That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is a popular isekai anime that revolves around the protagonist, Rimuru, a former human who has been reincarnated into a new world as a slime. Although Rimuru was previously a human male, their gender in this unfamiliar realm is a complex matter that requires further exploration.
The story begins with Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old salaryman living in Japan, who has never experienced a romantic relationship. Tragically, Satoru is fatally stabbed during a random mugging and succumbs to his injuries. However, before his demise, a mysterious voice grants him the opportunity to be reborn in a different world. As a result of his thoughts at the brink of death, Satoru is granted a new body that possesses extraordinary abilities, such as immunity to physical attacks, temperature variations, electric shocks, and various others. Surprisingly, this new body takes the form of a slime, a typically perceived weak and ordinary magical creature. As the slime adapts to its newfound existence, it encounters the Storm Dragon named Veldora and establishes a pact with him, ultimately acquiring some of his formidable powers. In honor of this new bond, the slime adopts the name Rimuru.
Rimuru Tempest Is Neither A Boy Nor A Girl
Throughout the early stages of the series, Rimuru initially retains many traits of their previous human self. However, a significant moment occurs when Rimuru acquires a distinct voice, separate from Satoru's, indicating that their reincarnation as a slime is not simply a transformation of Satoru himself. It is during their encounter with Shizu, a girl summoned to the world as a hero from Japan, that Rimuru undergoes a transformation. Through Shizu, Rimuru gains the ability to once again assume a human form, as well as access to her memories. This experience alters Rimuru to some extent, as they now possess the memories of both a male and a female. Rimuru's human form bears a resemblance to Shizu, with the exception of long, blue hair and golden eyes, initially giving the impression of a feminine appearance.
Despite being originally male, the human-form Rimuru predominantly displayed in the series can be best described as non-binary. It is crucial to note that this human form is merely an external representation; at their core, Rimuru remains a slime with a humanoid appearance. As slimes do not possess genders or sexual characteristics, it is logical that a powerful entity like Rimuru would not identify with such distinctions. Their human form is explicitly androgynous, with a body that resembles that of a doll, devoid of any sexual features. The decision to assume a human form primarily serves practical purposes when interacting with other humanoid beings.
Rimuru's Gender Is Irrelevant For The Story
Rimuru's gender is ultimately inconsequential, which is why they embody a human form that surpasses such distinctions. Having memories of both male and female experiences, Rimuru has truly transcended traditional gender boundaries, evident in their androgynous appearance. This aspect sets Rimuru apart and contributes to their captivating portrayal as the protagonist in That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime.