Why is Isekai a trend?

Isekai: a word that any anime enthusiast has come across. In recent years, fans have been seeing more and more anime series and franchises that have Isekai as the overall theme.

It has also reached a point where avid anime watchers can easily distinguish titles and posters of an Isekai genre. So, why is Isekai trending in Japanese media?

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What is an Isekai anime?

Isekai, in literal Japanese, means “another world” or “different world.” These plots feature the main characters being transported to another world different from the one they live in. Contrary to popular assumption, Isekai is more of a theme than an official media genre. It was only in recent years that Isekai finally solidified as a recurring genre.

Isekai also branches into different variations of subplots. While many people generally know that Isekai are just one-way portals, there are also animes with a two-way portal, such as Inuyasha and The Boy and The Beast. Some animes like The Devil is a Part-Timer feature a reverse Isekai plot.

An anime with an Isekai plot has evolved throughout the history of the industry. In the 90s, characters who allowed fate to transport them to another world carried the burden of surviving and finding a way back to their world. In contrast, modern Isekai is about thriving in a new place. Either way, Isekai is one of the reasons why 2022 seems to be a good year for otakus, so far.

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Why is Isekai becoming a mainstream trend?

The Isekai genre was not a new subgenre in the anime industry, as there were many shows from the 90s. During the 90s, Isekai was a relatively new concept of world transportation, so no one coined the term Isekai until the early 2000s. Thus, the novelty of the concept stapled many classic animes like Inuyasha and “Now and Then, Here and There” in the halls of history.

So, why has Isekai only recently become a trend? The answer lies in how Isekai has become an easy format for fantasy genres. Basic pop fiction dictates content by consumable media worldwide, specifically in Japan. And because fantasy-based elements and even MMORPGs dominate mainstream media, they need a format where they can unleash story ideas. This explains why anime series feature Isekai genres with homogeneous groups, easy-to-follow plots, and generic themes.

10 Anime under the Isekai genre

With that said, for beginners who want to explore the medium, or for avid fans who want to indulge more in the Isekai style, here are 10 animes with an Isekai theme.

Sword Art Online

One of the most infamous animes in mainstream media, Sword Art Online has a love-hate relationship in the mainstream. Known for the protagonist’s rant and the obvious plot armor, SAO offers a complex fantasy world with interesting characters. Inspired by virtual technology before its public release, Sword Art Online paved the way for the Isekai game genre.

No Game No Life

Imagine a world where games decide fate and outcome. No Game No Life is a popular Isekai anime with fun fantasy and magic mechanics. The show also features Sora and Shiro, two multi-talented siblings with insane gaming skills. These two are great at constantly overcoming all odds against them.

Inuyasha

Nostalgic as it is, many anime fans hailed Inuyasha as a quality Isekai anime during its time. Although it hasn’t aged well by modern standards, Inuyasha retains the charm of well-defined characters like Kagome and Inuyasha. Inuyasha is also one of the animes that features an Isekai plot with characters returning to their old world.

The Devil is a Part-Timer

This Isekai show is a fantasy genre anime that features reverse Isekai – that is, characters from another world being transported to Earth. If the reverse Isekai plot wasn’t a clear enough point, the show is also meta with the whole Isekai trend. The setup yields good laughs, an interesting plot to follow, and a fourth wall to break.

Re: Zero

Many consider Re: Zero a modern staple in classic anime. This is due to the mundane elements where characters like Subaru, Rem, and Emilia wander. The action and fantasy Isekai anime is also great in pacing, something that studios struggle to execute. Fans should note that the first season showcases a world-building exposition, while the second season finally gives the show some goal to achieve.

The Boy and the Beast

Coming from the brilliant storytelling mind of Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and The Beast is an anime film with a serene take on the Isekai genre. While there was plenty of screen time for the action tournament arcs, the central theme focused more on character development and internal monologues.

Zero no Tsukaima

Another anime from the early 2000s, The Familiar of Zero is one of the first Isekai animes that feature ecchi. The Familiar of Zero gains fame by helping fan service dominate a newly defined genre. This introduces a lot of humor into an almost slice-of-life anime genre format.

Drifters

An underrated action anime in the sphere, Drifters is an immediate A-level anime because of how interesting the show is. While there is the conventional good vs. evil plot, the overall theme proves how unorthodox the program is. The show stays true to its traditional style, from the art style and humorous crossovers of figures to the lack of historical accuracy.

.hack//Sign

The dot hack series is one of the earliest forms of the Isekai subgenre, MMORPG games. This subgenre follows a formula of transporting main characters into the games they play. Although the animation of the dot hack series hasn’t aged well, it does showcase the evolution of Isekai genres in their early forms.

The Rising of the Shield Hero

“Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari” was one of the most popular shows in 2019. That year, the Isekai genre dominated the charts of well-known anime lists for the first time. This anime is a well-balanced mid-level show, ranging from fantasy to action scenes and even comprehensive world politics.

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