In Another World With My Smartphone is a Japanese light novel series written by Patra Fuyuhara and illustrated by Eiji Usatsuka for the light novel version, and Nekotama for the web version.
It tells the story of Touya Mochizuki, a teenage boy who is accidentally killed by a god and is given a second chance at life in a fantasy world, bringing his modified smartphone along with him.
The series is known for its light-hearted tone, harem elements, and unique twists on the standard isekai tropes.
It was serialized online from 2013 to 2024 and has sold over 3 million copies as of 2023.
It has been adapted into manga and anime formats, spawning a devoted fanbase and various media projects.
This series originated from a web novel published on "Shōsetsuka ni Narō" beginning in 2013 by Patra Fuyuhara.
The concept was born from the idea of blending modern technology with classic fantasy, exploring how a smartphone—which contains nearly limitless information—could become a quintessential "cheat item" in a medieval fantasy world.
Due to its popularity online, Hobby Japan officially published the light novel in 2015, and the franchise expanded into manga, anime, and games.
The world is a classic high fantasy setting filled with magic, swords, kingdoms, and mythical beasts.
Each kingdom features unique cultures, politics, and even their own species—such as beastmen, elves, and demons.
Magic is omnipresent and divided into seven elements: fire, water, wind, earth, light, darkness, and none (unique/cultivated magic).
A crucial part of world mechanics is the "adventurer guild" system, as well as the strong presence of ancient artifacts.
The god who reincarnates Touya is part of a lively pantheon, with many gods and goddesses later introduced as characters—several even take on familial roles and descend to live among mortals.
The world features "Frays"—mysterious crystalline monsters that invade from outside the world, and massive artifacts known as the Babylon legacy—ancient floating islands that house powerful magical technologies.
Touya Mochizuki dies due to a god's mistake and is reincarnated into another world with his smartphone, which is upgraded with magical properties.
Blessed with unparalleled magical abilities and all elemental affinities, he quickly gathers a group of friends and fiancées—most notably Yae Kokonoe (a passionate swordswoman), the twin sisters Else and Linze Silueska, and the clairvoyant princess Yumina.
Touya’s journey is a whirlwind of guild quests, dungeon crawling, magical research, and diplomatic adventures.
He saves princesses, solves political crises, and even founds his own country, the Duchy of Brynhildr.
Over time, he discovers ancient floating fortresses (Babylon), adopts legendary beasts (serving as his familiars), wields a frame gear (giant ancient mecha), and faces the threat of Frays and the interference of gods and otherworldly invaders.
Thanks to his kindness and ingenuity, Touya is constantly surrounded by loyal friends and powerful allies.
The story's tone is light, comedic, and features slice-of-life moments, even as Touya faces world-shaking battles and becomes a literal god.
- Smartphone: The hero’s smartphone works via magic power, can’t connect to Earth, but is a multi-tool—map, encyclopedia, storage, translator, sending messages, and more.
Its main function is acting as an overpowered “cheat item.”
- Adventurer Guild: The professional body for those who take up monster-hunting, escorting, and other dangerous jobs.
Members are ranked from black to gold, with Touya rising quickly to the top tiers.
- Magic: There are seven elements. Most can only wield one or two elements, but Touya has all.
Unique magics (“null attributes”) like Gate (teleportation) and Program (enchant objects with new functions) are especially rare.
- Frays: Crystalline, otherworldly monsters.
They invade and threaten the world's existence, prompting the need for ancient weapons and alliances.
- Frame Gear: Ancient, giant, humanoid weapon-mechas powered by magic.
Developed to fight Frays; only accessible thanks to the Babylon artifacts.
- Babylon: Floating magical fortresses created by the genius Rzen Babirn, scattered and sealed for millennia.
Each has a “sister” AI/manager, requiring a contract with the protagonist before they can be used.
- Gods and Divine Family: Several gods descend to live as relatives or helpers of Touya, offering comic support, wisdom, and occasionally meddling guidance.
Light Novel
- 31 volumes published by Hobby Japan (HJ Novels) as of May 2025.
- Sales have surpassed 3 million copies as of 2023.
- Serialization on "Shōsetsuka ni Narō" concluded in November 2024.
Manga
- Serialized in Monthly Comp Ace magazine (Kadokawa) since 2017, drawn by Soto.
- 16 collected volumes as of December 2024.
Anime
- Season 1 aired from July to September 2017, directed by Takeyuki Yanase, produced by Production Reed.
- Season 2 aired from April to June 2023, directed by Yoshiaki Iwasaki, produced by J.C. Staff.
- Both anime seasons covered major early arcs, following Touya's growth from a rookie adventurer to a king.
Games
- A browser-based RPG, "In Another World With My Smartphone: Happiness Cradle," was launched by CTW in 2023.
After achieving immense popularity online, Patra Fuyuhara's work caught the attention of publishers.
Hobby Japan oversaw professional publication; Eiji Usatsuka (well-known for "The Familiar of Zero") became the main series illustrator for the light novels.
The project gained momentum with an anime adaptation featuring a prolific staff known for fantasy and slice-of-life anime, leveraging the "isekai boom" of the 2010s.
The anime and related merchandise, collaborations (including browser games and drama CDs), and stage events expanded the series' reach to a global audience.
- Anime Season 1 OP: "Another World" by AOP
- Anime Season 1 ED: "Innocent Emotional" performed by the main heroines' voice actors
- Anime Season 2 OP: "Real Diamond" by Gemstone7
- Anime Season 2 ED: "Isekai Jewelry" performed by the main and newly introduced heroines’ voice cast
The series is widely considered "chill" and stress-free, designed for relaxing rather than challenging engagement.
It's celebrated by many as a top "comfort food" isekai but also critiqued for being formulaic and overly convenient for its protagonist (earning nicknames like "Smartphone Tarou").
Its most popular meme arose from episode three: “It’s just like shogi,” a phrase that became a widespread internet joke due to its out-of-place delivery.
Throughout its run, the series has enjoyed significant commercial success, influencing the isekai genre and inspiring a wave of "cheat item" reincarnation stories across anime and web fiction.
The series’ subtitle system is notable: each episode/chapter carries a "X, and then Y." pattern.
It’s renowned for its vast cast, light harem romantic antics, and creative use of modern knowledge mashed up with fantasy tropes.
Its legacy continues with ongoing releases and steadily growing international fan engagement.
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