessible even when it touches on awkward, adult issues.

It didn’t sweep major industry awards, but it earned steady fan appreciation and solid ratings among anime viewers. That audience support helped keep ReLIFE visible beyond its initial broadcast, where it remains a recommended pick for viewers who like character-driven, thoughtful comedies.