Top 15 Japanese Second Chance Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Second chance stories overlap heavily with regression and reincarnation, but the emphasis differs. The appeal here is specifically about fixing past mistakes with future knowledge. The protagonist knows what went wrong and gets to apply that understanding, which creates satisfying moments of competence while avoiding previous pitfalls.

Japanese second chance novels often lean toward smaller-scale redemption rather than world-saving do-overs. Repairing relationships, making different career choices, appreciating people who were taken for granted. The more intimate focus can be refreshing compared to the power fantasy direction many regression stories take. I find the best entries balance the wish-fulfillment of a reset with genuine character growth rather than just replaying life on easy mode.

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1
TOP PICK
About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me
4.8
(1.6K ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, psychological
“A prodigy at ten, a genius at fifteen, a common man past twenty. ” This is a story of the struggle of an ordinary guy like me who is a “reincarnator” and a reckless and promising girl who is a “genius”.
First Impressions
This web novel, About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me, really took me by surprise. With a high rating and a slew of glowing reviews, I went in with pretty high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed. It's a deceptively simple story that manages to pack an emotional punch. The premise is intriguing: a reincarnated man, armed with his past life's knowledge, finds himself constantly challenged by a relentlessly competitive childhood friend. The initial setup feels like a classic setup for wish-fulfillment, but the story quickly evolves beyond that. I was immediately d...
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2
RUNNER UP
The Wolf Lord’s Lady
4.2
(416 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, josei
The previous lords have committed as many atrocities as possible to fill their bellies. I, the only daughter of that house, had discovered that my servant and lover was a spy.
First Impressions
The Wolf Lord’s Lady is a web novel that certainly left an impression. With its blend of drama, fantasy, josei, romance, and even tragedy, it promised a rollercoaster of emotions, and in many ways, it delivered. However, some aspects left me feeling conflicted, echoing sentiments I saw from other readers. The initial chapters are undeniably gripping. The story throws you right into the aftermath of a revolution, where the protagonist's world crumbles around her. This beginning is a masterclass in creating empathy for the heroine. The premise of her rebirth, and subsequent encounter with her fo...
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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Soshite Shoujo wa Akujo no Karada o Te ni Ireru
4.4
(259 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, mystery
I was born with an incredibly frail body. When the curtain was about to close on my life at the age of 17, a breathtakingly cute angel with a gentle smile appeared before me and gave me the body of another person.
First Impressions
This web novel, with its intriguing title, certainly sparked my curiosity. The premise – a sickly girl reincarnated into the body of a "villainous" one – has a lot of potential. While some readers found it incredibly heartwarming and sweet, others, including myself, had a slightly more mixed reaction. Initially, I was drawn in by the concept. A fresh start in a healthy body? Yes, please! The idea of a naive, life-loving protagonist navigating the treacherous waters of high school drama, especially after living a sheltered life, seemed like a recipe for a compelling story. I was ready for a ble...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Survival Strategy for Weak Territories! ~ My Territory Will Be Destroyed No Matter How Many Times It Is Repeated. How Can This Be Saved? ~
4.2
(58 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, harem
Klein von Asgard was an ordinary lord that can be found everywhere. He ruled a peaceful territory without incident.
First Impressions
This title is a mouthful, but the premise of "Survival Strategy for Weak Territories!" immediately grabbed my attention: a territory lord stuck in a time loop, desperately trying to save his domain from destruction. The story blends action, fantasy, and a touch of dark humor, promising a thrilling ride. However, like any journey, there are some bumps along the road. The initial chapters hooked me with the protagonist's dire situation. The constant threat of annihilation and the "Groundhog Day" aspect create a sense of urgency. It's easy to get invested in the MC's struggle, especially since th...
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
Starting Over
4.3
(157 ratings)
Genre: drama, mature, psychological
Starting Over originated as a story on 2ch by Fafoo, who later took the pen name Sugaru Miaki. He then rewrote it as a novel.
First Impressions
"Starting Over" is a novel that definitely left an impression, and it's one I've been mulling over for a while. With its blend of drama, romance, and psychological elements, it's a story that aims to dig deep, and for the most part, it succeeds. It's easy to see why so many readers have resonated with the MC's struggles and the overall themes explored. From the beginning, I was drawn into the premise: a second chance at life, but with the heavy burden of past memories. It's a concept ripe with potential for both heartwarming moments and devastating pitfalls, and the author really leans into th...
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6
#6 PICK
Maria from Hell!
4.5
(223 ratings)
Genre: action, comedy, fantasy
Marianne Phull Reheath, who was supposed to be dead at the guillotine, suddenly found herself “reverted” 10 years into the past. Can she escape her fate this time?
First Impressions
"Maria from Hell!" is definitely a novel that lives up to its quirky title. This story is a wild, hilarious ride that I thoroughly enjoyed, even though I typically prefer longer narratives. It's a testament to the author's skill that they managed to create such a memorable experience in a single chapter. Right from the start, I was hooked by the sheer absurdity of Maria's situation. The premise of a villainess constantly dying and being reborn next to her maid, Nelly, is instantly intriguing. It's the kind of concept that makes you want to immediately dive in and see just how far the author wi...
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7
#7 PICK
Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death
4.4
(212 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“Why is this happening…? ” Mia Luna Tearmoon, Princess of the Tearmoon Empire, muttered to herself as she stood shackled on the execution platform.
First Impressions
After diving into "Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death," I can definitely see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. It's a blend of comedy, drama, and political intrigue, all wrapped up in a shoujo package. The premise itself is intriguing: a princess, facing execution, gets a second chance to rewrite her fate. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a "misunderstanding trainwreck" – and it delivers! The humor is a major draw, stemming from Princess Mia's actions being constantly misinterpreted, leading to hilarious and often beneficial outcomes. It's the kind of lighthea...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
I (30), Who Works for a Black Company and Died While Regretting My Gloomy Life, Started Over From High School!
4.2
(171 ratings)
Genre: comedy, romance, school life
I (30) spent my youth days living ambiguously, and at the end of my company s*ave life, my body became tattered and died. But when I woke up, I was sent back in time to high school and was given opportunity to start over again.
First Impressions
This title is a mouthful, but the story itself is surprisingly heartwarming. It's a wish-fulfillment story at its core, but with enough charm to keep me reading. The premise is simple: a salaryman, worn down by the corporate grind, gets a second chance at high school. Sounds generic, right? But there's something compelling about watching him navigate teenage life with the wisdom (and exhaustion) of a 30-year-old. Initially, I braced myself for cringe. Reincarnation stories can be hit or miss, especially when romance is involved. But I was pleasantly surprised. The early chapters hooked me with...
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Conclusion

Second chance stories succeed when the protagonist's foreknowledge creates meaningful narrative tension rather than trivializing everything. These rankings favor entries that earn their happy endings through more than just knowing the future.

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

About the Reckless Girl Who Kept Challenging a Reborn Man Like Me

First Impressions

The Wolf Lord’s Lady

First Impressions

Soshite Shoujo wa Akujo no Karada o Te ni Ireru

First Impressions

Survival Strategy for Weak Territories! ~ My Territory Will Be Destroyed No Matter How Many Times It Is Repeated. How Can This Be Saved? ~

First Impressions

Starting Over

First Impressions

Maria from Hell!

First Impressions

Reincarnated Princess Wishes To Avoid Death

First Impressions