*This article contains promotional material.
*The images and quotes in this article are used for the purpose of introducing the work. Copyright belongs to the author and publisher.
basic information
- title: Homeless Reincarnation ~An Overly Free and Self-Sufficient Life in Another World~
- author: Tokugawa Lemon (original story), Kuon Makoto (manga)
- Genre: Reincarnation in another world, slow life, comedy, survival
- Publication media：KADOKAWA
- Previously published: Multiple volumes currently published
Introduction
"If you were to go to another world, would you be able to survive?"
"Homeless Reincarnation" is a story about a middle-aged man with no powers or cheat skills who survives in another world using only his wisdom and ingenuity. In a world full of stories about reincarnation into another world, this is attracting attention as a unique work that uses "real survival skills" as a weapon.
This popular work combines the classic genre of "reincarnation in another world" with the unique setting of "homelessness." Who would have thought that the experience of surviving hunger and cold would blossom into the ability to survive in another world? With its innovative approach and witty narrative, this work stands out from the traditional "unrivaled in another world" genre.
⇓Quotes from memorable lines in the story
"I wanted to have some salmon sashimi at the end..."
This is what the main character said before he was reincarnated after being struck by lightning (lol)
Now, let's all experience the charm of being reincarnated as a homeless person.
I never thought I'd be struck by lightning.
When you are reincarnated, eat your fill of salmon.
Synopsis
The protagonist is a middle-aged man living a homeless life in modern-day Japan. He survives by collecting empty cans and building a bed out of cardboard boxes in the outskirts of the city, but he is struck by lightning and dies in a freak accident.
Before his eyes, he finds himself in a parallel world where swords and magic exist. While in many parallel world reincarnation stories, the protagonist is bestowed with "strongest skills" or "cheat abilities," what he gains is his experience as a homeless person. In other words, he learns how to process roadside grass for food, how to make tools from waste materials, how to start fires, and how to make the most of limited resources.
Although he has nothing to do with cheating, he steadily survives with wisdom and ingenuity. Eventually, "things that are commonplace in this world" become his strengths, and he gradually attracts people's attention. In a different world where swordsmen and magicians are popular, his "survival ability" shines. I personally find it funny that "pressing pressure points" is included in his skills.
The charm of the characters
main character
Tanaka Shinichi: His greatest appeal is his "overwhelmingly unassuming yet strangely realistic ability to live." The reversal of events, in which experiences that would normally be overlooked become unparalleled powers in another world, is intriguing. His personality is both gentle and humorous, and readers naturally find themselves rooting for him. One of his skills is "pressure," which somehow developed when he pressed acupressure points on his feet. It's a rather unassuming skill, but it's an interesting skill that allows him to recover from fatigue. Acquiring such ordinary yet unassuming skills is useful in practical situations. You'll want to root for this protagonist, who is unassuming but somehow becomes stronger.
Heroine and friends
Elna Frederia: A beautiful girl character. As a mage, she is able to use magic, but only simple spells. She is generally protected by the protagonist and is a cute character.
The protagonist is recognized as "an oddball, but reliable," and gradually gathers a group of friends. The protagonist's uniqueness is highlighted by the contrast with typical fantasy characters, such as a bold swordsman or a clumsy wizard.
Whatever your ability, if you use it well, it's the best.
With more friends, the fun adventure begins
Not cheating, but the "will to live" - What living on the streets teaches us
The appeal of this work is its realistic message that "no matter what your circumstances, you can make it if you have the wisdom to live." The actions of the main character, Tanaka, are not based on flashy battles, but on "how to live each day."
The ingenuity he developed during his time as a homeless person (making fires, securing food, and reusing it) shines as a "survival technique" in the other world. This reversal of structure is the best part of this work.
We too may dream of becoming the strongest in another world if we could "cheat like this, I'm so strong!", but in reality we may be struggling at work. This is a work that teaches us how to live in reality by focusing on our daily lives and making efforts to make the most of each one.
Imagery and atmosphere
Makoto Kuon's illustrations are both soft and warm. They don't emphasize the intensity of battle manga, but rather carefully depict the everyday life and everyday life. The depictions of meals, bonfire flames, and natural scenes are a perfect fit for the slow-life worldview.
He also skillfully depicts comedic facial expressions, conveying the protagonist's nonchalant behavior in a comical way. His style of drawing prioritizes a "gentle, entertaining atmosphere" over flashiness, giving the reader a sense of security.
Background of the work
The author, Tokugawa Lemon, is a writer who began his career on a web posting site, and his work tends to focus on the theme of "the revitalization of social minorities."
Therefore, "Homeless Reincarnation" is not just a reincarnation fantasy, but can also be read as "a story of a person living outside of society trying again."
Memorable scenes
Being reincarnated into another world, one would think that there would be many things that are fundamentally different, but there are scenes in which foods that seem like they might be amazing just from their names, such as "Peach Fruit," "Daikon," "Cure Matthew," and "Baum Fruit," are actually ordinary, delicious foods like peaches, radishes, mushrooms, and mandarin oranges.
You can sense scenes that are common between other worlds and the normal world, and you can also see some everyday expressions, such as things that Elna, who was originally in another world, doesn't know about.
Recommended for:
- People who are tired of the same old reincarnation-in-another-world template
People who want to enjoy a story about carving out a new world using everyday wisdom, rather than "the strongest skills" or "unrivaled battles." - People who like survival and slow-life stories
Recommended for those who like the atmosphere of "laid-back farming" or "camping manga." - People who value human drama
The story is a mix of comedy and warmth, perfect for readers looking for a story about human connection.
It's good that the protagonist is enjoying the other world.
My strong friends make me even stronger
My experience living on the streets comes in handy here
Similar works
- "A Laid-Back Farmer in Another World"
They have in common the fact that they are establishing a living base in a different world. - "Mushoku Tensei"
The themes of the protagonist's circumstances and growth, and starting over in a different world are similar. - "Goblin Slayer"
They all have one thing in common: they survive not through flashy cheating but through "steady ingenuity." - "Laid-Back Camp△"
Recommended for those looking for an atmosphere that is close to real-world survival and lifestyle depictions.
Q&A
Q: Are there any battle scenes?
A: Yes. The main character fights monsters, but there are also elements where he uses his wisdom and ingenuity to fight back.
Q: Are there any serious elements?
A: It depicts human drama and the hardships of daily life, but overall it has a comedic, upbeat atmosphere.
Q: How is it different from other reincarnation works in another world?
A: What makes it unique is that it brings realistic survival techniques to a different world, rather than flashy skills or combat.
Q: What is the best thing about this work?
A: The reality of getting ahead not through cheating, but through steady effort and self-reliance.
It's not flashy, but its realism makes it seem like "I could do that myself."
Q: Are there any plans for an anime adaptation or other media expansion?
A: As of the time of writing, it has not been announced. Please check the official website for the latest information. It is both popular and highly talked about, and there are high hopes for future media development.
summary
"Homeless Reincarnation" is a work with a particularly unique perspective amidst the boom in reincarnation in another world. The story of a homeless man who steadily builds a life in a new world using the wisdom and ingenuity he has acquired as a weapon is humorous, yet strangely realistic and memorable.
The reader will be forced to consider "what kind of power do humans really need?" and will feel warm and fuzzy at the same time. This is a work that I highly recommend to anyone who wants to read an isekai story that doesn't rely on cheating skills.
Vitality is the most powerful skill
Defeating enemies with overwhelming skills is the way to live in another world
Other works by the author
- Tokugawa Lemon: He is also active on other web novel posting sites. He writes many humorous other-worldly works.
- Makoto Kuon: He has a track record of adapting comics and is skilled at depicting everyday life with a soft touch.
Related articles
I also write a blog about experiencing people's kindness and eating delicious chanko.
👇Check it out below
▶Related article: "Barakamon" - Rediscovering one's true self through the warmth of the island and its people
▶ Related article: "Isekai Chanko" - Eat chanko in another world
comment