Though isekai is now commonplace in anime and manga, we still ask: What was the first isekai? In this article, we’ll look at the history of the isekai genre and discover the first isekai anime or manga.

As anime and manga fans, we are intrigued by the beginnings of our beloved genres. One such genre that has seen a rise in popularity in recent years is the isekai genre.

If you don’t know, isekai is a style of Japanese fantasy fiction, where the protagonist is sent to a different world or universe.

The Roots of the Isekai Genre

The isekai genre was born from Japanese mythology and folklore. Many stories from ancient Japan discussed the spirit world, a place humans could visit after death. These stories usually featured a journey to a parallel world.

This inspired many current Japanese authors to create their own versions of the afterlife or parallel worlds. One such writer was Hiroshi Motomiya, the father of the modern isekai genre.

The First Isekai Manga

Hiroshi Motomiya’s manga “Parallel World” is considered the first isekai manga. It was published in 1969 and followed the story of a high school student sent to a different world. The parallel world in the manga was vastly different.

I tried looking for the manga, but I couldn’t find it. If anyone knows where I can find “Parallel World”, leave a comment.

Some Examples of Isekai Anime

Apart from “Parallel World” and “Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver”, there were many other early examples of isekai. For example, the manga “Magic Knight Rayearth“ was published in 1993. It follows three schoolgirls who go to a parallel world and try to stop a wicked witch. This manga was popular and spawned an anime show, video games, and more. “The Vision of Escaflowne“ is another great example, a must watch.

The Vision of Escaflowne – An Anime Classic that Blends Mecha, Romance, and Fantasy

A popular old anime, The Vision of Escaflowne debuted in Japan in 1996. It immediately attracted a devoted fanbase thanks to its unique blend of mecha, romanticism, and fantasy. The heroine of the tale is a high school student named Hitomi Kanzaki who finds herself suddenly transferred to the mysterious planet known as Gaea.

Hitomi sees a young warrior by the name of Van Fanel as she strives to understand her new circumstances. Gaea is a world that has been torn apart by conflict, scheming, and politics. Hitomi develops strong bonds with Van and his companions during her trip as they struggle to save their world and learn the truth about their linked fates.

The Isekai MMORPG

If you’re a fervent devotee of anime, it’s highly probable that you’ve stumbled upon on occasion an Isekai MMORPG anime. This particular type of anime has been progressively gaining popularity over the years, and it’s not difficult to see why.

Isekai MMORPG animes are like watching a videogame being played inside of an anime.

But what actually is an Isekai MMORPG Anime?

Isekai MMORPG is a sub-genre of the Isekai category that transports the protagonist to a virtual world modeled after an MMORPG. Within this realm, the characters confront various quests, battles, and challenges, striving either to return to the physical world or accomplish their objectives within the game.

A hallmark of Isekai MMORPG anime is the integration of game-like elements into the virtual world, including leveling up, acquiring new skills and weapons, and completing quests. These aspects infuse an additional layer of immersion in the game world.

Sword Art Online has gained widespread recognition as one of the most acclaimed Isekai MMORPG anime in the genre.

Sword Art Online: SAO

Kirito who’s an ace gamer and gets chosen to beta test a new game called Sword Art Online. But here’s the twist, Kirito and the other players quickly discover they’re unable to log out of the game. They’re totally trapped in this virtual world, which is equal parts exciting and terrifying. The only way out is to finish all 100 floors of the game’s tower.

The storyline of Sword Art Online is really engaging because it has everything. There’s action, adventure, and even romance thrown in. It also explores some deeper themes like virtual reality, love, and friendship. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

.Hack//Sign, The Isekai that came before SAO

The Japanese anime series .hack sign takes us on an exciting journey through the world of virtual reality gaming. In this Isekai MMORPG, Tsukasa, a wavemaster known by his alias, wakes up in The World, a MMORPG, with amnesia.

He is seen accompanying a cat-shaped character, leading the Crimson Knights to suspect him of being a hacker. Unable to log out, Tsukasa wanders around looking for answers while avoiding the Knights and other players.

He later finds a guardian item which promises him protection. With the help of Subaru, the leader of the Crimson Knights, and some of the players they meet, they investigate why Tsukasa is stuck in the game and try to solve the problem before it escalates.

Originally released in 2002, The Isekai MMORPG .Hack//Sign is a classic tale of adventure, friendship, and gaming that has captured the hearts of anime enthusiasts worldwide. Yes, it’s an old anime, from when we had dial-up internet.

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