Reincarnated as a Sword

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Sword
Industry	Light novel, manga, anime
Founded	October 2015; 11 years ago
Founder	Yuu Tanaka
Headquarters	Japan, Japan
Area served	Worldwide (licensed in North America by Seven Seas Entertainment)
Key people	Yuu Tanaka (author), Ruroo (illustrator), Tomowo Maruyama (manga artist), Hinako Inoue (spin-off manga artist)
Products	Light novels, manga, anime television series
Owner	Micro Magazine (publisher)
Website	ncode.syosetu.com/n8727be/

or , is a Japanese light novel series authored by Yuu Tanaka, featuring illustrations by Ruroo. Initially launched as a web novel on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō platform in October 2015, it was subsequently released as a light novel under Micro Magazine beginning in July 2016. The franchise grew to include a manga adaptation illustrated by Tomowo Maruyama and published through Gentosha, alongside a spin-off manga created by Hinako Inoue from Micro Magazine. In North America, both the manga and light novels have been licensed by Seven Seas Entertainment.

An anime adaptation produced by C2C aired between October and December 2022, with a second season slated for release in the last quarter of 2026.

The series has garnered praise for its artwork, voice performances, action scenes, and the dynamic between its main characters, although some reviewers have pointed out flaws in its writing and originality.

Plot

Following his death in a car crash, an unnamed man is reincarnated as an intelligent sword endowed with formidable powers but lacking any recollection of his identity. Accepting this new existence, he searches for a wielder to partner with in battle and to enhance his abilities. He encounters a caravan of slave traders under assault by a two-headed bear. A young catgirl slave named Fran discovers the sword and uses it to slay the beast. Liberated from bondage, she names the sword "Teacher," and together they set off on their journey.

Characters

: Once human, Teacher has been reincarnated as a legendary sword equipped with an artificial intelligence that provides guidance. Resigned to await a worthy wielder, he becomes Fran's companion after aiding her escape from slavery. By defeating monsters, he acquires new powers and can transfer these abilities to Fran.

: A 12-year-old Black Cat girl sold into slavery following her parents' demise. With Teacher's assistance, she frees herself and aims to achieve full evolution—a milestone no Black Cat has reached before. Despite cautions, she confronts danger directly. Her powers are entirely derived from Teacher.

: A half-elf who runs an orphanage and cared for Fran after her parents passed away. A formidable fighter stronger than both Fran and Teacher, she serves as a mentor and maternal figure with insight into Teacher’s true nature.

: A Wood Elf elementalist who leads the Alessa Adventurers' Guild. Gifted with the ability to perceive true natures, he harbors suspicions about Fran’s abilities but permits her entry into the guild. He is also Frion's uncle.

: An Oni warrior responsible for testing adventurers through combat trials. After being defeated by Fran, he endorses her guild membership.

: The receptionist at Alessa's Adventurers' Guild who conceals a darker side yet develops affection for Fran.

: An elderly dwarf blacksmith supplying gear to Fran. He possesses unique knowledge about Teacher owing to a special ability.

Randell: An adventurer saved by Fran and Teacher during their travels.

Lily: An adventurer they meet along their journey.

Crull: Another adventurer encountered during their expedition.

Eustace: An adventurer they come across during their travels.

August: The harsh vice-captain of Alessa’s guards who despises adventurers. Endowed with powers to detect deception and charm others, which he abuses. Teacher steals these abilities from him, damaging his reputation. Seeking vengeance, he hires assassin Gyuran to eliminate Fran; however, she kills Gyuran instead. August is subsequently confined under permanent house arrest by his father.

Gyruan: A Blue Cat assassin contracted by August to assassinate Fran. His species are adversaries of Black Cats and responsible for Fran’s enslavement. She kills him and claims his weapon as retribution for her people.

Count Holmes: The ruler of Alessa and father of August. He punishes August for his offenses but may harbor hidden intentions.

Cruise Riouselle: Leader of the Azure Guardians and examiner who assists warriors assigned to defeat spider monsters within a dungeon.

Rig: A member of the Azure Guardians participating in dungeon operations.

Eizelle: Another Azure Guardians member involved in dungeon missions.

Krad: Commander of Dragon's Roar, a party collaborating to eliminate spider monsters in a dungeon setting. Initially resentful of Fran and Amanda joining their predominantly male group, he eventually comes to respect their strength.

Balz: A member of Dragon's Roar.

Victor: A member of Dragon's Roar.

Gennel: A member of Dragon's Roar.

Frion: An elf sorcerer leading the Eyes of the Forest party and Klimt’s nephew.

Urushi: A warrior accompanying Fran’s group during dungeon battles against spider monsters.

Kinan and Flamia: Fran’s late parents known to Amanda, who entrusted their daughter’s care to her.

Jean Du Vix: A necromancer appearing at the conclusion of season one with ambiguous intentions toward Fran and Teacher.

Light novel

The series initially appeared as a web novel by Yuu Tanaka on Shōsetsuka ni Narō starting in October 2015, concluding its online run in February 2024. Micro Magazine secured the rights to publish the light novel version, releasing it under their GC Novels label with artwork by Llo. By March 2025, a total of 19 volumes had been published. The limited edition of the fifth volume featured a drama CD containing an exclusive story. Seven Seas Entertainment obtained the license for English-language publication, beginning distribution on August 6, 2019.

Manga

The manga adaptation, illustrated by Tomowo Maruyama, was serialized in Gentosha's Denshi Birz magazine from December 9, 2016, until January 15, 2018. Following the magazine's discontinuation, the series continued its serialization on Comic Boost. Collected into 17 volumes, the first tankōbon was released in April 2017. For North American audiences, Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga and launched volume one on December 17, 2019. Additionally, a spin-off manga authored by Tanaka and drawn by Hinako Inoue was serialized on Micro Magazine's Comic Ride website from June 1, 2020, through January 30, 2023. This spin-off also received licensing from Seven Seas.

Anime

An anime adaptation was officially announced within the twelfth light novel volume on September 24, 2021. The production was handled by C2C with direction by Shinji Ishihira. Script supervision was managed by Takahiro Nagano, while Atsuki Saitō fulfilled duties as character designer and chief animation director. Music composition was led by Yasuharu Takanashi. The series aired from October 5 to December 21, 2022, across networks including Tokyo MX, ABC, and BS Asahi. Its opening theme song is "Tensei Shitara Ken Deshita" performed by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets, and the ending theme "More Strongly" is sung by Maon Kurosaki.

At Anime Expo 2022, Sentai Filmworks announced licensing rights for territories outside Asia, followed by confirmation of an English dub during Anime Weekend Atlanta in October 2022.

After the finale aired, a second season was officially confirmed with the original staff and cast returning. This new season is slated for release in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Reception

Theron Martin of Anime News Network commended the chemistry between the main characters and regarded Tanaka’s writing as slightly above average due to its fluid dialogue and character progression. He appreciated the world-building as fitting for the characters’ viewpoint but criticized the narrative for lacking originality, drawing parallels to titles such as So I'm a Spider, So What?, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, and Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon.

External links

at Shōsetsuka ni Narō