Chapter 7 of I Also Want To Spiritually Cultivate With Shizun Today is here! Just click on that link.
Otome Isekai – Have you heard of it?
Lately, I have been reading a lot of otome isekai manga.
What is otome isekai?
Otome Isekai is a sub-genre of Isekai where the main character(s) are in some way transported to another world that resembles an otome game. – source: Reddit
“Isekai” simply means “another world” which, in this context, refers to works (novels, manga, anime, etc.) where the protagonist is transported into another world.
“Otome” means “maiden” but specifically refers to “otome games” when talking about isekai. Otome games are dating sim visual novel games (Mystic Messenger, Sakura Wars, Doki Doki Literature Club, etc.) targeted towards women. The goal of such games is to progress towards a route that allows the player to win the hearts of various capture targets.
In short, it’s a genre where the main character gets transported into the world of an otome game (or sometimes a novel) where she has foreknowledge of the plot/future.
Have you read any otome isekai and did you like it? I’m always looking for more recommendations!
Here are some examples:
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! (aka Bakarina)
Mangadex link
Summary: I recovered my past memories when I was hit on the head by a rock. I am Katarina Claes, the eight-year-old daughter of the duke. In a feverish nightmare, in which the prince’s fiancee was determined, I have realized that this is the otome game from the previous life.
In an Otome Game World, I’m a Villain?! I Can’t Accept This!
Mangadex link
Summary: Mariko Kanzaki, a single office lady around her thirties, apparently got reincarnated in the world of her favorite otome game as Cecilia, a villain.
My Favorable Rating Does Not Rise
Mangadex link
Summary: As the only daughter of a wealthy merchant, Rikka had been spending her days peacefully. One day, her father brought back a surly young boy. Bewildered by him, who was filled with wariness, a pop up screen suddenly appeared right before her eyes; In there were things like his name, age, and favourite food… his status had been displayed! Once she saw that, Rikka’s memories resurfaced. It appears that this world was from an otome game her little sister used to play in her past life. And, according to the screen, the young boy’s favorable rating for her was an impossible minus 30!