Right after the widespread attention gained by Sword Art Online in 2012, self-insert fantasies have seemingly become mainstream. Embodying these fantasies, isekai, roughly meaning “in another world”, has become a genre on its own that encompasses elements of fantasy and games with one core element:
Freedom.
More importantly, isekai isn’t just a simple genre nor is it oversaturated trash as some would say. Isekai is a matter of culture.
The Japanese are no stranger to toxic work environments e.g. mandatory meetings (Jacques, 2013), nomikai (飲み会 ) for company workers to forcibly spend time with co-workers in izakayas, saabisu zangyou（サアービス残業）meaning unpaid overtime. To the Japanese, these traditions exist simply because that’s the way things are.
Problems don’t just exist in workplaces, schools also. “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down” is a Japanese proverb that seeps in all walks of life – enforcing conformity. Those who stick out are targets for bullying where bullies are free to bully with bystanders doing nothing in fear of sticking out (USJP, 2005).
Existing in retaliation to the collectivist mindset in Japanese society where the organization matters more over the individual, isekai exists in contrast.
That Time I got Reincarnated as a Slime shows the exploits of the protagonist in building their own civilization.
Isekai Oji-san retells the dumb and funny stories of a socially awkward uncle in another world.
So I’m a Spider, So What? exhibits the adventure of Kumoko as she gradually becomes one of the most powerful beings in existence.
Isekai matters as a concept, and it matters most when your society actively hampers your self-development. Sure, recent isekai anime and manga may be quite repetitive and boring plot-wise because it makes money for cheaper production costs but that is nil compared to the value it provides with respect to Japan’s work culture, especially for those who know what it’s like.
Isekai is a culturally charged topic, it’s a lens of what’s wrong with parts of Japanese culture. It may be trash to some people, but it’s golden trash in the grander scheme of things, for those who need it and for those trying to find their place in this world.
Sources:
Jacques, A. (2013, November 9). Why Japan Scores Poorly In Employee Engagement – Tokyo Families Magazine. Tokyo Families. https://tokyofamilies.net/2013/11/why-japan-scores-poorly-in-employee-engagement/
USJP.org. (2005). USJP.org: Japanese Education – School-Related Problems. Usjp.org. http://www.usjp.org/jpeducation_en/jpEdProblems_en.html#mozTocId83973
Written by Matt
Posted by Karl Montemayor