Top 11 Japanese Action Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

11 Novels

Japanese action reincarnation combines isekai sensibilities with combat focus. Protagonists bring knowledge or abilities from their past lives into action-oriented new lives. The reincarnation provides advantages, the action provides spectacle. It's a natural combination that appears frequently in the genre.

What varies is how the past life connects to the present. Some protagonists were warriors who retain their skills, others were ordinary people who gain powers through the reincarnation process. The former creates instant competence, the latter allows for more growth narrative alongside the action.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?
4.4
(1.9K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The world where the Hero and the Demon King continue to oppose each other. The grand magic from the Hero and the Demon King cross over worlds and exploded in the classroom of a certain high school.
First Impressions
"Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?" is a web novel that took me on quite the ride. It's a reincarnation story with a twist, throwing our protagonist into the body of a spider monster in a deadly labyrinth. While the initial premise might sound familiar, the execution is anything but typical. Initially, I was hooked by the unique perspective of a spider navigating a dangerous world. The early chapters focus heavily on survival, grinding, and skill acquisition. Some might find this part slow-paced, and even repetitive, but I found it quite entertaining, especially with the main character's internal monolog...
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2
RUNNER UP
To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)
4.4
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Just like how everyone adores heroes in their childhood, a certain boy adored those who hid in the shadows. One day, after living the mediocre life of a side character while undergoing frenzied training by night, he reincarnates in a different world and gains ultimate power.
First Impressions
I dove into "To Be a Power in the Shadows!" with a healthy dose of curiosity, and I've come out the other side with quite a few thoughts. This web novel is definitely... something. It's a wild ride that blends action, comedy, and fantasy in a way that's both incredibly entertaining and, at times, utterly baffling. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of a protagonist who's convinced he's living out a chuunibyou fantasy, only for it to actually be real, is comedy gold. The early chapters had me laughing out loud. It's a unique twist on the isekai genre, and I appreciated the author'...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!
4.3
(1.2K ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Liam Sera Banfield is a reincarnator. He had reincarnated into a fantasy world of magic and swords, but at the time the civilization had already been making advancements into outer space.
First Impressions
"I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!" is a web novel that certainly sparks a range of opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and comedy, centered around a protagonist who's trying to be evil but hilariously failing at every turn. Whether that sounds appealing or not will likely determine your enjoyment. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise. A reincarnation story where the MC aims to be an evil overlord in a space-faring society? Sign me up! The early chapters set the stage, introducing us to Liam and the circumstances of his new life. Howe...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Apotheosis of a Demon – A Monster Evolution Story
4.5
(798 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
A back-to-basics(? ) monster evolution novel.
First Impressions
"Apotheosis of a Demon – A Monster Evolution Story" promised a unique take on the isekai genre, and after diving in, I can say it mostly delivers, though not without a few stumbles along the way. The story follows Shedy's journey from abused human to demon goddess, and it's a wild ride. I was immediately drawn in by the premise. A protagonist who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty and doesn't bother with "righteous" justifications? Sign me up! The initial chapters are compelling, and I found myself eager to see how Shedy would navigate this new, dangerous world....
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)
4.5
(414 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
A girl Alicia lived as an orphan in a world of sword and magic Ciel. One day, she learned that she was an “otome game’s heroine”.
First Impressions
"Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival" certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise. We're thrown into a world that initially feels like a typical otome game setting, but quickly veers off the beaten path. Alicia, our heroine, isn't interested in romance; her primary focus is survival. I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a protagonist who prioritizes strength and skill over capturing the hearts of potential love interests. What I appreciated most was the subversion of otome game tropes. Instead of the usual focus on romance, we get a hardcore leveling-up story. Alic...
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6
#6 PICK
Isekai Tensei Soudouki
4.4
(441 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Baldr Cornelius is the son of a noble of the Mauricia kingdom and inside him also dwell the souls of the avaricious warring states commander Oka Sanai Sadatoshi and animal ear otaku high schooler Oka Masaharu. Follow the journey of these 3 souls in a single body, as they exhibit extraordinary ab...
First Impressions
Isekai Tensei Soudouki is one of those novels that really grabbed my attention with its unique premise. A single body housing three distinct souls? I was definitely intrigued. While it has its share of familiar isekai tropes, it also attempts to carve out its own identity. The initial hook of this story is undeniably strong. I was immediately drawn to the dynamic between the three personalities inhabiting young Bard Cornelius: his original self, a money-obsessed samurai from the Edo period, and a chuunibyou-afflicted modern-day otaku. This trio makes for some genuinely humorous and interesting...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
TS Medic’s Battlefield Diary
4.6
(271 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, drama
An ex-pro FPS player (♂) reincarnates in a fantasy world filled with magic… Only to learn that what greeted him was not a scene from one’s dreams, but a muddy battlefield full of bullets flying to and fro! Moreover, he’s now an orphan girl named Touri Noel?!
First Impressions
"TS Medic’s Battlefield Diary" isn't just another web novel; it's an experience. It’s the kind of story that grabs you by the throat and refuses to let go, leaving you emotionally drained but utterly satisfied. It's a dark, tragic war story with a fantasy twist, and while it might not be for the faint of heart, it's undeniably powerful. Going in, I was wary. The "gender bender" tag almost made me turn away, but the overwhelmingly positive reviews piqued my curiosity. I'm glad I took the plunge. The initial chapters set the stage for a grim world, and while the main character, Touri, starts off...
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Conclusion

Action reincarnation is well-established in Japanese light novels. These rankings favor novels that balance both elements well rather than using one as window dressing for the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings combine reader ratings (40%), popularity metrics (25%), engagement data (20%), and editorial review (15%). We update rankings quarterly to reflect the latest reader sentiments.

The best action novels excel in their genre-specific elements while delivering compelling characters and plots. Reader satisfaction and re-readability are key factors in our selection.

Many Japanese novels on this list have quality translations available. We prioritize novels with accessible English versions while noting translation quality in our assessments.

We update our rankings quarterly throughout 2026 to incorporate new releases, changing reader preferences, and updated rating data.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?

First Impressions

To Be a Power in the Shadows! (WN)

First Impressions

I’m the Evil Lord of an Intergalactic Empire!

First Impressions

Apotheosis of a Demon – A Monster Evolution Story

First Impressions

Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)

First Impressions