Laid-Back Camp

Afro's manga series Laid-Back Camp (known in Japan as Yuru Camp) invites readers into a world of quiet outdoor adventures. Set in and around Yamanashi Prefecture, the story follows high school student Rin Shima, a solo camper who enjoys peaceful trips on her moped, and Nadeshiko Kagamihara, an energetic girl who stumbles into camping after mistaking Mount Fuji for a snow-capped mountain. Together with friends Chiaki, Aoi, and Ena, they explore scenic campsites across Japan, cooking meals, soaking in hot springs, and reveling in the simple joys of nature. The manga captures the slow, meditative rhythm of camping without relying on high drama or conflict.

Published by Houbunsha, the series first appeared in Manga Time Kirara Forward in July 2015, running until February 2019 before moving to the publisher's Comic Fuz website and app. It has been collected into eighteen tankōbon volumes as of 2025, with Yen Press handling the North American release. The manga's gentle slice-of-life approach and detailed depictions of camping gear and locations have made it a standout in the iyashikei (healing) genre, appealing to readers who find comfort in everyday moments.

The franchise has expanded far beyond its manga roots. An anime adaptation by C-Station aired in early 2018, followed by a spin-off series, Room Camp, in 2020. A live-action drama ran two seasons in 2020 and 2021, while a second anime season debuted in 2021. An anime film premiered in July 2022, and a third season aired from April to June 2024. A fourth season is scheduled for 2027. Interactive experiences include a virtual reality game released in March 2021 and a visual novel by MAGES in November 2021. The series' consistent popularity stems from its ability to transport audiences to a calmer world where the biggest concern is whether the curry noodles will boil in time. [edit]