Isekai, noun: “A Japanese genre of science or fantasy fiction featuring a protagonist who is transported to or reincarnated in a different, strange, or unfamiliar world. Also: an anime, manga, video game, etc., in this genre. Frequently as a modifier.”The Oxford English Dictionary, the definitive record of the English language, officially recognized the popular loan-word interpretation of ‘isekai’ in its March 2024 batch of new additions announced today. The update included other Japanese concepts, such as omotenashi and kintsugi, as well as several Japanese food items like okonomiyaki and onigiri.Fan service, with specific reference to anime and manga, tokusatsu and mangaka were also added.
Fans of other countries’ cultures can rejoice, as well, since the latest tri-monthly update throws in just as many Australian concepts, such as speccy, chicken salt and Aussieness itself, along with eight Bible-related terms.
Crunchyroll is your one-stop streaming shop for isekai anime, including heavy-hitters Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, The Rising of the Shield Hero and Overlord, not to mention forthcoming sequels to Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime and KONOSUBA -God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!.
Source: The Guardian, OED
