Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2-12-2025
Department 1
First Year Seminar
Department 2
East Asian Studies
Abstract
Isekai, an anime and manga genre where characters are transported to another world, has become popular in recent years. This paper examines the factors contributing to this phenomenon, exploring how isekai works resonate with contemporary Japanese citizens. It argues that the genre's appeal lies in its ability to offer escapism from societal pressures, particularly those stemming from economic hardship and a lack of perceived agency. By analyzing important and known isekai works, including Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken, this paper demonstrates how the genre fulfills a desire of the Japanese for fulfillment and sense of agency. Furthermore, it explores the significant influence of Japanese Role-Playing Games (JRPGs) on isekai, highlighting the incorporation of game-like mechanics and the "society's misfit" protagonist archetype.
Copyright Note
This is the author’s work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College’s institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, Anh Duc, "Isekai: Discovering Factors that Contributed to its Success and Diving into the Mentality of Contemporary Japanese Citizens" (2025). CAFE Symposium 2025. 3.
https://cupola.gettysburg.edu/cafe2025/3
Comments
This poster was created based on work completed for FYS 149-2 - Atomic Lizards, Robots, Pocket Monsters and Cute Kitties: Japanese Pop Culture Goes Global, and presented as a part of the ninth annual CAFE Symposium on February 12, 2025.