This slice-of-life/iyashikei delight is just what the doctor ordered for this summer of heat waves and general global high anxiety in so many spheres at once. As in most all excellent iyashikei, The Masterful Cat has engaging characters, humor, heart and a touch of mystery and magic. It also takes a MUCH more light-hearted slap at Japanese overwork culture than my other new Summer 2023 anime pick, Zom 100. Another positive about this anime is the main characters are adults with adult issues. For while I do love so many, many anime with teenage and younger protagonists, anime focused on adults is not all that common. Other favorite s-o-l/iyashikei of mine (to get an idea if you share my tastes) are: Girls' Last Tour, Non Non Biyori, Laid Back Camp, Super Cub and Natsume's Book of Friends. Hopefully, The Masterful Cat will continue on this 10/10 stellar path, become a hit series, and offer us a season 2!
