From Bureaucrat to Villainess Dads Been Reincarnated [Season 1 Episode 1]

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! – A Refreshing Twist on Isekai Tropes

Introduction
The isekai genre is no stranger to wild premises—reincarnated as a slime, a vending machine, or even a hot spring. But From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! takes things in a hilariously unexpected direction: a 52-year-old civil servant reborn as the villainess of his daughter’s favorite otome game. The first episode, “Dad Becomes a Villainess,” sets the stage for a story that’s equal parts wholesome, absurd, and surprisingly heartfelt.

The Premise: A Dad in a Villainess’s Shoes

Kenzaburo Tondabayashi, a disciplined bureaucrat, meets an untimely end (courtesy of Truck-kun, of course) and wakes up as Grace Auvergne—the haughty noble girl from his daughter’s beloved game. The twist? He’s not just any villainess; he’s a middle-aged man stuck in a teenage girl’s body, navigating a world where his natural dad instincts clash hilariously with Grace’s supposed role.

Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to point out the show’s unique charm. One user noted:

“I went into this with some trepidation, hoping it wouldn’t be creepy. I was surprised and pleased by the first episode though. It’s funny in a way that feels fresh.”

And they’re right. Unlike typical isekai protagonists who power-fantasy their way through new worlds, Kenzaburo’s struggles are refreshingly mundane. He’s polite to maids, introduces the abacus to a medieval fantasy world, and even adopts a cat-girl maid because, well, dad instincts.

The Comedy: Dad Jokes Meet Otome Tropes

The humor in From Bureaucrat to Villainess thrives on the dissonance between Kenzaburo’s old-man sensibilities and the game’s melodramatic world. One fan joked:

“Is this ‘What’s up, fellow kids?’ the anime?”

And honestly? Yes. Kenzaburo’s attempts to play the villainess—only to accidentally endear himself to everyone—are gold. His confusion over the game’s mechanics (like why everyone expects Grace to be cruel) is a running gag that never gets old.

The show also pokes fun at isekai tropes. Another viewer quipped:

“The tomatoes are coming! Arm the dicer! Prepare the olive oil!”

It’s a nod to how the series leans into its absurdity without taking itself too seriously.

The Heart: A Father’s Love in a Strange World

Beneath the laughs, there’s a touching core. Kenzaburo’s actions are driven by his love for his daughter, Hinako. When he befriends the game’s protagonist, Anna, it’s clear he’s treating her the way he’d want someone to treat his own child.

This emotional layer resonated with older viewers. One comment read:

“As a 50+ year old fellow myself, I finally feel represented in anime. Good luck, Kenzaburo—I’m rooting for you!”

The show’s ability to balance humor with genuine warmth is its biggest strength.

The Animation and Voice Acting

Visually, the anime doesn’t break new ground, but it’s polished and expressive. The voice acting, however, is a standout. Kazuhiko Inoue (Kenzaburo) and Mao Ichimichi (Grace) deliver performances that make the character’s duality believable.

A fan praised:

“It all feels like the same character despite the chasm of disparity between their parts. Hats off to the writers.”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Isekai Fans

From Bureaucrat to Villainess is a breath of fresh air in a crowded genre. It’s self-aware, heartfelt, and packed with dad jokes—what more could you ask for?

As one viewer put it:

“I’d sworn off otome anime because they’re so predictable, and was trying to escape isekai. And yet, this has dragged me back into both. It’s so much fun to watch.”

If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts ridiculous and heartwarming, give this one a shot. Just don’t blame me if you start unironically cheering for a middle-aged bureaucrat in a frilly dress.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A delightful twist on familiar tropes with a surprising amount of heart.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go rewatch the scene where Kenzaburo introduces the abacus to a blacksmith. Pure genius.