Salaryman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennou ni Natta Hanashi [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Anime Review: Salaryman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennou ni Natta Hanashi – A Fresh Twist on the Isekai Formula?

If you’re tired of the same old “Truck-kun sends another overpowered protagonist to a fantasy world” trope, Salaryman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennou ni Natta Hanashi (or The Story of a Salaryman Who Got Reincarnated as One of the Four Heavenly Kings) might just be the breath of fresh air you need. This anime, which premiered recently, takes the isekai genre and flips it on its head—by making the protagonist’s greatest weapon his office skills.

The Premise: From Corporate Hell to Demon Army Glory

The story follows Dennosuke Uchimura, a salaryman stuck in the soul-crushing grind of a Japanese “black company” (a term for exploitative workplaces). Overworked, underappreciated, and constantly shuffled around, his life takes a bizarre turn when he’s hit by a moped (yes, not a truck) and summoned to another world by the Demon Lord. But here’s the twist: instead of becoming an overpowered hero, he’s appointed as one of the Demon Army’s Four Heavenly Kings—because of his management skills.

Fans have pointed out how refreshing it is to see an isekai protagonist who isn’t handed god-like abilities. As one Reddit user put it:
“Finally, an isekai where the MC’s power is just being a competent adult. No magic, no cheat skills—just Excel spreadsheets and negotiation tactics.”

The Characters: A Mix of Charm and Potential

The first episode introduces us to the Demon Lord and the other Heavenly Kings, with Ulmandra, a fiery redhead demon, stealing the spotlight for many viewers. Her tsundere personality and dynamic with Uchimura have already sparked shipping wars in the comments. One MyAnimeList user gushed:
“Ulmandra is the Eris we never knew we needed. Give me more of her and Uchimura’s banter!”

The Demon Lord himself is another point of interest. Unlike the typical evil overlord, he’s portrayed as a competent and even appreciative boss—something Uchimura never had in his corporate life. This contrast has led to some hilarious yet poignant moments, like when Uchimura tearfully realizes he’s finally being valued for his work.

The Humor and Themes: Office Life Meets Fantasy

The anime doesn’t shy away from poking fun at Japanese work culture. From Uchimura’s PTSD-like flashbacks to office drudgery to the Demon Lord’s surprisingly better benefits package, the satire is sharp. One fan joked:
“Turns out, the real fantasy was a boss who doesn’t exploit you. Who knew?”

The negotiation scene with the Minotaur (where Uchimura uses his corporate experience to broker a deal) has been divisive. Some found it clever, while others called it forced. A commenter on MyAnimeList noted:
“The Minotaur bit was silly, but honestly? After years of isekai protagonists solving everything with brute force, I’ll take a guy who wins with paperwork.”

The Verdict: Worth Watching?

The general consensus is that Salaryman ga Isekai has potential but needs to flesh out its world and characters. Some critics argue that Uchimura’s transition into the Demon Army feels rushed, while others appreciate the brisk pacing. As one viewer put it:
“It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s fun. If you like isekai with a twist, give it a shot.”

The opening and ending themes have also garnered praise, with the OP described as “a rollercoaster of energy” and the ED’s vocals standing out despite simpler visuals.

Final Thoughts

Salaryman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennou ni Natta Hanashi isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it’s a clever subversion of isekai tropes that resonates with anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a dead-end job. Whether it’ll live up to its promise remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a solid addition to the genre—especially if you’re craving something different.

So, will you be tuning in? Or are you still waiting for Truck-kun to make his grand return? Let us know in the comments!

What did you think of the first episode? Share your thoughts below! And if you’re already simping for Ulmandra, you’re not alone. 😉