10 Fascinating Isekai Anime Set in Surprisingly Ordinary Worlds

Isekai commonly refers to a plot device where a character is either reborn or dies and then wakes up in a mystical realm where the laws of physics do not hold sway. These fantastical realms often involve a significant amount of action and adventure as a result of the presence of magic and otherworldly beings.

Nevertheless, some isekai series diverge from this formula by placing their main characters in more realistic and down-to-earth settings. Instead of the fate of the world being at risk, the focus may be on the individuals themselves and their interconnected relationships with one another and the world they find themselves in, rather than on magic or fire-breathing dragons.

6 Ascendance Of A Bookworm

Urano, an avid reader with dreams of becoming a librarian, meets a tragic end when buried under a pile of books during an earthquake. With her dying wish, she longs for more time to indulge in reading in her next life. Fortunately, she is reborn in a fantasy realm, albeit as a sickly five-year-old. However, books in this new world are a luxury affordable only to the elite. Undeterred, Urano utilizes her intelligence to embark on the challenge of recreating books from scratch.

The anime series, Ascendance of a Bookworm, revolves around Urano's life and her quest to fulfill her dream of becoming a librarian. In her world, there is a sense of tranquility as there are no malevolent rulers scheming against the protagonist or dragons wreaking havoc with their fiery breath.

5 Restaurant To Another World

The Nekoya Western restaurant is located in a typical shopping district in Tokyo. It is well-liked by people from various backgrounds as it offers both Western and Japanese cuisine. The restaurant has gained popularity, but it is generally known that it does not operate on Saturdays. However, this is not entirely true. On Saturdays and holidays, the restaurant opens its doors to magical beings from different worlds, such as elves and beastmen, and serves them the most extraordinary dishes.

Although the series incorporates magic and fantastical creatures like elves and beastmen, Restaurant to Another World is primarily set in the ordinary streets of Tokyo, specifically inside the restaurant. Despite Tokyo being a bustling city, the term "mundane" can be used to describe the routine and mundane lives of its residents.

4 Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food From Another World

Chef Nobuyuki Yazawa is the proud proprietor of a traditional Japanese bar called an izakaya. This izakaya not only offers delightful food and beverages to its patrons, but it also serves as a gateway into Aitheria, a parallel universe teeming with enchanting creatures. Joining Chef Nobuyuki on his culinary adventures is the charming waitress Shinobu Senke. As word spreads about the izakaya's delectable offerings, creatures from far and wide flock to experience Chef Nobuyuki's exquisite creations, each with their own captivating tale to share.

In a similar vein to the beloved anime series "Restaurant to Another World," "Isekai Izakaya: Japanese Food from Another World" unfolds in modern-day Tokyo. While the show showcases fantastical characters from alternate realms, the majority of the narrative takes place in an ordinary world, devoid of any supernatural elements.

3 My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead To Doom!

A 17-year-old girl is reincarnated into the world of her favorite game, Fortune Lover, as the Villainess character. Despite having knowledge of the game, Catarina Claes realizes that she faces the risk of execution or exile due to the tragic ending. With memories of her previous life, she endeavors to alter her fate, but this requires her to embrace her role as a despised villainess in a world where she is already scorned.

Set in a medieval fantasy world, the anime series lacks any distinctive elements that differentiate it from ordinary everyday worlds. Instead of focusing on action and adventure, the story centers around Catarina's efforts to change her destiny as a villainess, presenting themes of romantic comedy rather than supernatural elements to captivate the audience.

2 Drugstore In Another World: The Slow Life Of A Cheat Pharmacist

This series follows the life of Reiji Kirio, a former corporate slave who wakes up in a different world one day. Upon awakening, Reiji discovers that he has the ability to create potions of higher rank than his own. Realizing his extensive knowledge of pharmaceuticals, Reiji decides to open a drugstore and help various individuals.

While this anime series features magical potions and spells, they are depicted as ordinary occurrences rather than extraordinary events. The main focus of the series centers around Reiji's journey to develop drugs and manage his pharmacy, rather than highlighting the more thrilling and supernatural aspects of the world he now inhabits. This portrayal gives the world in Drugstore in Another World a relatively ordinary feel.

1 The Devil Is A Part-Timer

The Devil is a Part-timer anime series is set in modern-day Japan where the devil Satan, seeking to conquer the world of Ente Isla, is forced to retreat to another world by the hero Emilia. The new world Satan finds himself in is modern-day Tokyo, devoid of magic. In order to survive, Satan takes on the name Sadao Maou and works a part-time job at a fast food restaurant. During his time at the restaurant, he encounters various individuals from Ente Isla who are also trying to adapt to a world without magic. Although the show includes some action-packed scenes and supernatural elements, it primarily focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary humans in modern-day Japan.