Leiden University Student Repository

Randen, Dorigaya van (2023)

Isekai vs Fantasy: What's the Difference?! How does the use of narrative tropes, characters’ self-awareness, and the game mechanics in the 'other' world in isekai anime challenge the fantasy genre to be different, if at all?

Bachelor thesis | Japanstudies (BA)

This paper will argue that isekai anime is different from the genre fantasy due to its cultural history tied to the Japanese game and anime industry use of media mix. First, a literature review on what "genre" is will be provided to lay a foundation for the readers, as this should help understanding the "why" and "how" isekai as a genre can be seen seperately from the fantasy genre argued in this paper. Examining the narrative tropes, the character's self-awareness and game mechanics in specific isekai anime, compared to the classic fantasy stories: Alice in wonderland and The Wizard of OZ will reveal similarities, but more importantly its difference. How is isekai different will be discussed in the final chapter where this paper will examen Japan's anime and game industry, the history and influence of noteble phenomenon "media mix" and Japan's work culture that all clearly make up for the genre isekai.

Isekai Anime

genres

fantasy genre

Game mechanics

narrative tropes

Japan's game industry

Japan's anime industry

media mix

Author

Randen, Dorigaya van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Supervisors

M.E. Crandol
A. Giolai

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en