An Isekai anime and manga with main characters reincarnated as merchants

Ordinary Isekai the plot revolves around the concept of escapism, where the characters abandon their previous existence for a life full of adventure. However, some isekai anime and manga deviate from this standard premise by adopting a slightly more down-to-earth narrative in which the protagonist assumes the role of a merchant or trader.

From starting a business in new worlds to acquiring the deception skills suitable for being a merchant, these anime and manga introduce a whole new narrative to the isekai landscape. These storylines are perfect for viewers looking for an easy-to-digest and light-hearted foundation, as they represent a side of isekai anime and manga that isn't usually explored.

Updated on October 1, 2024 by Ahmed Rehan Nasir: The isekai genre has branched out into all sorts of absurd themes and premises, making the idea of ​​reincarnating into a trader or merchant rather tame. However, this theme goes against the very concept of isekai escapism, as these characters end up taking on roles that reflect real-life professions. However, this sub-genre within the isekai theme has its own charm when viewers are awakened by the idea of ​​a slow existence in another world. For fans of this dynamic niche, this list has been updated with a few more anime and manga.

10 Sweet reincarnation

Anime-Planet rating: 3.52/5

True to his namesake, Sweet reincarnation tells the story of the revival of a promising pastry chef in a fantasy world. Reincarnated as a child named Pestry, the wandering chef takes up baking while bringing prosperity to his land through his ingenious desserts.

While the prerequisite Sweet reincarnation may sound appealing, the anime lacks due to its lack of focus. The series delves into topics such as political and royal drama, cooking, nation-building and even romance, all in twelve episodes. Without a clear identity, the anime ends up seeming like just another run-of-the-mill isekai story with little to offer. On the other hand, the Sweet Reincarnation manga pulls the plot together without feeling like a confusing mess. This is largely due to the manga having more breathing room to flesh out the characters, combined with an emphasis on certain plot points such as Pestra's culinary endeavors.

9 “Cafe in another world” station.

Anime-Planet rating: 3.68/5

Cooking stories tend to work well with the isekai format, though that's not surprising given the warm emotions these light storylines evoke. “Cafe in another world” station. offers a similar premise of cooking in another world, but with the setting of a kawaii coffee shop Takumi and Nyaachi suddenly find themselves in another world where they take refuge in a station building.

The duo decides to open a cafe in the station building, which offers a complex afternoon and morning menu with a variety of pastries. When the cafe becomes successful, the two of them become regulars, which gives way to useful communication and an interesting dynamic. “Cafe in another world” station. is a unique manga that differs from the usual, offering readers a more relaxed isekai experience.

8 The reincarnated prince becomes an alchemist and brings prosperity to his country

Anime-Planet rating: 3.76/5

The reincarnated prince becomes an alchemist and brings prosperity to his country is a kingdom building manga that includes a significant amount of crafting and economics. After being reincarnated as the prince of a lowly kingdom, Hiro is given the overwhelming responsibility of getting his nation back on track.

Although Heera does not take on the role of a merchant in the traditional sense, he manages to capture the essence of the craft, using alchemy and modern knowledge to bring economic prosperity to his nation. With business, trade and macroeconomics, the manga hits all the right notes in terms of presenting a compelling narrative.

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

Anime-Planet rating: 3.77/5

Kenichi is a middle-aged man who suddenly finds himself in a new world, albeit for no apparent reason to this isekai organization. As he tries to survive against the monsters found in this new world, he discovers a cheat ability that only he has access to: “online shopping”.

As he earns money in this new world, Kenichi has the ability to buy modern things in his online store. Thanks to this peculiar business model, Kenichi quickly rises to the top and becomes a successful businessman. The daily life of a middle-aged online shopper in another world it's an everyday isekai manga that doesn't have a clear plot, although the story itself is quite entertaining. Kenichi's ability to deceive is also a common element in most isekai, though the manga adds a new twist to the concept by having him seek employment in this fantasy world.

6 “Another World” Foundation.

Anime-Planet rating: 3.78/5

“Another World” Foundation. begins with a rather dark tone as the main character is reborn as an orphaned child who was abandoned at a young age. However, Almus manages to turn things around with the knowledge he retained from his previous life, giving way to a small farming village run by orphans.

While the manga begins with a focus on agriculture and farming, it eventually branches out into macroeconomics and state building after the village begins to prosper. With a farmer-turned-leader at the helm, “Another World” Foundation. presents an interesting lesson in leadership and management. Almus could take on a leadership role later on, but his humble beginnings as a farmer and merchant cement him as a merchant protagonist.

5 Dahlia, the magical craftswoman, no longer withers

Anime-Planet rating: 3.85/5

Dahlia's previous life is filled with gloom and despair, but her untimely death gives her a second chance at life in a fantasy world. Using her knowledge of crafting objects and tools, Dahlia soon becomes the talk of the town with her otherworldly products and new inventions.

With magic, Dahlia vows to enjoy every second of her new life and spends her days crafting magical items as a merchant. Dahlia's positivity and enthusiasm is quite contagious, which is a striking contrast to her gloomy personality in her previous life. Dahlia, the magical craftswoman, no longer withers a little heavy on the escapism aspects of the isekai manga, though the story itself is quite rewarding as Dahlia finds herself in this new world.

4 Formation of a parallel world

Anime-Planet rating: 3.89/5

Reincarnating into a new world doesn't always have to equate to dangerous adventures Formation of a parallel world demonstrates this fact with a noble implication. Kanji Yakutani is a medical researcher who passed away at a young age due to overwork, but he re-opens his eyes to another world as a 10-year-old child named Falma.

Realizing that health care is a privilege only for the upper echelons of society, Falma uses his noble status and past knowledge in medicine to make proper health care available to all through his pharmacy business. This isekai anime alludes to the inaccessibility of proper medical care in the real world, making the narrative even more profound. Formation of a parallel world was also part of the Japan Pharmaceutical Association's campaign to raise awareness of pharmaceutical practices.

3 Farm life in another world

Anime-Planet rating: 3.93/5

After a miserable life and death from an incurable disease, God took pity on Hiraku and gives him another chance at life. Eager to try his hand at farming, Hiraku receives the “Almighty Farming Tool” to aid him in his farming endeavors.

Like any isekai anime with a merchant at the helm, Farm life in another world takes a lighthearted approach to storytelling. The focus remains on Hiroku's growth as a farmer, though the anime sidesteps his harem antics. However, the series is an enjoyable farm anime that serves as a refreshing break from the busy narratives. Farm life in another world is one of the few anime adaptations that surpasses its manga counterparts, perhaps due to the anime's vivid setting and casual tone.

2 Cooking on a fire in another world with my absurd skill

Anime-Planet rating: 4.06/5

True to his namesake, Cooking on a fire in another world with my absurd skill it's a slice of life cooking isekai with a protagonist who wants nothing to do with adventure. Tsuyoshi Mukuda is summoned to the new world as a hero, though his cheating skills at the “Internet Supermarket” deem him useless to the kingdom.

He soon realizes that this skill allows him to buy cheap ingredients from modern Japan that are considered luxuries in the new world. Using this opportunity, Mukuda settles into a peaceful life, cooking and feeding those he meets along the way. In this comfort-filled adventure, Mukuda enjoys the escapism of being “isekai'd” while staying grounded as a traveling merchant. The anime gets even more interesting with Mukuda's list of companions, be it the mighty Fenrir or the tiny slime.

1 My Lady Just Wants to Relax

Anime-Planet rating: 4.11/5

My Lady Just Wants to Relax is an isekai villain manga with a main character destined for doom, but the story can take a surprising twist. Instead of fighting for her place in the novel's story, Ronia accepts her condemnation and uses her newfound freedom to open a cafe in the countryside.

The manga is a casual take on the theme of villainy, which strangely makes it a refreshing storyline. Ronia spends her days drinking coffee and pampering herself in front of the beastmen who visit her cafe, My Lady Just Wants to Relax perfect for light reading. Despite​​​​a lack of a complex plot and antagonistic characters, the manga has remained a fan favorite for its casual premise and slow isekai theme.