Is Monster an iyashikei?

JaniSIr said:
Monster isn't an iyashikei. It's a trashy romance drama, that's slowed down by some garbage murder plot.
There really should have been more screen time for Best Girl Eva. ♥

Tenma, Anna and Johan really ruined the show.
But anyway, I was happy how Eva's plot was resolved, even if she got kinda pushed aside...
One happy ending doesn't maketh iyashikei.

green_jp said:

Now that's interesting, I never knew Eva Heinemann herself had a MAL account

alotlikecars said:
Personally, I disagree. The definition of iyashikei is "a genre which heals the audience through a heavy focus on atmosphere, usually using the Japanese aesthetic of mono no aware in order to find beauty in any number of mundane situations. Iyashikei series move at a slow, calming pace, forgoing tension whether it be in narrative or comedic form."

Now, I personally believe that this definition is too limiting because it leaves out works like Usagi Drop, where there isn't a strong emphasis on atmosphere, 3-gatsu no Lion, where there is too much drama, and Ghibli and Makoto Shinkai films, where what's happening isn't always mundane, but I don't see how you can stretch it to include Monster.

Despite the fact that the series indeed moves very slowly and has a heavy emphasis on atmosphere, I don't think there is any focus on mundane situations and I don't know how people would consider it healing in any shape or form. On the contrary, I believe it is very serious and dark. But, I can understand how it may be — in the remotest of terms — argued that Monster does in fact offer comfort to the viewer, that is, through the main character, Dr. Kenzo Tenma. Even if I disagree with Monster being an iyashikei, please let me play the devil's advocate to start a constructive conversation.

Throughout the series, Tenma acts as a source of healing for those around him. His good deeds and selfless actions provide a sense of hope and inspiration to the people he encounters. For example, Tenma saves the life of a young boy named Dieter, who was being held hostage by a criminal. By doing so, he not only saves the boy's life, but he also gives him the strength to overcome his traumatic experiences. Similarly, Tenma once helps a Turkish neighbourhood get through a fire, a very troubled situation. We see his countless acts of kindness like this throughout the series.

So, as the series reminds us that kindness that can exist in this cruel world even in the midst of tragedy, I see how some people may view Monster as an iyashikei.The healing power of kindness and compassion shown through Tenma can definitely offer a sense of comfort and solace to viewers. But I'm still not convinced. Since the elements in the show aren't ones I think support Iyashikei, I actually really think this is a pretty poor case.

I've written a lengthy post, but it was because I simply can't see any justifications for calling it an iyashikei. Am I missing something? Also, Monster is one of my favorite shows, so this has nothing to do with me "hating it." I simply wrote this post so I wrote this post just to refine my thoughts on one of my faves.