No Longer Allowed In Another World - Episode 1 Review - An Osamu Dazai Isekai

Crunchyroll just recently added the first episode of 'No Longer Allowed In Another World' to their library on July 10th, 2024. While it is another isekai anime and there is certainly no shortage of that, this review will share some thoughts on what makes this anime different and what makes it the same as every other isekai.

A Famous Japanese Author In An Isekai

Let's get straight to the anime's biggest selling point. The main protagonist of the anime is Osamu Dazai, a famous Japanese author who drowned himself in a river alongside his lover in 1948. The anime actually references this exact event, as the first episode shows Osamu Dazai and his lover, a woman referred to as Sacchan, tying a red string around both their wrists before jumping into a river that would drown them.

Before they can do that though, the two are hit by a truck, and Osamu Dazai is transported to a fantasy world. The story then follows the formula of most isekai anime, where the male protagonist meets a female cleric or priest who informs about the nature of the world, and his role in it all.

Except the protagonist is Osamu Dazai, an author who wrote at length about depression and suicide-related topics. At every opportunity that he gets, the protagonist attempts to get himself killed. Quite similar to another representation of Osamu Dazai in anime, that being the one in 'Bungou Stray Dogs'.

Still, that's where the complexity of his character seems to end. An isekai protagonist who tries to end himself at any and every opportunity, yet fails to do so due to his magical abilities.

Self-Aware Of Isekai Tropes, Yet Not Quite A Parody

The anime is relatively self-aware. In fact, it makes a reference to the common trope among many isekai anime, that being the protagonist in the real world getting hit by a truck before being transported to a fantasy world. The anime community literally calls the trucks 'Truck-kun' as a way of showing how common that type of death seems to be in these shows.

That, however, seems to be where the self-awareness ends, as other common cliches are still present. A dense protagonist with powerful yet hidden abilities, a harem of female side characters that fall in love with the protagonist, and even fanservice in many different instances.

It's hard to say whether the anime will attempt to explore the past writings and history of Osamu Dazai, or just leave him as a character with one simple gimmick of being depressed and suicidal. I personally hope it's the former.

While it's hard to recommend the anime for its historical and literary inspirations, if you are simply interested in watching an overpowered, yet depressed character exploring a fantasy world, then maybe 'No Longer Allowed In Another World' might catch your interest. It's first episode is available on Crunchyroll, with more soon to follow.