From Bureaucrat to Villainess – Dad’s Been Reincarnated! [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

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

If you’re tired of the same old isekai formula—where a bland protagonist gets overpowered abilities and a harem of admirers—then From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! might just be the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. This 12-episode anime, produced by Ajiado and airing in early 2025, takes the familiar premise of reincarnation into an otome game world and flips it on its head by making the protagonist a 52-year-old civil servant. The result? A hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep story that stands out in a crowded genre.

The Premise: A Dad in a Villainess’s Shoes

After a fatal traffic accident (yes, Truck-kun strikes again), Kenzaburou Tondabayashi, a middle-aged bureaucrat, wakes up as Grace Auvergne—the villainess of an otome game his daughter used to play. Instead of embracing the role of a haughty noblewoman, Kenzaburou’s paternal instincts and bureaucratic habits kick in, leading to a series of comedic and touching moments. His attempts to “play the villain” are constantly undermined by his natural kindness, much to the confusion of the game’s characters.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit have praised the show for its unique twist. 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. It’s funny in a way that feels fresh.” Another added, “As a 50+ year old myself, I finally feel represented in anime. Good luck, Kenzaburou—I’m rooting for you!”

Why It Works: The Dad Energy

What sets this anime apart is Kenzaburou’s personality. Unlike typical isekai protagonists who are either blank slates or power fantasies, Kenzaburou is a fully realized character with quirks, flaws, and a lifetime of experiences. His “dad energy” shines through in every interaction—whether he’s teaching the game’s characters how to use an abacus (yes, really) or adopting a cat-girl maid because he can’t help but be nurturing.

The humor often stems from the clash between his old-man sensibilities and the expectations of the otome game world. One fan joked, “Is this ‘What’s up, fellow kids?’ the anime?” while another pointed out, “He’s such a dad. He’s basically adopted everyone around him and is scoring affection points left and right.”

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Tropes

The characters surrounding Grace/Kenzaburou are equally well-developed. Anna, the game’s original protagonist, is particularly endearing. Instead of being a passive love interest, she’s a hardworking and earnest girl who looks up to Grace—much to Kenzaburou’s paternal pride. Their dynamic is one of the show’s highlights, with fans loving scenes like “the moment Anna stood up for herself, and Grace (Kenzaburou) couldn’t help but tear up.”

The show also introduces a clever twist: Kenzaburou’s real-world daughter, Hinako, can somehow interact with the game’s events. This adds an extra layer of emotional depth, as fans speculate about the endgame. One theory gaining traction is that “the original Grace is still trapped inside, and Kenzaburou’s ultimate goal might be freeing her from the villainess role.”

The Animation and Voice Acting

Visually, the anime doesn’t skimp on quality. The animation studio, Ajiado, delivers expressive character designs and fluid action sequences, especially in scenes like the magic exhibition (Episode 6) where Grace and Anna team up to fight a summoned monster. Fans have also praised the voice acting, with Kazuhiko Inoue (Kenzaburou) and Mao Ichimichi (Grace) perfectly capturing the duality of the character. “It all feels like the same person despite the massive age and gender gap,” one viewer noted.

The Verdict: A Must-Watch for Isekai Fans

From Bureaucrat to Villainess: Dad’s Been Reincarnated! is a delightful surprise. It takes a tired genre and injects it with humor, heart, and a protagonist who feels genuinely unique. Whether you’re here for the dad jokes, the wholesome relationships, or the mystery of Grace’s true nature, this anime has something for everyone.

As one fan put it, “I’d sworn off otome anime because they’re so predictable, and I was trying to escape isekai. And yet, this dragged me back into both—it’s just so much fun.” If you’re looking for a show that’s equal parts funny and heartfelt, give this one a shot. You won’t regret it.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A refreshing take on isekai with a dad-hero you never knew you needed.

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