Greetings and Happy New Year, everyone!
It’s been a year since I started this blog about isekai stories. Occasionally, I also wrote posts about any anime or manga that I found interesting. I honestly never thought I’d have the drive to keep writing in this blog and I don’t regret it! In fact, my only regret is not starting it sooner!
2020 was likely a rough year for all of us. Not only are we in danger of becoming infected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but we also have to deal with the ramifications of long-term quarantines. However, we must remember to do what is necessary to survive this. We can endure hardships and we can adjust our lifestyles, but we cannot replace lives. Many have died because of COVID-19, so it’s up to us to ensure things do not get worse for the sake of our loved ones. Hopefully, 2021 will bring happier and healthier prospects for all of us!
One thing I consider universal for all fiction is that they reflect us and are inspired by us. Within each story, to various degrees, is a lesson that we can all take to heart to improve our lives. All characters, whether hero, villain or otherwise, give shape to these realities and are also reflections of traits found in all of us. Motives such as curiosity, ambition, hope, greed, love, vengeance and the simple desire for a quiet life are natural instincts found in all humans.
As for Isekai Eye, my current most popular post is about The Golden-Haired Elementalist. I’m not quite sure why this post got several hundred views so far, with most of them in December 2020 alone! Over the past year, only one comment has been posted for the entire blog! I would appreciate more comments and likes for my posts so that I could have a better idea of your opinions.
Why do I write about isekai stories? I feel that, in a way, they relate to readers a bit more personally. Most of the main protagonists of these stories are people you would pass by every day in the streets, even if they’re mostly from Japan or Korea! Students, office workers, soldiers and professionals of various stripes could suddenly find themselves in another world where they get the chance to shine as individuals and perhaps build a more fulfilling life for themselves. We can feel for them because I think all of us want at least some recognition from others for our abilities and accomplishments!
In regards to this, I believe that The Duchess’ 50 Tea Recipes is the most inspiring story I’ve read so far. On Earth, a corporate accountant struggled to retain everyone’s favor by doing whatever they wanted, no matter how unreasonable. On another world, a timid, weak-willed noblewoman was the laughingstock of a haughty aristocracy. When the accountant finds herself in the noblewoman’s body, she stands up for herself and her lifelong passion for tea. Despite many challenges and those who try to discredit her, she perseveres, builds loving relationships and accomplishes her dreams. This story is an example of why self-esteem and self-love are keys to a better life.
I have learned many things from reading isekai stories and will continue to do so. There’s always more out there and I love to share what I’ve learned with you. I’ll also improve some of the posts already sent out, if I have time.
Thank you for reading and have a happy, healthy new year!
Isekai Eye 