This book anthology will provide a compilation of various themes that are within the broad scope of the Isekai genre. Starting with an introduction and a historic overview of the recently very popular anime and manga genre, the different chapters will deal with specific aspects in the field of film and visual culture, religious studies as well as possible effects on the militarization of societies. Authors can cover the thematic issues of gender representations, violence, the representation of state and religion, the military, and the societal aspect of transgressing to another world. Hence the aim of this book is to be a valuable source for all those who are willing to look behind the scenes of Isekai and other worlds, unraveling the mysteries, impacts, and social functions of this popular genre.
Topics may include but are not limited to:
- History of Japanese Isekai novels, manga and anime
- The evolution of Isekai and it’s rise in popularity
- Gender aspects, Gender Swap, Gender Based Violence, Gender Role Models, Isekai Harem
- Religious aspects , The image of religion in Isekai
- Violence and the military in Isekai
- Unique features in Isekai
- Societal aspects of Isekai
- Case studies of a specific Isekai series/novels
Final submissions should be between 5000 and 7000 words (including bibliography and reference). If you have additional suggestions or topics that you would like to contribute, please feel free to email them. As this anthology understands itself as interdisciplinary, proposals from Japanese Studies, Cultural and Film Studies as well as from Popular Culture and the Social Sciences including Humanities are welcomed.
Submission details
Please send your proposal, approximately 200 to 400 words, covering the topic and methodology used before 20th January 2023 to the editor. Please also provide a short academic bio of around 100 words.
Your work should be original and currently not submitted to another publisher or Journal.
Decisions will be communicated in February 2023. Chapter manuscripts are expected to be submitted in August 2023. A detailed guideline (citation, spelling, chapter structure of the book) will be communicated together with the decisions.
Contact Info:
Proposals and any inquiries should be sent to the editor’s email:
Dr. Cserkits Michael (independent post-doc scholar; University of Vienna/Austria)
a1049671@unet.univie.ac.at (Academic email); and please cc to explainingisekai@gmx.at (Project email)
Tags: CFP, Edited collection
The Fan Studies Network 
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