If you’ve been listening to my podcast, Cafe Manga, or you’ve been reading some of past posts, you’ve noticed me include the term “isekai.” People who are fans of anime, manga, and light novels have likely heard of the term, but in case you haven’t? Don’t worry, I’m here to explain! As a side note, I actually did a podcast episode on my old show, Three Fates Decide about this very topic!
What is “isekai?”
Isekai 異世界 has different translated meanings in English. Sometimes it’s translated as “other world.” Other times you can see it translated as “another world” or “different world.” I’ve seen one title where isekai is translated as “parallel world.”
Regardless of which translation got used, the basic meaning is pretty consistent. The concept basically involves a character(s) who gets sent from one world to another world. Typically it’s a person from our world that gets sent to another world. As you can imagine this concept is found in fantasy stories.
While this is a Japanese term, isekai is actually not just in Japanese stories. We have plenty of examples of them in Western stories. In fact there’s four notable examples!
The Chronicles of Narnia series
The Wizard of Oz
Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland
Peter Pan
If you know these four titles and you are fans of any of them, you are a fan of isekai! I’ve already talked about a few isekai titles that I’m watching or reading. I will definitely be talking about plenty more in this newsletter and in the podcast.
There’s different variations of isekai, but here’s the three most common ones you’ll find!
Summoned to another world - You are magically sent to another world in some manner. You may more may or not be able to return back home depending on the story. (Examples: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Vision of Escaflowne, Spirited Away)
Reincarnated to another world - You died and then get reborn in another world. You may receive special abilities, higher social class, or both! (Examples: Parallel World Pharmacy and That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime)
Connected to another world - Your home or your business has special gateway that allows you to move back and forth between this world and another world. You’re in essence living a double life and hijinks can ensue with your attempts to hide this. (Examples: Restaurant to Another World, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Inuyasha)
So to close out this newsletter, I’m curious! Now that you all know what is an “isekai” I’m now wondering, what isekai stories are your favorites? Leave a comment and let me know!