Best Isekai Anime & Manga With Protagonists Who Are Not Japanese

Highlights

Non-Japanese main characters in isekai manga add a fresh spin to the narrative with unique cultural elements and perspectives.
The Ordeals of Regional Knight Hans & Captain Corinth feature Western protagonists in traditional Japanese-dominant genre.
Suicide Squad Isekai blends DC Comics with anime, featuring popular characters like Harley Quinn in a fantastical setting.

These are five unique and unconventional isekai manga and anime that offer fresh perspectives on the genre by incorporating various elements such as science fiction, history, satire, and popular culture.

In the realm of anime and manga, which originated in Japan, it’s typical to find Japanese protagonists leading the story, including in the popular isekai genre. However, some mangaka have opted for a fresh twist by placing non-Japanese characters at the center of their stories. This unconventional choice results in an engaging and unique narrative perspective.

Manga stories typically take place in Japan and often include Japanese protagonists. But in contrast, isekai anime and manga transport their narratives to various fantasy realms. This flexibility allows for the integration of diverse cultural practices and characters from outside Japan. Non-Japanese heroes can bring a new perspective and intrigue to these stories, making isekai anime and manga distinctly multicultural in nature.

1 The Ordeals Of Regional Knight Hans

Hans Belongs To A Fantasy World Resembling Medieval Europe

Best Isekai Anime & Manga With Protagonists Who Are Not Japanese

Release Date	Mar 25, 2015
No. Of Chapters	54
Author	Amara
Japanese Title	Chihou Kishi Hans no Junan

“The Unconventional Journeys of Knight Hans from the Regions”

Hans’ manga chronicles his experiences as he joins forces with enigmatic Japanese entities to safeguard his rural train station against approaching monsters. In this rendition titled “The Rural Knight Hans: A Humorous Tale of Protection,” the narrative maintains a predominantly comedic tone, interspersed with elements of action, adventure, and fantasy.

2 Captain Corinth: The Galactic Navy Officer Becomes An Adventurer

Alan Corinth Hails From An Unspecified Western Nation

Release Date	Dec 28, 2018
No. Of Chapters	48+
Author	Atsuhiko Ito
Japanese Title	Kouchuugun Shikan, Boukensha ni Naru

Using a blend of isekai and sci-fi elements, “Captain Corinth: A Space Navy Officer’s Unexpected Journey into Adventure” explores the typical themes of these genres in an innovative way. Rather than being transported or reborn, Alan Corinth ends up on a foreign planet following a spaceship assault by extraterrestrial beings.

Though this storyline might typically be labeled as science fiction in most cases, the manga surprisingly abandons its primary sci-fi elements and transports Alan into a realm of swords and sorcery, strikingly similar to common isekai stories. Few mangas manage to merge these themes so seamlessly, but Captain Corinth: The Space Navy Officer Transforms into an Adventurer provides an innovative take with technology and magic intertwined. While Alan’s origin remains unclear, his European name suggests a Western background.

3 Ya Boy Kongming!

Kongming Is Originally From Ancient China

Ya Boy Kongming! isn’t explicitly advertised as an isekai anime due to its focus on the strategic thinker Kongming from ancient China who journeys to present-day Tokyo. Nevertheless, given the vast disparity between the Warring States era in China during the third century and contemporary Tokyo, it’s not entirely inaccurate to label this anime as isekai.

In contemporary Tokyo, the peculiar journey of Kongming takes an unusual turn as he encounters a popular Electronic Dance Music (EDM) idol. This unexpected encounter signifies the start of their collaborative music venture in the current world. Despite not gaining significant fame through the anime adaptation, Ya Boy Kongming! stands out with its distinctive concept within the isekai genre.

4 Ride-On King

Alexander Purchinov Is the President Of Prusia (Based On Russia)

Release Date	May 26, 2018
No. Of Chapters	67+
Author	Yasushi Baba

The Reigning Rider: is a satirical manga depicting the current Russian president in a humorous light, through the fantastical character of Purchinov. As the President of the fictional country, Prusia, Puchinov has an insatiable urge to ride and conquer various things – from machines and beasts to people.

In his final moments in the real world, Purchinov fortunately finds himself transported to a land of make-believe. Here, instead of horses or cars, he gets to mount and command mythical beasts like orcs and wyverns. The plot is as absurd as it comes, but Ride-On King infuses its storyline with humor, ensuring the manga maintains a lighthearted tone. Despite being a dictator, Purchinov emerges as an endearing character, and the narrative skillfully develops him into a well-rounded protagonist.

5 Suicide Squad Isekai

Harley Quinn And Her Squad Hail From America

In the summer of 2024, Suicide Squad: Isekai Edition is generating significant buzz as an intriguing blend of DC Comics and anime genres. This unique take on Suicide Squad introduces Harley Quinn as the leader, accompanied by familiar faces like Deadshot, Peacemaker, and King Shark. When a gateway to a mythical realm unexpectedly emerges between our world and this fantasy land, A.R.G.U.S. sends an exploratory team, albeit with some unconventional young members spearheading the mission.

The anime adaptation of “Suicide Squad Isekai” is now showing, but it’s premature to evaluate its success. However, fans of the original Suicide Squad comic or movie should consider watching this anime to see how their beloved DC characters are brought to life in the anime world. Regardless of the series’ eventual performance, its unique concept sets it apart in the isekai genre, making it an intriguing watch.

2024-07-15 02:05