Top 15 Japanese Revenge Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Japanese revenge novels tend toward methodical payback rather than immediate violence. The protagonists often plan elaborate schemes, sometimes spanning entire story arcs, before striking at those who wronged them. This slower approach can be satisfying when done well, though it risks dragging if the setup phase goes on too long.

Compared to Korean revenge stories which often feature rapid power escalation, Japanese entries frequently explore the psychological dimensions of vengeance. How does pursuing revenge change the protagonist? Is the eventual payoff worth the cost? The better novels in this category ask these questions even while delivering the cathartic moments readers want.

Completed
1
TOP PICK
Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite
4.4
(997 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, fantasy
When he regained consciousness he was already in another world. There was no meeting with a God, no cheat skills, just a sudden reincarnation.
First Impressions
Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite (Falling in Love with the Villainess) is a web novel that took me on a rollercoaster. It's a story that clearly evokes strong feelings, both positive and negative, from its readers. While some found it to be a diamond in the rough, others felt it was a frustrating mess. I'm somewhere in the middle, appreciating its unique aspects while acknowledging its flaws. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist reincarnated into a world seemingly governed by otome game mechanics. The early chapters promised an intriguing story of loyalty, political intrigue,...
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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
Rakuin no Monshou
4.4
(600 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
The countries of Mephius and Garbera have been waging a war for ten years and are trying to put an end to this long fight through a political marriage between the two royal families. Orba, who was driven from his home because of the war and was forced to become a gladiator, looks exactly like th...
First Impressions
"Rakuin no Monshou" has been quite the journey! Diving into this blend of action, adventure, and political intrigue has been a captivating experience, though not without its bumps. With its unique blend of strategy, character development, and a world teetering between fantasy and grounded realism, it's easy to see why many readers are drawn in. Initially, I was struck by the detailed world-building. The author doesn't hold back, immersing you in the history, politics, and culture of this world. Some might find it overwhelming at first, like being dropped into a history lesson, but I appreciate...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Goblin Slayer
4.4
(275 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
A young priestess has formed her first adventuring party, but almost immediately they find themselves in distress. It’s the Goblin Slayer who comes to their rescue – a man who’s dedicated his life to the extermination of all goblins, by any means necessary.
First Impressions
"Goblin Slayer" is a series I approached with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a world where goblins are a constant, brutal threat, and our protagonist is solely dedicated to their extermination. It's a dark concept, and I was curious to see how it would play out. Initially, I was hooked. The first volume throws you into the deep end, showcasing the horrific reality of goblins and the lengths Goblin Slayer goes to in order to combat them. It's gritty, unforgiving, and refreshingly realistic in its portrayal of low-level adventuring. The focus on tactic...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (WN)
4.0
(647 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Iwatani Naofumi, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction.
First Impressions
"The Rising of the Shield Hero" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, especially with its anime and manga adaptations gaining popularity. Diving in, I was curious to see what the original source material had to offer. Overall, it's a mixed bag, with a compelling start that unfortunately stumbles along the way. The initial chapters are undeniably gripping. The premise of a hero summoned to another world, only to be immediately betrayed and ostracized, is a strong hook. I was immediately invested in Naofumi's plight and his struggle to survive in a hostile environment. The early fo...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Akugyaku no Black Maria
4.3
(250 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
He was publicly a town physician who used healing magic, but an assassin undercover. The young man, Shizuru, had lost most of his memories seven years ago and was transported into another world, who had through the help of a blind woman helped him, taken that path in life.
First Impressions
After diving into "Akugyaku no Black Maria," I've come away with a fairly positive impression, though it's a novel with some quirks. It's definitely not your run-of-the-mill isekai, and it confidently strides into darker territory, which is a major draw for me. Initially, I was intrigued by the premise: a seemingly apathetic protagonist, Shizuru, molded into the perfect assassin, not through brute strength, but through manipulation and a disarming bedside manner as a physician. This subversion of the typical OP isekai hero is refreshing. The setting, while initially feeling familiar, quickly e...
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6
#6 PICK
Senketsu no Elf
4.4
(102 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
What was left for the boy, was just the girl. And what the girl chose, was just the boy.
First Impressions
"Senketsu no Elf" (Elvenblood) plunges you headfirst into a world of grim darkness, a stark contrast to the often lighthearted fare of Japanese light novels. This isn't your typical power fantasy; it's a descent into despair, revenge, and the brutal realities of war. It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page. From the outset, I was struck by the sheer bleakness of the premise. We're thrown into a conflict between humans and elves, where the elves, wielding the power of organic necromancy, unleash horrifying monsters upon humanity. The story follows Imina, a...
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7
#7 PICK
Kanna no Kanna
4.0
(210 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Kamishiro Kanna was summoned to another world to be a hero, but the one who summoned him was a scheming princess, and when his mana measurement showed 0, he was to be gotten rid of. Together with an half-elf kyonyuu silver haired bishoujo he met in the palace’s prison, they escaped on a dragon s...
First Impressions
"Kanna no Kanna" is a web novel that immediately grabbed my attention with its unique take on the isekai genre. It's not a perfect story, but it's a refreshing read that kept me engaged. While it has it's flaws, I found it to be a worthwhile read. Right off the bat, I appreciated that the main character, Kanna, isn't your typical overpowered or dense isekai protagonist. He's clever and resourceful, and his initial goal of simply returning to Japan felt grounded and relatable. The story dives right in, but the initial world-building feels a little lacking. I was immediately curious to see how K...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
The Villainess who Only Had 100 Days to Live Had Fun Every Day
4.1
(117 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, josei
The Duke’s daughter, Lelouche, received a revelation from God. “You’ll die in 100 days.
First Impressions
This title grabbed my attention immediately, and after diving in, I can see why so many readers have been captivated by this story. It's a blend of drama, fantasy, and romance, with a unique premise that kept me guessing. Overall, it's a worthwhile read, though not without its minor flaws. Initially, the story seemed like your typical villainess reincarnation trope. A noblewoman with a limited lifespan decides to live life to the fullest. However, I soon realized that there's much more beneath the surface. The narrative is intricate, with complex character relationships and a mysterious underc...
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9
#9 PICK
A Story of a Cannon Fodder who Firmly Believed He was the Protagonist, Misunderstood the Actual Protagonist as the Cannon Fodder, and Ended up Victorious (WN)
4.1
(160 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
God: “I’ll lie to this guy and tell him that I reincarnated him as the protagonist, when actually I just reincarnated him as cannon fodder (LOL). ” A high school boy who longed for the protagonists that appeared in fiction got hit by a truck and died.
First Impressions
Okay, that title is a mouthful, right? I went into this novel expecting either a stroke of genius or a trainwreck. What I found was somewhere in between, a story with a genuinely unique premise that doesn't always stick the landing but is often entertaining. The core concept – an MC who's convinced he's the hero, despite being anything but – is instantly appealing. It's a setup ripe for comedy and, at times, surprisingly touching moments. The MC, Fay, is definitely the star. He's dense, oblivious, and often acts like a jerk, but his unwavering belief in his own protagonist status is strangely ...
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Conclusion

Revenge narratives live or die on whether the payoff matches the buildup. These rankings favor stories that deliver satisfying conclusions, but individual tolerance for slow-burn plotting varies. Check chapter counts and pacing comments in reviews if you prefer faster revenge arcs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

Akuyaku Reijo Ni Koi Wo Shite

First Impressions

Rakuin no Monshou

First Impressions

Goblin Slayer

First Impressions

Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (WN)

First Impressions

Akugyaku no Black Maria

First Impressions

Senketsu no Elf

First Impressions

Kanna no Kanna

First Impressions