Unbelievable Isekai Tales: When Parents Become Heroes!

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Typically, characters from alternate world (Isekai) stories start out as everyday individuals – students or office workers. In their new lives, they seize the chance to transform completely, with some opting for careers as adventurers, farmers, or even adopting entirely new species.

In contrast to many isekai narratives, certain protagonists find themselves taking on the role of parents. This isn’t a common occurrence across all isekai tales, but there are indeed instances where protagonists assume parenthood following their transportation or reincarnation into a different realm. Here are some isekai characters who were already parents before their journey, or became parents after being transferred to another world.

We’ll take into account both adoptive parents and those who form their own family through bonding, but since “Mushoku Tensei” hasn’t delved deeply into Rudy’s parental role in the anime, it won’t be part of our discussion.

7. Special Mention: Hiraku Machio (Farming Life In Another World)

It Takes A Village

In a sudden turn of events, Hiraku Machio passes away and is given a unique chance to be reborn in another world, this time with a youthful and vigorous body. Seizing the opportunity for a fresh start, Hiraku makes use of the divine instrument provided, and what originally began as a modest farmstead eventually flourishes into a small village.

While I’m observing, I notice Hiraku diligently tending to his farm. A series of captivating young women take interest in his work, among them Ru, who soon becomes his wife and the mother of their first child, Alfred. In the manga, we see Hiraku with an array of wives and offspring, yet he strives tirelessly to nurture and support each one.

In the anime, Hiraku’s role as a parent is hardly explored, but this detail is included more for the original content or potential future seasons.

6. Mamako Oosuki (Do You Love Your Mother And Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?)

A Young Mother Trying To Connect With Her Son

In a surprising twist, Masato Oosuki and his mother Mamako get swept into a digital game realm when Masato responds to a questionnaire regarding their relationship. Shocked to discover this virtual world is designed to enhance player’s bonds with their mothers, Masato is initially taken aback by the overprotective nature of the game, as he finds his mother overly attentive and smothering. However, to escape this world, Masato and Mamako must work on strengthening their bond in this unconventional setting.

In simpler terms, Mamako exhibits an extraordinarily affectionate nature towards her son Masato, sometimes to an overwhelming degree. Even though Masato is more adept at video games and usually has better skills, Mamako’s strong fundamental abilities and powerful equipment often allow her to defeat enemies before Masato can even begin. Their relationship may be complex, but it’s evident they share a deep familial bond. The anime “Do You Love Your Mother And Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?” features a mother as the protagonist, which is uncommon in the isekai genre, but the quality of the show isn’t particularly high. The relationship between Masato and Mamako might feel more frustrating than heartwarming at times, yet the series can still provide some amusement as a comedy.

5. Hajime Nagumo (Arifureta: From Commonplace To World’s Strongest)

An Unexpected Parental Figure

In an isekai manga or anime, Hajime Nagumo doesn’t fit the stereotype of a nurturing parental figure. Following betrayal and abandonment by his ex-team members, he turns vengeful and brutal, willing to go to great lengths to reach his objectives.

After encountering new companions and familiar faces, Hajime gradually softened his demeanor, particularly in the presence of Myu, the mermaid girl. Unlike other females who become part of Hajime’s group, he cares for Myu as if she were his daughter, showing great defense towards her. Even after they bid farewell upon reuniting Myu with her mother, their relationship, reminiscent of a parent and child bond, remains unchanged.

4. Takumi (A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring)

A Rare Isekai Anime About Childcare

In a typical fashion found in many isekai anime, these stories often serve as an escape and offer a power fantasy that frees the protagonist from ordinary duties. However, unlike most of these series, A Journey Through Another World: Raising Kids While Adventuring deviates from the norm by having its main character, Takumi, quickly adopt twins, Elena and Allen. This unique twist puts a fresh spin on the usual isekai genre.

Raising Kids While Adventuring” offers a heartwarming portrayal of life at a leisurely pace, with a focus on the role of parenthood amidst an isekai setting.

3. Kenzaburou (From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!)

An Isekai Anime Protagonist Powered By His Parental Instincts

Instead of the usual, let me introduce you to an unusual anime titled “From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated!“. This series takes a fresh approach by making a middle-aged father the main character. In this tale, Kenzaburou has been reborn as the antagonist in his daughter’s romance game.

In the world of isekai, the main character may not be biologically a parent, but he exhibits strong fatherly qualities and has a knack for telling dad jokes. Among all isekai anime with protagonists who are parents, Kenzaburou stands out as the most clearly paternal. Moreover, “From Bureaucrat to Villainess” does not forget his previous life entirely; it includes scenes featuring Kenzaburou’s wife and daughter, whom he left behind. This show expertly mixes humor and drama, making it an enjoyable watch for isekai fans, regardless of their preference for villainess subgenres.

2. Nitta (Hinamatsuri)

A Gangster And An Esper Become A Family

Undeniably outstanding among reverse isekai anime, Hinamatsuri excels at blending humor and raw feelings. Living solo, Nitta’s life takes an unusual twist when an apartment-appearing pod reveals a girl’s face. Initially trying to ignore it, he soon becomes Hina’s caretaker, a young girl from another world who possesses extraordinary esper abilities.

At first, Hina manipulates Nitta into allowing her to reside with him, but later on, they establish a deeply heartwarming bond. In the anime “Hinamatsuri“, unconventional family dynamics play a significant role, extending beyond just Hina and Nitta. Another character, Anzu, eventually finds refuge among the homeless populace, a plotline that proves surprisingly moving and impactful.

1. Teacher (Reincarnated As A Sword)

A Weapon With A Heart Of Gold

Following a tragic accident that claimed his life, a Japanese man is miraculously reborn as a powerful sword. Lacking the ability to move independently, he is later discovered by a feline companion named Fran, who utilizes him to break free from oppressive slave traders. Fran affectionately dubs him her Teacher, and together they embark on a voyage aimed at enhancing Fran’s skills until she achieves complete evolution.

The teacher doesn’t share a typical parent-child bond with Fran, but he takes on a caring and protective role towards her. His help is vital for Fran’s development as an adventurer, and without him, she wouldn’t have progressed nearly as far as she has. Their relationship adds warmth and authenticity to the story, making it heartfelt and genuine.

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2025-04-05 13:24