The Japanese words'isekai'and'mangaka'have appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary, along with many other Japanese words. Mangaka is defined as a Manga Writer or Illustrator, while isekai is defined as:
A Japanese science fiction or fantasy genre whose main character is transported to or reincarnated in another, strange, or alien world. Also: an anime, manga, video game, etc., belonging to this genre. Often used as a modifier.
The words 'onigiri', 'katsu' and 'tonkatsu' are also added, the definition being:
Onigiri: A Japanese dish consisting of small rice balls or rice triangles stuffed with pickled or salted fillings and often wrapped in dried seaweed.
Katsu: In Japanese cooking: a piece of meat (usually chicken), seafood or vegetables, coated with flour, egg and panko breadcrumbs, deep-fried and cut into strips. Also: this one dish, usually served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu or curry sauce. Frequently as a post-production editor, esp. in chicken katsu
Tonkatsu: In Japanese cooking: pork cutlet coated with flour, egg and panko breadcrumbs, deep fried and cut into strips. Also: this dish, often served with shredded cabbage and tonkatsu sauce.
Some other words include'santoku,'okonomiyaki'and'donburi.'
Both isekai and mangaka have come into common use among Japanese anime and manga fans, and this seems like an official acknowledgment from the Oxford English Dictionary that the words are now part of the language. . The isekai genre has been growing steadily for a while now, and Kodansha also recently announced a major isekai collaboration project. It is titled “That Time Many Isekai Titles Aired in 2024” and you can see the image below.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary
Featured photo: Mushoku Tensei
© Rifujin na Magonote/MF Books/”Mushoku Tensei” Production committee