Top 21 Japanese Second Chance Reincarnation Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

21 Novels

Second chance reincarnation combines two overlapping tropes: being reborn and getting to redo important life choices. Japanese takes on this often involve returning to a specific point with memories intact, whether that's childhood, a pivotal decision, or right before disaster struck. The appeal is watching characters apply hindsight to change outcomes.

This combination is popular because it provides both the novelty of reincarnation and the specific tension of trying to alter known events. The MC knows what went wrong before and has to figure out how to prevent it without revealing impossible knowledge.

Completed
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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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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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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4
EDITORS CHOICE
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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5
EDITORS CHOICE
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
6
#6 PICK
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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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~
4.5
(577 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, mature
The second son of the Count family, Tullius Shernan Oubeniel, was a person who reincarnated from modern day Japan. That is, a person who has a single experience of death.
First Impressions
"Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~" is a web novel that immediately grabbed my attention with its dark premise and morally ambiguous protagonist. It's a story that doesn't shy away from exploring the depths of human ambition and the terrifying lengths one might go to in the pursuit of immortality. The initial hook is strong: a reincarnated individual, haunted by the experience of death, throws himself into the frowned-upon art of alchemy. He's not your typical isekai hero; there are no cheat-like abilities here, just a desperate desire to escape mortality, and a willingness to sacrifice an...
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8
#8 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
9
#9 PICK
The Icy Hero is Yearning for Love
4.4
(416 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, romance
The tavern owner’s son, Ilya, often experienced the same dream. A dream in which he played in the village orphanage with his childhood friend, a boy whose appearance resembled an angel’s.
First Impressions
Okay, so The Icy Hero is Yearning for Love isn't quite what I expected. I went in thinking it would be a typical hero's journey romance, but it's more of a post-adventure story. It delves into the aftermath of a hero's quest, focusing on trauma, healing, and second chances at love. The premise hooked me: Riley, the "icy hero," is haunted by the death of his childhood friend, Allen. Years later, he meets Ilya, a tavern owner's son who is Allen reincarnated. I was definitely intrigued to see where this would go. The emotional core of this story is what really shines. The focus on Riley's PTSD an...
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10
#10 PICK
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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11
#11 PICK
The Magus of Genesis
4.3
(270 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, harem
In an age long lost to legend and myth. In an age where humans had still yet to establish a system of writing.
First Impressions
"The Magus of Genesis" promised a unique take on the isekai genre, and after diving in, I've come away with mixed feelings. It's definitely got some compelling elements, but also some areas that could use improvement. The premise is intriguing: an elderly researcher, unsatisfied with the lack of mystery in his old world, gets reincarnated as a dragon in a primitive fantasy setting. I was immediately hooked by the idea of a dragon guiding civilization from the ground up, teaching magic and basic knowledge to a stone-age society. The early chapters set a laid-back, almost slice-of-life tone, whi...
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12
#12 PICK
Reborn Little Girl Won’t Give Up
4.2
(169 ratings)
Genre: adventure, drama, fantasy
When I woke up, I had been reborn as a baby. My mother passed away and I was neglected by my father.
First Impressions
"Reborn Little Girl Won’t Give Up" is quite the mixed bag, and my experience reading it reflects that. It's a novel that leans heavily into its cuteness factor, and whether or not you'll enjoy it largely depends on your tolerance for fluff and slow-burn plots. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a reborn protagonist facing a "hard mode" start. The early chapters certainly tugged at my heartstrings, depicting a baby dealing with the loss of her mother and a grieving, distant father. However, this "hard mode" felt somewhat short-lived, and I quickly found myself immersed in a world of do...
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Conclusion

Twenty-one novels featuring protagonists with second chances through reincarnation. The specific mechanics and stakes vary across entries. Some focus on personal relationships, others on larger events. Check descriptions to find the scale and tone that interests you.

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

Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?

First Impressions

Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken (WN)

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

Ouroboros Record ~Circus of Oubeniel~

First Impressions

Isekai Tensei Soudouki

First Impressions

The Icy Hero is Yearning for Love

First Impressions

Otome Game no Heroine de Saikyou Survival (LN)

First Impressions