Reincarnated characters have become a common phenomenon in the anime world, and it’s not just present in the “isekai” genre. From shoujo to shounen, various characters experience reincarnation as their natural course. Many of these characters reincarnate as their former selves in a different time or space, while others are unaware of their past lives. Here is a list of anime characters who have reincarnated outside of the isekai genre.
1. Naruto and Sasuke – Naruto
In the world of Naruto, reincarnation happens through a process called “tensei,” where the chakra and soul of a deceased person are reborn into a new vessel. Indra and Asura Otsutsuki are both reincarnated throughout the series. They continued to be reborn through their descendants, namely the Uchiha and Senju clans, respectively. Indra and Asura were born again after their deaths as Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju during the Warring States Period. Following Madara’s death, both were reborn again as Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki, respectively.
2. Wei Wuxian – Mo Dao Zu Shi
Wei Wuxian’s tale follows the path of “Mo Dao” or the path of a demonic cultivator. He had been through a series of tragedies and had now caused chaos and destruction. But his reign of terror ended when the xianxia clan overpowered him, and his closest ally killed him. However, thirteen years later, Wei Wuxian was reborn into the body of a madman. This leads to a supernatural mystery concerning the clan and jeopardizes their daily lives.
3. Elizabeth Liones – The Seven Deadly Sins
Elizabeth belongs to a group called the Seven Deadly Sins. As a goddess, she tries to put an end to the war between gods and demons. She stands against her mother and the demon king, but in the end, is cursed to reincarnate continuously, while her partner is cursed with eternal life. Nevertheless, they bring an end to the war.
4. Yona – Yona of the Dawn
Yona’s story originates from Raja Hiryuu, the first ruler of Kouka. Hiryuu was a dragon god who turned into a human and ruled the kingdom. 2000 years later, Hiryuu was reborn as Yona. But on her 16th birthday, she had to flee from the Hiryuu castle after her cousin Suu-Won betrayed and killed her father. Yona travels throughout the kingdom to find and recruit the Four Dragon Warriors and establish her kingdom. Along the way, she transforms from a naive and foolish girl to a courageous warrior.
5. Usagi Tsukino – Sailor Moon
Usagi means rabbit in Japanese, and she is the reincarnation of Princess Serenity of the Moon Kingdom. Usagi gradually discovers her past life as her present-day self becomes Sailor Moon, a defender of the universe. However, she must continue to face attacks from past enemies as they seek to destroy her once again.
6. Zhuge Kongming – Ya Boy Kongming!
Zhuge Kongming is known as one of the greatest tacticians of the Three Kingdoms in 3rd century China. Dying of a severe illness during the Battle of Wuzhang Plains, Kongming wished to reincarnate into a more peaceful era. His wish was granted, and he was reborn into modern-day Tokyo as a young man, keeping all his previous memories intact. He meets a singer, Eiko Tsukimi, who ultimately teaches him all about modern-day Japan. From there, he becomes interested in music and decides to become her manager, so that the world can recognize her as a great singer.
In conclusion, reincarnation occurs beyond the Isekai genre. These characters experience a twist in their story from reincarnation, which answers some questions about their past lives. They make for just as exciting a storyline as those in Isekai anime plots.
