Isekai anime & manga where the main character is reincarnated as a merchant

usual Isekai Blueprint revolves around the concept of escapism, where the protagonist abandons his previous existence for a life of adventure. However, some isekai anime and manga depart from this standard premise by taking a more prosaic narrative. Take on the role of a merchant or merchant.

From starting a business in a new world to acquiring the right cheat skills to become a merchant, these anime and manga present entirely new stories in an isekai setting. These storylines present aspects of isekai anime and manga that aren't typically explored, making them perfect for viewers looking for an easy-to-digest, light-hearted premise.

Updated on October 1, 2024 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir: The isekai genre has branched out into all sorts of absurd themes and premises, which has made the concept of reincarnation as a merchant or trader somewhat tame. However, this theme ignores the very concept of isekai escapism. Because these protagonists end up taking on roles that reflect their real-life jobs. Nonetheless, this subgenre within the isekai theme has its own charm, with viewers stimulated by the concept of a lingering existence in another world. For fans of this dynamic niche, this list has been updated with several anime and manga.

10 sweet reincarnation

Animated Planet Rating: 3.52/5

True to its name, sweet reincarnation We follow the rebirth of a promising pastry chef in a fantasy world. Reborn as a child named Pastry, the prodigal chef takes on the challenge of baking while bringing prosperity to his land through his inventive desserts.

With the premise of sweet reincarnation It may sound appealing, but the animation falls short due to a lack of direction. The series covers topics such as political and royal drama, cooking, nation-building, and romance, all across 12 episodes. Without a clear identity, the anime ends up looking like just another generic isekai story with not much to offer. Sweet Reincarnation's comics, on the other hand, tie the plot together without seeming complicated. This is mainly because the comics have more breathing room to flesh out the characters and focus on specific plot points, such as Pastry's culinary endeavors.

9 Coffee shop at Isegae Station

Animated Planet Rating: 3.68/5

Cooking narratives tend to mesh well with the isekai format, but that's not surprising considering the warm emotions these light-hearted storylines evoke. Coffee shop at Isegae Station Although it offers a similar premise of cooking in another world. kawaii Coffee shop. Takumi and Nyachi suddenly enter another world and take refuge in the station building.

The two decided to start a coffee shop inside the station building. This coffee shop offers a complex afternoon and morning menu split into two parts, featuring all kinds of baked goods. As the cafe becomes more successful, regular customers visit both locations, providing healthy interaction and an interesting dynamic. Coffee shop at Isegae Station It is a unique manga that is different from typical manga and offers readers a more leisurely isekai experience.

8 The reincarnated prince becomes an alchemist and prospers the country.

Animated Planet Rating: 3.76/5

The reincarnated prince becomes an alchemist and prospers the country. It's a kingdom-building comic with a decent amount of production and economics. Hiro, reincarnated as a prince of a humble kingdom, takes on the great responsibility of returning the country to normal.

Although Hiro does not take on the role of a merchant in the traditional sense, he captures the essence of the craft by utilizing alchemy and modern knowledge to bring economic prosperity to the country. Through business, trade, and macroeconomics, this comic hits all the right notes in terms of presenting a compelling narrative.

7 The daily life of a middle-aged online shopper in a different world

Animated Planet Rating: 3.77/5

Kenichi is a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself in a new world, despite there being no clear reason behind the isekai setting. While trying to survive the monsters discovered in this new world, he discovers a cheat ability that only he has access to: “Online Store.”

Earning money in this new world gives Kenichi the power to purchase modern items in his online store. Through this unique business model, Kenichi quickly rises to the top and becomes a successful businessman. Another world online shopping middle-aged daily life Although it doesn't have a clear plot, the narrative itself is a pretty fun casual isekai manga. Kenichi's ability to cheat is a common element in most isekai as well, but the manga adds a new spin to the concept by forcing him to find work in this fantasy world.

6 Other World Foundation

Animated Planet Rating: 3.78/5

Other World Foundation It begins with a somewhat bleak tone, with the main character being reborn as an orphan who was abandoned at a young age. However, Almus turns things around with the knowledge he gained from his previous life, giving them a place in a small farming village run by an orphan.

The comic begins with a focus on agriculture and farming, but eventually branches out into macroeconomics and nation-building as the town begins to prosper. With a leader who transformed from a farmer to a leader, Other World Foundation It presents interesting lessons about leadership and management. Almus may take on the role of a leader, but his humble beginnings as a farmer and merchant solidify him as a merchant protagonist.

5 Magic Artisan Dahlia no longer wilts

Animated Planet Rating: 3.85/5

Dahlia's previous life was full of gloom and despair, but her sudden death gave her a second chance to live a life in a fantasy world. Using her knowledge of item manufacturing and crafting tools, Dahlia soon becomes the talk of the town with her supernatural products and new inventions.

With magic in the mix, Dahlia vows to enjoy every moment of her new life and spend her days crafting magical items as a merchant. Dahlia's positivity and enthusiasm are contagious, and it's a surprising change from the gloomy personality of her previous life. Magic Artisan Dahlia no longer wilts Although it's a bit heavy on the escapist aspects of isekai manga, the story itself is quite wholesome as Dahlia finds her true self in this new world.

4 parallel world pharmacy

Animated Planet Rating: 3.89/5

Reincarnation in a new world need not always equate to a dangerous adventure; parallel world pharmacy This is shown in noble content. Medical researcher Kanji Yakutani passes away at a young age due to overwork, but Palmara awakens to another world once again as a 10-year-old child.

Realizing that medical care is a privilege reserved for the upper classes of society, Palma uses his noble status and past knowledge of medicine to ensure that everyone has access to proper medical care through his pharmacy business. This isekai anime makes the narrative more profound by implying that proper medical care is not available in the real world. parallel world pharmacy It was also part of a Japanese Pharmaceutical Society campaign to raise awareness of pharmaceutical sector practices.

3 Farming life in another world

Animated Planet Rating: 3.93/5

After living a miserable life and contracting an incurable disease, God takes pity on Hiraku and gives him another chance at life. Hiraku, who wants to try his hand at farming, receives “all-purpose farming tools” to help him with his farming activities.

It's similar to any other merchant-driven isekai anime. Farming life in another world Takes an easy approach to storytelling. Although the focus remains on Hiraku's growth as a farmer, the anime gets sidetracked by the antics of the harem. Nonetheless, the series is an enjoyable farming anime that provides a refreshing break from the tense narrative. Farming life in another world is one of the few anime adaptations that surpasses its manga counterpart due to the anime's vivid settings and leisurely tone.

2 Cooking over a campfire in another world with my absurd skills

Animated Planet Rating: 4.06/5

True to its name, Cooking over a campfire in another world with my absurd skills It is a slice-of-life cuisine isekai featuring a main character who has nothing to do with adventure. Tsuyoshi Mukouda is summoned to a new world as a hero, but his cheat skill 'Online Supermarket' determines him to be useless to the kingdom.

He soon realizes that this technology allows him to purchase cheap materials from modern Japan that would be considered luxuries in the New World. Using this opportunity, Mukoda resigns himself to a peaceful life preparing meals and feeding the people he meets on the road. In this comfort-filled adventure, Mukoda enjoys the escapism of becoming an “isekai” while maintaining his roots as a traveling merchant. The animation becomes more interesting when Mukouda's companions, whether powerful Fenrir or small slimes, appear.

1 My girl just wants to relax

Animated Planet Rating: 4.11/5

My girl just wants to relax This isekai villain manga features a protagonist doomed to destruction, but the story stands out through a strange twist. Instead of fighting for her place in the novel, Ronia accepts her accusations and uses her newfound freedom to open a café in the countryside.

The comic's leisurely take on villain themes creates a strangely refreshing storyline. Ronia spends her days drinking coffee and flattering the prisoners who come to the cafe. My girl just wants to relax Suitable for light reading. Despite its lack of complex plots and antagonistic characters, the manga remains a fan favorite for its laid-back premise and slow-being isekai themes.