Isekai Anime With The Oldest Protagonists

Highlights

Age is just a number in isekai anime, with older protagonists like Youji Itami leading the charge in engaging narratives.
Uncle From Another World and Sasaki And Peeps showcase eccentric adult characters embracing the isekai realm in unique ways.
Demon Lord, Retry! stands out with a middle-aged protagonist and a touch of humor, offering a fresh take on the cliché isekai genre.

As someone who’s been avidly following anime for decades, I can confidently say that the portrayal of mature protagonists in the isekai genre has been a breath of fresh air. Having grown up with the traditional young hero archetype, it’s fascinating to see how these stories evolve when the protagonist has lived through multiple centuries.

In the genre of Isekai anime, stories transport viewers into fantasy worlds as an escape from reality. These narratives typically involve leaving behind one’s previous life for a thrilling adventure. Most often, young characters lead this new beginning. Nevertheless, some Isekai anime deviate from this pattern by introducing mature protagonists, offering unique perspectives in the genre.

In some stories, certain characters possess eternal life, while others are transferred to new realms keeping their original bodies, resulting in tales featuring mature main characters. Contrary to the common belief linking aging protagonists with monotonous plots, these captivating isekai anime demonstrate that numbers on a birthday cake don’t dictate excitement or interest.

6 Gate

Youji Itami Is a 33-Year-Old Otaku

Isekai Anime With The Oldest Protagonists

In “Gate,” the main character, Youji Itami, who is a 33-year-old otaku, takes center stage. Contrary to the usual perception that otakus are young adults, Itami’s case demonstrates that anyone can be an avid fan of anime and manga, regardless of age. With Japan under attack by creatures from a mythical realm, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) establish a special unit to investigate this fantastical land.

Due to his extensive expertise as an Otaku in the realm of fantastical creatures, Youji is an ideal choice to head our task force. Although Itami is approaching middle age, his lively demeanor might be explained by his deep-rooted passion for Otaku culture and immersion in fantasy realms. The anime combines advanced technology with medieval fantasy elements, along with compelling political subplots that keep viewers engaged.

5 Uncle From Another World

Uncle Wakes Up From a Coma At the Age Of 34

I’m a big fan of “Uncle From Another World,” and let me tell you, this isekai series takes an unusual turn with its main character, Yousuke “Uncle” Shibazaki. After being in a coma for sixteen long years, I couldn’t believe it when I woke up at the age of thirty-four, but here’s the kicker: I hadn’t been lying unconscious in a hospital bed; instead, I had been isekai’d to another world! What an incredible and bizarre twist of events!

Uncle and his nephew, Takafumi, create an unusual connection as the younger man introduces Uncle to contemporary ways of life. Despite some off-putting qualities, Uncle distinguishes himself among the isekai genre’s numerous protagonists. He remains loyal to his roots from the millennium era by indulging in SEGA games and other popular otaku tendencies from that time.

4 Sasaki And Peeps

Sasaki Meets Peeps At the Ripe Age Of 39

In “Sasaki And Peeps,” a man in his late thirties, bound to corporate life, finds himself in the midst of an outrageous turn of events with a chatty parrot as his captain. The story takes a leap into the absurd when Sasaki discovers that his new feathered friend is actually a wise sage from another realm. Yet, this is only the tip of the iceberg for Sasaki’s fantastical journey. As he develops hidden abilities, gets drafted by a clandestine group, and finds himself drawn into a conflict in yet another world.

In a delightful blend of genres, Sasaki And Peeps offers excitement, humor, and magic. Despite the frequent shifts between realms, the storyline can become somewhat confusing. Nevertheless, it’s intriguing to witness a 39-year-old character heading this power fantasy, which is an uncommon occurrence in the isekai genre.

3 Demon Lord, Retry!

Hakuto Kunai Is a 45-Year-Old Demon Lord

In the realm of an MMORPG and the well-known demon king theme, “Demon Lord, Retry!” doesn’t introduce anything particularly new, giving it a familiar feel as another isekai story. Yet, it sets itself apart through a distinct element: its protagonist’s age. Unlike typical transmigrations into youthful bodies, Akira Oono ends up inhabiting Hakuto Kunai, the 45-year-old demon lord in the game.

As a gamer and an anime fan, I’ve got to admit that the rest of this anime series follows a predictable pattern common to many isekai shows. Unfortunately, there’s an excessive amount of beautiful women accompanying Hakuto on his journey. Don’t get me wrong, Hakuto’s bond with Aku is engaging and adds enjoyment to the show. But it doesn’t manage to save the anime from its clichéd elements.

2 I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level

Azusa Aizawa Has Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years

In the title “I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level,” as you might guess, the story revolves around a woman who spent over three centuries killing slimes in her leisurely existence. Surprisingly, she reached the peak level, which unfortunately brought about unwanted attention and complications.

In the magical realm, Azusa looks like a typical teen, but her true age exceeds 300 years. This story primarily focuses on the peaceful day-to-day life in this fantasy land and contains minimal action or adventure. Due to Azusa’s reincarnation happening three centuries past, the isekai aspect is barely noticeable.

1 The Devil Is a Part-Timer

Sadao Maou Has Reigned As Demon Lord For More Than 300 Years

In the fictional world of Ente Isla, Satan wields supreme power as a demon ruler, coveting control over the entire continent. Following a defeat that compels him to flee through a portal, this once formidable demon lord finds himself reduced to a mere part-timer in the human realm, scraping by on meager minimum wage earnings. The lighthearted and humorous take on the isekai genre presented in The Devil Is a Part-Timer offers a captivating and unique storyline.

As the infamous Satan, I’ve assumed the alter ego of Sadao Maou in this new world called Earth. At just 21 years old, I work part-time to blend in with humans. However, my true age is far beyond that, reaching over 300 years. Yet, I manage to fit seamlessly into this role, adding an extra layer of quirkiness to the storyline.

2024-07-17 05:33