The popular news channel Livedoor News recently conducted a survey to discover which isekai anime is the most beloved among fans. The question posed was: “What is your favorite isekai anime in the genre of reincarnated characters in another world?” With over 500 responses collected, the results revealed that *That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime* claimed the title of the most popular.
The term isekai, literally meaning “another world,” has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly in Japan and internationally. The concept of isekai typically involves the protagonist being transported to a parallel or fantasy world, where they embark on extraordinary adventures that cannot occur in the real world. Although the popularity of this genre has surged recently, its roots can be traced back long before the term “isekai” was commonly used.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, several works emerged that can be considered precursors to the isekai genre. *Aura Battler Dunbine* (1983), created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, is one of the earliest examples featuring a main character transported to another world.
Another noteworthy work is *Fushigi Yûgi* (1992), a manga by Yuu Watase, in which the protagonist finds herself in an ancient Chinese book that acts as a portal to another world. This story introduced many elements that define the genre: a protagonist experiencing a new world, adventures in an unfamiliar environment, and the quest for purpose or strength in this new setting.
The term isekai really began to gain popularity in the 2000s, particularly with the rise of light novels. A foundational work during this period is *Sword Art Online* (2009), written by Reki Kawahara. While it primarily revolves around a VRMMORPG (a game where players assume roles in a virtual setting), the story incorporates many key aspects of isekai, introducing characters who are transported to a virtual world where they must survive and adapt. This series significantly contributed to the genre’s popularity and clarity.
In the past decade, isekai has witnessed a remarkable boom, with numerous titles emerging that have become widely recognized. Series such as *Re:ZERO – Starting Life in Another World*, *No Game No Life*, and *The Rising of the Shield Hero* have captivated audiences globally with their engaging narratives and intricate world-building.
Below is the list of the highest-ranked isekai anime according to Livedoor News’s survey:
- 8. The Eminence in Shadow (Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!)
- 7. Ascendance of a Bookworm (Honzuki no Gekokujou)
- 6. Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill (Tondemo Skill de Isekai Hourou Meshi)
- 5. OVERLORD
- 4. KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!)
- 3. Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu)
- 2. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu)
- 1. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken)
