paranoidphantom

16 January 2025

Isekai Ojisan (Review) [Anime]

Source: Isekai Ojisan

Release: 2021

Episodes: 13

Isekai Ojisan was something I started watching without any expectations. Sure, I’d heard it was great, but after reading the brief description on Netflix and browsing through some screenshots, I didn’t see anything particularly appealing. An isekai in a fantasy world, slice-of-life elements, comedy, and unimpressive art and animation.

Still, I decided to give it a chance. And even before finishing the first episode, I realized I had discovered a hidden gem...

As of now, I’ve watched all 13 episodes and can confidently recommend this series. It gave me a massive boost of positive emotions. I’m sure you might enjoy Isekai Ojisan too. Below, I’ll share a few reasons why this anime is worth checking out.

1. Humor

This is one of the funniest comedies I’ve seen recently. The comedic timing is impeccable. I couldn’t stop laughing at the absurd situations the characters constantly find themselves in. Sure, the humor is often silly, but that’s exactly what you need after a long day at work—simple and relatable.

Moreover, the jokes are refreshingly modern and relevant. Yes, there are clichés typical of any comedy anime, but they’re blended with fresh, unique gags in just the right proportion. If you, like Uncle, grew up during the fifth console generation, you’ll especially enjoy the humor.

2. Characters

An anti-work sorceress, a noble elf, a clumsy priestess, a thug-like YouTuber, and, of course, an isekai mage uncle—this is just a part of the cast. There are about a dozen characters in total. They’re all quirky, ridiculous, and unique, and you’ll quickly grow attached to them.

The grounded depiction of characters from a fantasy world pairs intriguingly with the much more familiar people from the real world. It feels as if the boundary separating beings from the two worlds becomes thinner. Watching these characters is incredibly entertaining.

3. A Not-So-Typical Isekai

Speaking of characters, let’s discuss the isekai genre itself. Yes, the genre is overdone. Yes, it’s been milked dry. Yes, we’ve seen everything it has to offer. And parodies of otherworldly adventures no longer surprise anyone. But listen: Isekai Ojisan really stands out!

It’s both ironic and serious, both isekai and slice-of-life. In short, it’s a genre salad that’s much more complex than it seems at first glance. The anime skillfully blends the fantasy world with the real world. So if you’re biased against the isekai genre, I understand. But I still urge you to give Isekai Ojisan a shot.

4. Sega

This anime is soaked in love for Sega. Uncle (a.k.a. Yosuke Shibazaki) was an otaku in his youth before being hit by a truck (no surprise there) and spending 17 years in a coma. Waking up in the 2020s, he rediscovers the world of technology and entertainment. I don’t even need to tell you what a shock it was for him—both as a die-hard Sega fan and as someone facing 17 years of technological advancement all at once.

During breaks from his quirky antics or debates over Evangelion, Uncle recounts his adventures in another world to nephew and his friends. And here’s the kicker: Uncle didn’t survive thanks to the power of friendship or love. No, he relied on his memorized Puyo Puyo manuals and years of grinding levels in JRPGs.

Watching Uncle geek out over Sega is incredibly entertaining. The energy of an aging nerd practically seeps through the screen, and at some point, you can’t help but start sharing in his excitement. You’ll find yourself cheering along with him over packages of worn-out old games and consoles, marveling at quirky phones that don’t even support modern communication formats, and mourning the untimely demise of the Sega Dreamcast.

Is Isekai Ojisan worth watching?

In many ways, this anime is about generational differences and how age matters less than the youthful fire that can still burn brightly, even in those who grew up on Sega games 20 years ago. It’s silly, straightforward, occasionally heartwarming, and often ironic, but overall, it has all the qualities we love in anime.

If you have time for a completed 13-episode series, I highly recommend spending it on Isekai Ojisan. It’s not demanding of its viewers, making it perfect for background viewing or unwinding after work. Despite its simplicity, the anime offers limitless entertainment. Trust me, the blast of Uncle’s absurd stories from another world are exactly what’s missing from your monotonous and dull life.

P.S.

Want to know if this anime is for you? Just check out the opening—it will show you everything you need to make a decision.