Top 11 Trending Japanese Adventure Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. 

   1

   TOP PICK

   My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending

   4.5

   (2.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   When he came to his senses, Hirasawa Kazuki, a normal university student, found himself in possession of the body of a game’s character. Moreover, it was Harold Stokes, the story’s most hated character who was even given the title 『King of Tr*sh』by the players.

   First Impressions

   "My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending" has been quite the ride! Jumping into this isekai adventure, I was immediately hooked by the unique premise. It's not every day you see a protagonist reincarnated as a villain, especially one with a rather… unfortunate speech impediment. The initial chapters grabbed me with their blend of humor and intrigue. The protagonist, a university student reborn as Harold Stokes, a hated character from a game he loves, immediately has to navigate a world where his words constantly betray his intentions. It's a clever twist on the usual isekai formula and sets the ...

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   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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3. 

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   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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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time

   4.1

   (2.3K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Amamiya Hiroto is unlucky. His life consisted of misfortune after misfortune, culminating in an unlucky death during an incident on a school boat trip, trying to save a girl he barely knew.

   First Impressions

   "The Death Mage Who Doesn’t Want a Fourth Time" is a web novel that certainly sparks a lot of discussion, and after delving into the available information, I've got some thoughts. It's a story with a dark premise that seems to evolve in unexpected ways, which has both captivated and disappointed readers. The initial setup is undeniably intriguing. A protagonist, repeatedly screwed over by fate and a rather incompetent god, promises revenge. This revenge-driven narrative, coupled with a reincarnation theme, drew me in immediately. The early chapters paint a picture of a world where the MC faces...

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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN)

   4.2

   (1.5K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   A man is stabbed by a robber on the run after pushing his coworker and his coworker’s new fiance out of the way. As he lays dying, bleeding on the ground, he hears a voice.

   First Impressions

   Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken, or Slime Isekai as it's often called, is a web novel that I dove into with a good deal of anticipation, given its popularity and numerous adaptations. Overall, I found it to be a mixed bag, with some truly enjoyable elements weighed down by some frustrating shortcomings. The initial premise – a salaryman reincarnated as a slime – is undeniably intriguing. The early chapters are engaging, and I was quickly drawn into Rimuru's efforts to build a life and community in this new world. The idea of a slime, of all things, becoming a powerful leader and nation-builder ...

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6. 

   6

   #6 PICK

   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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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Clearing an Isekai with the Zero-Believers Goddess – The Weakest Mage among the Classmates (WN)

   4.2

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Makoto Takatsuki is a normal high school student and a hardcore RPG player. However, “normal” goes out the window when his whole class is involved in a bus crash and whisked away to another world!

   First Impressions

   This title is a mouthful, but after diving in, I found a surprisingly enjoyable isekai story. It's not without its flaws, but overall, it's a refreshing take on a well-trodden genre. Initially, I was wary. Another weak-to-strong isekai? I've read my fair share. However, what immediately grabbed me was the lack of the usual isekai tropes. The MC isn't bullied or abandoned, and his classmates don't suddenly become enemies. Instead, there's a sense of normalcy, which is a welcome change. He's weak, yes, but he's also not a complete idiot, and that already puts it ahead of some others....

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated (WN)

   4.2

   (916 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   I opened my eyes to find myself in another world. But for some odd reason, I ended up as a sword.

   First Impressions

   Okay, let's dive into "I Was a Sword When I Reincarnated." This web novel has been on my radar for a while, and after looking at what readers are saying, I've got a pretty good feel for it. It seems like a fun, if somewhat uneven, ride. The initial chapters seem to be a sticking point for many. Several readers found them boring, describing them as a simple grind of skill acquisition. I can see how a sword just floating around, leveling up, might not grab everyone. It sounds like a bit of a slow burn, but I also see where others were happy to watch the MC explore and get stronger....

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9. 

   9

   #9 PICK

   Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear

   4.4

   (983 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Yuna, a 15 years old girl started playing the world’s first VRMMO. She has earned billions of yen in stocks.

   First Impressions

   "Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear," or "Bear Bear Bear Bear" as the title hilariously translates to, is a web novel that I approached with cautious optimism. The premise is undeniably cute: a girl transported to another world with a bear suit that grants her immense power. But does the novel deliver beyond its initial charm? My first impression mirrored that of many other readers: it's a lighthearted and easy read. The writing style is simple, and the story doesn't demand much from the reader. It's perfect for when you're looking for something to unwind with, a literary equivalent of comfort food. The conc...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku (WN)

    3.9

    (2.3K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    Suzuki, an adult programmer, suddenly notices that he’s been thrown into a different world while wearing casual clothes at level 1. He gained high levels and treasures after using the 3 times use-disposable-magic, Meteor Shower, at once.

    First Impressions

    Alright, let's dive into "Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyusoukyoku," or "Death March" as it's more commonly known. This web novel is definitely a mixed bag, and my experience reading it mirrored the wide range of opinions I've seen. It's got some genuinely appealing aspects, but also some glaring flaws that held it back from being a true favorite. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a relaxed, slice-of-life isekai adventure. The idea of an overpowered MC casually exploring a new world, enjoying the food and culture, sounded like a refreshing change from the usual high-stakes fantas...

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11. 

    11

    #11 PICK

    Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu

    3.8

    (1.9K ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    High school student Misumi Makoto is called into a fantasy world by the god Tsukuyomi, in order to be a hero. However, the Goddess ruling the world isn’t as thrilled to have him there, and kicks him to the edge of the world.

    First Impressions

    "Tsuki ga Michibiku Isekai Douchuu" (or "Moon-Led Journey Across Another World," for those of us who struggle with Japanese titles) is a web novel that I've been meaning to dive into for a while. With its blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy, it seemed right up my alley. After spending some time exploring the world Makoto finds himself in, here are my thoughts. The initial premise is intriguing: an average high schooler, good at archery, gets whisked away to another world only to be deemed "ugly" by a goddess and tossed to the edge of civilization. I was immediately hooked by the se...

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