otome isekai recs
what is an otome isekai?
the word isekai in japanese means "other world". in this genre, characters are transported from one world to another, typically one of western medieval or renaissance fantasy setting. "sword art online" and "re:zero" are popular examples of isekai anime.
the word otome means "maiden", and otome games are dating-sim video games aimed towards women and girls
in short, an otome isekai is a sub-genre of isekai where the character is transported into the world of an otome game.
but...some of these recs aren't from the otome isekai genre
yes, i know. the genre has been a little polluted with stuff that is in the same general circle. basically, any story that has historial fantasy, a character either regressing, turning time, or reincarnating, and some sort of romance will fall into this for me
why do you love this genre so much?
it's so unapologetically targetted for women. im a big fan of stuff made by women for women (shoujo lover) and this genre is just soo that. isekai in the anime world nowadays has been so overrun by shonen-harem type stories and i am really not into that kinda stuff. i need my weirdgirl power fantasy which is why otome isekai is so near and dear to my heart. i especially love villainess stories, which is already what the genre mainly is. strong FL's with a cute puppydog-ML is my favourite combo, and you may see some of that reflected in my faves/recs!
favourite tropes?
- villainess
- when the MC is already banished and is adjusting to new life
- slow burn
- contract/fake dating/marriage
