Isekai: A Sub-Genre of Fiction

Definition and Popularity

• Isekai refers to a sub-genre of fiction involving characters transported to another world, such as a fantasy world, game world, or parallel universe.
• This genre is prevalent in novels, light novels, films, manga, webtoons, anime, and video games.
• It often features powerful protagonists who thrive in the new world.
• Emphasizes worldbuilding and non-protagonist characters, with the audience learning about the world along with the protagonist.
• Popular in anime, often overlapping with the LitRPG genre.
• In 2024, "isekai" was officially added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Historical Context

• Originated in Japanese folktales like "Urashima Tarō."
• Modern works began with Haruka Takachiho's novel Warrior from Another World and Yoshiyuki Tomino’s anime Aura Battler Dunbine.
• Influenced by English literature portal fantasy stories, e.g., Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia.

Evolution in Media

• Early modern works include Superbook, The Wizard of Oz anime, and Aura Battler Dunbine.
• In the 1980s and 1990s, anime and manga like Mashin Hero Wataru and Fushigi Yûgi developed the genre further.
• Spirited Away (2001) popularized isekai anime globally.
• In the 2000s, series like The Familiar of Zero and the anime adaptation of Sword Art Online boosted the genre's popularity.

Narrative Structures

Transition vs. Reincarnation

• Transition: Protagonists are transported to another world.
• Reincarnation: Protagonists are reborn in another world after dying, popularly initiated by "Truck-kun".

Subgenres

Villainess Chosen One

• Protagonists reincarnated as villains in otome game-like settings.
• Aim to avoid bad outcomes or help important characters.

Transition Chosen One

• Protagonists brought to another world to resolve conflict.

Standard Reincarnated Chosen One

• Protagonists retain appearances and gain special powers.

Non-human Chosen One

• Protagonists become non-human creatures with unique abilities.

Recent Trends and Variations

• Villainess isekai: Focus on avoiding doomed fates in otome settings.
• Reverse isekai: Fantasy characters transported to modern Earth.
• Peaceful isekai: Protagonists lead a "slow life" or explore interests in the new world.

Backlash and Popularity

• Early to mid-2010s saw isekai genre saturated both in Japan and overseas.
• Various contests banned isekai entries for being over-represented.

Important Works and Influence

• Notable works: Sword Art Online, Re:Zero, My Next Life as a Villainess.
• Isekai continues to influence and evolve within fiction and anime.

Related Concepts

• Includes accidental travel, dream world, magic realism, portal fantasy, and LitRPG genres.