Since childhood, Kazuhiro Kitase has been able to dream of a different world. He can return to reality by falling asleep or dying, and he can pick up where he left off by sleeping again. For years, he has had many adventures alongside Mariabelle, a beautiful elf who works for the Sorcery Guild.
On one of their escapades, they come across the lair of a dragon taking care of its eggs. They inadvertently wake the slumbering beast, who promptly reduces them to ashes. For Kazuhiro, it is merely a temporary setback, as he can simply go back. However, he is shocked to find Mariabelle herself safe and sound asleep next to him.
Kazuhiro realizes that his dream world is an alternate reality altogether. In the meantime, he makes the most of this bizarre circumstance, introducing Mariabelle to the sights and wonders of Japan. Now, with their time together spanning two worlds, their real adventures have just begun!
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
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Comentários
PanzerIV-J
Is Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! bad? Not at all. Is it amazing? Not quite. But it’s still a surprisingly enjoyable watch. At first, I expected a cozy slice-of-life anime about an elf struggling to adapt to modern Japan—something along the lines of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid but with an isekai twist. Instead, what I got was a show where the characters constantly jump between Japan and a fantasy RPG world whenever they fall asleep together. And while that setup isn’t bad, it’s not exactly what I was hoping for either. The fantasy world itself is… fine. It’s your standard RPG-style setting, complete with magic, skills, and allthe usual tropes. It does its job but doesn’t do anything particularly new or exciting. Honestly, the fantasy parts feel like they exist just to check the "isekai" box rather than add anything meaningful to the story. But here’s the thing—the Japan side of the story? That’s where the show actually shines.
Let me elaborate---
Where the Anime Really Works:
The biggest surprise for me was how well the romance was handled. A lot of romance anime tend to drag things out or rely too much on frustrating misunderstandings, but this one? It actually feels genuine. The relationships develop naturally, and there’s a warmth to the interactions that makes them stand out from your typical anime romance.
And a lot of that comes down to the characters.
Marie is, without a doubt, the best part of the show. She’s sweet, fun, and just an all-around joy to watch. Seeing her reactions to modern Japan is always entertaining, and her dynamic with Kazuhiro is great. There’s an innocence to her character that never feels forced or exaggerated, making her easily one of the most likable parts of the series.
Kazuhiro, on the other hand, is… well, he’s okay. He’s not an annoying protagonist (which is already better than some), but he’s not particularly memorable either. His laid-back "go with the flow" attitude works fine for the story, but I couldn’t help but wish he had a bit more personality. That said, he does have some solid moments, and his chemistry with Marie feels believable, so I can’t complain too much.
The Biggest Problem (In my opinion):
The entire time I was watching, I kept thinking: This anime would be so much better if Marie were just stuck in Japan.
Think about it—if she had no way of returning to her world, the story could’ve been so much more compelling. She could have had a meaningful arc about struggling with modern Japanese culture, learning the language, and slowly finding a new home with Kazuhiro. There’s so much potential in that setup, and it would’ve given the show a unique angle that set it apart from the endless flood of isekai anime out there.
Instead, we get a back-and-forth between Japan and the fantasy world, which ultimately just makes the show feel less focused. The fantasy side isn’t bad, but it’s also not particularly exciting, and every time the story shifted back there, I found myself wishing we could just stay in Japan and watch Marie figure things out.
Despite my complaints, I still enjoyed "Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!". The romance is solid, the characters are charming, and even though the fantasy elements feel like a wasted opportunity, they don’t completely ruin the experience.
7.5/10, If you’re looking for a romance-driven isekai that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this one is worth checking out. Just don’t go in expecting something groundbreaking.
Thanks for reading—hope this helps you decide whether to watch it!
KANLen09
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! - A dream world turned reverse Isekai adventure? What the hey, how come this has never been explored before? As humans, we all have dreams of what we want to be from a young age. For the uninitiated, however, dream worlds are like the facets of one's identity; for whatever he/she's dreaming about in a world that's untouched, there his/her soul will be. And as a not-so-intended pun, I humbly welcome everyone to novelist Makishima Suzuki's Nihon e Youkoso Elf-san a.k.a Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!, where dreams CAN be made a reality...so long as you treat it with a fictionalmindset.
"Dreams are larger than life, so as long as you embrace it, it shall happen." That's the habitual mindset of 25-year-old salaryman Kazuhiro Kitase, whose mindset is like a kid's, having been very invested in his own dream-like fantasy world due to his upbringing in a rather broken family. Living in the fantasy world of his dreams as Kazuhiho (due to a childhood spelling mistake), Kazuhiro presents himself as a young teenager and as the Illusory Swordsman adventurer travelling alongside his close confidante of 102-year-old elven spirit sorcerer Mariabelle a.k.a Marie. But a mishap dealing with an ancient Arkdragon circumvents sending Kazuhiro back to reality (as it should be with any awakening dream)...only to find that for some bizarre reason, Marie has also transported back to Japan from him hugging her on his way back from attempting to shield her from the dragon's fire. This reverse Isekai of sorts, being the first real interaction between Kazuhiro and Marie, more than being able to just sleep together and go into the dream world, has a lot in common when the former realizes that he could do so much more between both worlds and starts off an adventure that's like no other.
I love the idea of being able to physically enter dreams, even though this is just the brain's pheromones cycling over and over that the dream sequence is part-imagination, part-reality, more than just influenced by the events that once shook our lives. And this, to Kazuhiro, is 100% dream and 100% reality that he's able to bring someone from his dreams back home, so why not let Marie embrace all that's to know about Japan and its culture while he is at it?
Truly, this is where the reference lies that Elf-san Marie has come over to Japan, realizing that it can be done whenever Kazuhiro touches anyone on the way out from the fantasy world and vice versa, and simply by the fact that this is supposed to be a slice-of-life show to begin with. From experiencing life at his house to the outside world, Kazuhiro pampers Marie with everything that fascinates her about this "Japan" that he's been telling her about for a while and even lets her indulge in the everyday goodness that is more than just the typical Japanese hospitality...and maybe falling in love as well? This soon opens up the possibility that Kazuhiro can personally "Isekai" people between the fantasy world and Japan, such as in the case of the ancient Arkdragon that both he and Marie were dealing with in the first place: Wridra. The case of wanting to see her dragon eggs took a turn for the worse, being an offence to intrude on her lair, only to then pacify her with Japanese food and beverages to the point of satisfaction, which she therefore joins Marie on the otherworldly adventure as well. All this while, while not forgetting that they have things to do in the fantasy world by going back and forth, makes the show kind of a unique reverse Isekai. The characters make the show shine a lot, and to good effect.
When it comes to the production, don't expect this show to wow you with its flimsy Isekai features, because nowadays Zero-G does a lot of things to the point of bare bones, limiting even animation for action scenes. Sure, you could argue that the show isn't exactly focused on action, but it does play a part during the fantasy world stages where it is prominently shown on screen, and it feels as if the show was produced half-assedly to the point of giving it a pass if it looks alright.
The music fits quite aptly to the setting of the show, and for the most part, it really complements it quite well with its calm but vibrant themes. The same treatment follows up with Rico Sasaki's OP, as well as Nijisanji VTubers Kaede Higuchi and Kanae's ED, and they're alright, but lovely songs at that.
Overall, Nihon e Youkoso Elf-san. a.k.a Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!, is a show that is the perfect definition of "Don't think too much, just enjoy and let loose." The lore isn't deep by any means, but its implementation and execution are just right, enough to the point that'll make you smile like an idiot more than not. It's a feel-good show, for crying out loud, and what's not to love about bringing imaginary friends to the world that you live in?
KitagawaTamayuki
Probably the most wholesome and romantic anime I watched in a while, I really enjoyed every bit of the story. Two creatures came from different worlds, travelling and developed feelings... This series packs adventures, romance, comedy and wholesome moments that would keep you entertained and happy. I always watch this everytime I went home while in a bus, or even after a stressful day at school (college). I was also dreaming of having my favorite waifu at my side the next day I woke up. Wridra is also my favorite dragon"-ness?" Shes is kind, protective and a bit childish sometimes. This anime never made me bored inany part of it, the face of Marie is so cute that I really wanted to touch her face, I also hope that their relationship would improve even more.
I really recommend this to stressed people out there and to the one who seeks Adventure/Romance genre.
Hinaro-Kotsuma
This is the most I've smiled while watching an anime in a while, not only was it charming but the world felt expansive and fun. It's plot concept mixes up what you would traditionally see in an Isekai that helps it feel fresh and new and the world building really brings out the beautiful things about Japan. Despite it just being an anime it really makes me appreciate the wonderful things about the world we live in and how the simplest of things have such a powerful effect. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes romance anime with characters that feel multi-dimensional. Italso has fun fantasy elements that would keep people who aren't a fan of romantic anime interested. I'll definitely be reading the manga for this one! 9.4/10
Ifret
"Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!" is a delightful breath of fresh air in the isekai genre, blending romance, comedy, and slice-of-life into a truly heartwarming package. Unlike typical isekai packed with intense battles, this series shines with its adorable and innovative storytelling, bringing an elf to modern Japan in a way that feels both fresh and comforting. The romance is beautifully executed, making you root for the characters with every sweet moment. The visuals are absolutely stunning, with vibrant colors and charming designs that elevate the experience. Each character bursts with personality, making them instantly lovable and memorable. While the action takes a backseat, the mixof humor, cultural exploration, and heartfelt interactions more than makes up for it.
This anime combines elements from various genres into a story that’s equal parts creative and cozy, warming your heart with every episode. If you’re looking for something unique that leaves you smiling, this is a must-watch! Let’s spread the word about this hidden gem!
AboAhmed130
There are no spoilers in this comment, just my personal opinion about the show (in general). Honestly, I might be biased towards this anime because I love this type of show. So if you're neutral, you might not care about my review. I don’t even know where to start! The anime is enjoyable in every way to the point that I don’t even want to talk about specific scenes in this review! Just start watching and enjoy, don’t hesitate! If you're not convinced, here are some aspects I really liked about this anime: 1. **It’s a great motivator to learn Japanese!**You get to learn about their culture, food, and even some basic Japanese history!
2. **Mari, the protagonist, is overflowing with cuteness!**
She brings a cheerful and lively atmosphere to the show! The director did an amazing job showcasing her charm and adorableness!
3. **The anime is simple, relaxing, and has a clear story.**
The art style focuses more on breathtaking scenery rather than animation, making it a calm and soothing watch.
4. **Kazuhiro and Mari, the main duo, did so many different things!**
From episode one to the last, I never felt any repetition or exaggeration. I never got bored watching them! If a second season comes out, I’ll definitely watch it because I still want to see more of this duo!
**One minor downside:**
There were some moments (I won’t spoil, watch to understand) where the show shifted its focus away from Japan. These parts were a bit less enjoyable compared to the rest.
Overall, I **really** enjoyed this anime and I give it a solid **10/10**!
Anime-Isekai-God
Throughout Heaven and Earth... THis is by far the best romance anime of this year! For what this anime has too offer is enough for me to say that I absolutely love this anime!!! The concept of adding an Isekai and a Reverse-Isekai in a story is something that has never once ever happened in anime or manga which is one of the things that make this so special, onto the fact that you have to sleep into to go in and out of the other world. With that part out of the way, lets talk about the Kazuhiro. Kazuhiro, an MC who loves sleeping more thananything that his face that the appearance that he's always half-sleep said many times by Maria from being a officeworker IRL to being a type of adventure that can travel through set distances and sleep great distance with his special ability sure is handy for the type of stuff he be doing. + He's a great cook from what I know since both Maria and Wridra loves his cooking. Overall a helpful/useful MC whos very chill and seems the type of character that you would enjoy
Now what can I say about Wridra and Maria... One thing for certain that both of these female MC's are 10/10 certified cuties like c'mon man how am I supposed to talk about them when their mere appearance, the way they act and talk just going bout and how they do around Kazuhiro is beyond cute that its enough to give me type 1 and 2 diabetes.
10/10 anime. Cannot wait for a S2 whenever that comes, given the rating of this anime and how wonderful the manga is doing aswell!!!
Ryd1
I binge-watched this anime and now I’m writing a review the next day — to be objective. Objectively speaking: this anime is actually solid. I thought it would be just another forgettable show, but it turned out to be nearly a hidden gem of the winter romance season (seriously, not much else good came out). It handles comedy, romance, and fantasy incredibly well. The idea of different dimensions is really cool and unusual — haven’t seen something like that in a while. The jokes aren’t cringey, and even the few that might be still fit the context. The animation is excellent, and in some moments — absolutelytop-tier. I also want to highlight the opening and ending — for a 12-episode romance series, they’re really well done. I usually skip them, but here I found myself watching and listening more than once.
Plot-wise: it’s both unique and at times a little clichéd, but I enjoyed it.
My opinion: I liked the anime. The characters feel alive. It’s a shame we only got the backstory of the main character. I especially enjoyed the concept of different worlds and traveling between them through dreams.
The romantic plot was my favorite part — slow but with visible development, and no overkill. It felt almost realistic, which made it even more engaging to watch.
As for people saying the MC is a cuck or whatever — well, people in Japan are more reserved: they’re not maxing out five credit cards or starring in “16 and Pregnant.” Honestly, it’s normal — finish school, get a job. When’s there even time to build relationships? Besides, they showed that the MC used to be emotionally numb and indifferent to the real world — he lived in dreams.
Some don’t like the story or the parallel worlds idea — well, f*** it, go rewatch “Jujutsu Kaisen,” since that’s the gold standard of writing, right?
Rating: 9/10.
It was interesting and engaging. Watching the characters was genuinely enjoyable, the humor landed, the animation was great, and the story had a solid concept.
Hopefully we’ll get a sequel in 2–3 years. This story deserves it.
Thanks for reading, and good luck.
Haters — love you ♥
Kyou_Ryuu
There are two groups of people watching this series: those who love Marie and those who are lying. This show mixes isekai/reverse-isekai with slice-of-life and romance in an interesting way. Unfortunately only some of those genres are developed enough, which affected my overall enjoyment. The reverse-isekai which includes all the SoL elements is well done. Mind you, nothing groundbreaking. But still, perfectly fine for a relaxing show: sweet everyday moments focusing on the struggles of an elf adapting to modern life in Japan, with a lot of attention dedicated to food. Those were also the scenes where the romance between the two MCs progressed the most. Thispart also included many references to "My neighbour Totoro", which I found amusing. As I said, not a writing masterpiece since it was a bit shallow. And yet simple, cozy, fun, which is usually enough to entertain most of the audiences.
Then we have the isekai world where our protagonists travel during their sleep: an absolute snoozefest of generic worldbuilding, abused tropes and uninteresting characters. A boring abomination that dragged my rating down as well as my eyelids. If I had to rate only the reverse-isekai episodes, this series would have been almost a 7. But the isekai doesn't deserve more than 4. Which brings it to my current rating of 5.5 (bumped up because I liked the very last episode).
Character-wise, Mariabelle is one of the cutest waifus of the last seasons; really adorable. Wridra is also fun. The MC is just a self-insert, but on the other hand no character really had deep personality traits, not even our silver-haired elf.
The plot is almost non-existent. We have just romance progression while the MCs are in Japan, and we have a run-of-the-mill JRPG adventure with no real stakes in the isekai world.
Visually speaking, the animation is average but pleasant, although it falls short in the action/battle scenes. The character design of Marie is cute, but it's just meh for the rest of the cast.
There are a few fanservices during the show and in the ED, and a couple of gratuitous ones (e.g. was it really necessary for Marie to wear the "desert outfit", which was then forgotten in the very next episode?). Nothing excessive anyway, and quite fewer than in your seasonal isekai or romcom.
I liked Hondo voicing Marie, but the character's mannerisms and cutesy got old fast. It's not going to be a problem if you don't know Japanese and/or you watch it dubbed.
The OST isn't spectacular but the ED is catchy.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A cute series to watch when you want to lay back and relax. It has little to offer, and especially the isekai parts are grating, but the romance is simple and sweet, and Marie is a cinnamon roll.
I wouldn't recommend it though, unless you are in withdrawal from silver-haired elf waifus.
butahime
This is a Japanese guy/cute elf romance that's half isekai and half "reverse isekai." The part that takes place in the rather generic fantasy dungeon world is super boring and hardly worth describing but the part that takes place in Japan is, while sometimes a bit cliche, decently enjoyable. The elf girl has very cute lines that are well delivered by Hondo Kaede and the boy is at least not a caricature of denseness or lechery. We get to see plenty of cute scenes like cooking together, going on train trips, lying in bed together, introducing the elf girl to other people(as a generic foreigner ofc), interactions with MC boy's grandfather, by recent anime romance standards the Japan setting parts are consistently at least decent and recall the classic magical girlfriend anime of the 80s and 90s. Nearly half the run time being wasted on the isekai setting parts weights it down very heavily though
Sidarif
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! is a charming blend of isekai fantasy and slice-of-life romance, and it really caught me by surprise. The story reminds me a bit of I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World—not in terms of action or overpowered protagonists, but in how it merges the real world with a fantasy one. However, this series doesn’t focus heavily on either world, which might feel underwhelming for viewers expecting deep world-building or dramatic stakes. Instead, the focus is on the characters and the emotional connection they build, especially between the main protagonist and the elf heroine. What truly stood out to me was thebeautiful final episode. It wrapped things up in a very heartfelt and emotional way that left a lasting impression. The visuals were soft and pleasant, and the music complemented the mood really well throughout.
If you're looking for an anime with high action or intense plot twists, this might not be it. But if you're in the mood for something relaxing, warm, and emotionally satisfying, this is a great choice. Definitely a feel-good watch!
HERMIT_PAIMON
It's literally a combination of iseaki + reverse iseaki which i never seen in my entire 18+ anime career If we talk about aspects of this show like ost , art style etc they are pretty dope even it has a cool world building . i don't have any complain regarding any issue . so, don't believe non recommended reviews regarding shows , watch yourself and find out . I bet it won't dissappoint If you looking for a heart warming show after a shonen burnout and this show is made for you. It offers everything food , adventure , action , cutemoments etc . All i say please add more romance in next season .
Eva_PhoenixAnime
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf is an enjoyable and relaxing watch with a nice unique isekai gimmick. If you enjoy anime such as “Uncle from another World” or “Sasaki and Peeps” then I would recommend picking up this to watch. Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf is not your common isekai as I mentioned before due to it combining both normal isekai themes and also “reverse isekai” scenarios which results in some fun and interesting stories. The story mainly centres around Kazuhiro who is an ordinary Japanese salaryman, but has the ability to be isekaied into a fantasy world whenever he sleeps. The other main characteris Marie the elven spirit sorcerer who is able to travel back to the “normal world” after both are killed by the arkdragon.
This creates the main premise of the show as Marie now starts her unexpected transition into the modern world. The show has a nice This development leads to a blend of fantasy and slice-of-life elements as Marie acclimates to contemporary Japanese culture, exploring its cuisine, language, and customs, all while maintaining their adventures in the fantasy realm during Kazuhiro's dreams. A romantic relationship develops between Kazuhiro and Marie and evolves throughout the story, providing both comedic and heartfelt moments as they navigate the challenges of two interconnected worlds.
Interestingly, the show can be split into two different major stories. As the real world shows off and explores Marie’s adaptation to the Japanese culture and relationship with Kazuhiro, whilst the isekai world explores the adventure of the two as the explore dungeons and take on various enemies that may get in their way.
The animation quality is commendable, featuring vibrant art and fluid motion that effectively bring the characters and settings to life. The art style complements the narrative's blend of fantasy and slice-of-life elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
While "Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!" is a delightful watch, it's important to note that if you're seeking high-quality and entertaining fantasy battles, this may not be the right show for you. The series places greater emphasis on its slice-of-life aspects, particularly highlighting the cultural exchanges and everyday experiences between the characters. This focus is evident in scenes showcasing Japanese cuisine, where the depiction of food serves as a symbol of the show's dedication to exploring daily life and cultural nuances.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this light hearted and comedic anime. Both the main characters were great and their dynamics made the show even better. If your looking for a isekai to enjoy that isn’t just OP MC then I highly recommend this show right here with its comedy, slice-of-life, adventure and romance themes. Final warning however, just seeing the food depicted in this show will make your mouth water it looks and sounds that good.
Andrewapps
Story: 6 (5/10 for the fantasy world, 7/10 for the real world) Characters: 6 Animation: 7 Sound: 7.5 Enjoyment: 6.5 Overall: 6.6/10 Notes: Ah, what a joy to have so many manga that I used to read 5+ years back getting anime adaptations, many of which I picked up on a complete whim. *This* is one such title. Now, I'll be honest... the manga was cute at first, but it quickly bored me, so I was quite apprehensive on starting "Welcome to Japan, Elf-san". Well... I was only half-right to be apprehensive. See, this particular title has two sides to it: the human world, and the fantasy world, and while Mariabelle(the elf) being in the real world and having to adjust to the overwhelming culture, a new language, technology and innovations, etc. is quite entertaining and cute to watch... I swear, the fantasy world is so bland, generic, and draining in comparison. *Especially* when there are fight scenes, the fantasy world just sucks, massively. The show would have been so much better had the MCs not been able to hop between worlds via sleeping, with Mariabelle instead being trapped in the real world, and watching her adjust/adapt.
Speaking of Mariabelle, she is undoubtably the best part of the show/manga. Her mannerisms, personality, charm, just... all of it. She is downright adorable, and although I don't particularly care for Kazuhiro/Kazuhiho (the MC), watching the pair of them fumble around in a blossoming romance is just too cute. Which, by the way, the show doesn't skate around. Yes, the characters are innocent, and yes, they're afraid to make the first move, but there are no stupid interruptions, no cop outs, none of that cliché garbage. Instead, their progression feels genuine, like friends that are truly struggling on how to bring up the idea of a relationship without tarnishing what they currently have. The two of them together, in the human world, is just pure diabetes-inducing sweetness.
So again... real world = good, fantasy world = bad, real world supporting cast = good, fantasy world supporting cast = meh. To which the fantasy world takes up ~half of the show's runtime. Despite this, I'm giving the show a low 7/10 on my grading scale, so... take that as you will. Don't expect anything revolutionary (especially from the fantasy world), but if you like romance-driven slice-of-life shows, and are looking for something a bit more unorthodox/less run-of-the-mill, then give "Welcome to Japan, Elf-san" a chance.
Comet_Official
I always LOVE isekai anime that add unique twists like this! Uncle from another World, One Hit Kill Sister, Sasaki and Peeps, and now Welcome to Japan Ms. Elf! I just finished all 12 episodes out and I can say without a doubt this anime is worth the watch! Its a beautiful blend of adventuring in both a fantasy world and the Japanese culture! Our MC is able to traverse the fantasy world while dreaming and at points even bring the fantasy back to his world! How cool is that? So if you are hesitant on watching this anime don't be as it has adventure,comedy, romance and is just overall a fun watch! Not to mention we ACTUALLY get development with the romance in the story so that's AWESOME!!
5iv3_
I had no intention of watching this series originally until I saw a PV and it INSTANTLY grabbed my attention. The show lived up to its expectations and even surpassed them imo and this show was absolutely amazing. I had never seen a show with the twist on the isekai genre like this with the going back and forth and thought this was such an interesting idea. To give a short idea of how I felt with the show: perfect. absolutely perfect. First, the switching between worlds I felt was executed really really well and with the frequency too it was a really nice balance.If it was just Japan I feel i would've gotten bored if it was the same thing the whole time but it not being that made this SO much better. You get a taste for both and see how as characters they interact differently between the different world and each other. Really well thought out idea.
Next, the characters are REALLY REALLY awesome. Especially the mains. They were so cute together, and you could see their progress together over time. They also feel quite unique when paired together, at least to me. Basically, the characters are so cool and awesome and lovely <3
Lastly, I want a season 2. Like I really want a season 2. I need more wholesome Kazuhiro & Marie together just being together. THIS SHOW WAS AMAZING.
:)
Flacion
To go from being the only one able to visit a fantasy world in your dreams, to suddenly bringing an elf girl with you back to japan, certainly is a wonderful surprise. In Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf, are we following Kazuhiro and Mariabelle, one being a man from japan and the other a female elf from a fantasy world. With them do we switch between two different aspects of the show, one being a more slice of life style and the other a classic fantasy adventure. But it is bound together by our two main characters. The plot of the show is also very much tiedto the two different aspects of it, with it giving two different plotlines to follow, one in each world with a little bit of overlap. This could easily give a very confused plotline or a lackluster one, but the show knows how to fuse them. The way they fuse the two plotlines is by keeping it fairly simple, not in a bad way, but in a way that makes it easy to follow and digest. This combination of the plotlines helps keep the plot fresh and comfortable to watch, which pairs well up with the rest of the show.
Character wise is the focus very much on the two main characters, with some focus on specific side characters. The main characters really ties the show together, since they are the ones that travel between the worlds, this also gives room for the characters to evolve and be affected on multiple fronts. For the progression of the two of them is it a very predictable progression, but still a nice one at that, they each learn and adapt in the two worlds, and slowly push their own relationship forward. The side characters are not too detailed, but are paid the amount of detail needed for them to support the show and the main characters. It is really the two main characters that actually influence the story and live up to what is expected, while the rest of the cast just fill out their roles.
The show as a whole is very much a relaxed show and made to be comfortable to watch, which is very well made with the fusion and switch between the two aspects. This is also supported by having characters that learn more about their worlds and are developing a deeper connection, while still keeping it all light and fun to watch.
So overall is this a great watch, especially if you want something more relaxed and light to watch, if that is so I would definitely recommend watching this anime.
Chad_Snow
A fun little anime with a play on the isekai trope. I really like how the concept of the characters switching between worlds is explored. It's got decent characters, a little worldbuilding, and good development. The female MC isn't annoying like you often find and is actually quite endearing. The MC isn't your typical Japanese beta-male nerd that cant form a single sentence. The romance actually progresses. This anime sometimes feels like a love letter to Japan (as does many other) and does a great job at highlighting Japan's many amazing sceneries. I always like to highlight it (though this shouldn't be something praiseworthy but the norm) when there'sno sick Japanese pedophilia or anything like that.
patkarunungan
'Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!' could have been a great anime but was hampered by some of its choices. It's basically reverse isekai. Kitase Kazuhiro is able to travel to another world through dreams. But one day, his ælf companion, Mariabelle, was able to travel back to Earth with him, and here begins a wonderful romance. Both Kazuhiro and Marie spend an equal amount of time in the isekai as well as in Japan, and herein lies its weakness. Even if a place in the isekai is interesting, such as this particular dungeon, it remains to be a mediocre part of this story. On the other hand,Marie's exploration of Japan and eating lots of Japanese foods is magical. This is its strength.
It's understandable that both have to travel back and forth the isekai. After all, that is Marie's home and both are adventurers there. The problem is, that it detracts from its core strength of having Marie become amazed with Japan. One might argue that if this had at least 24 episodes, it might have been more acceptable. In that case, both isekai and Japan would be adequately explored, but the inherent mediocrity of exploring the isekai is here to stay.
re: character designs
I thought Marie might prove to be another generic ælf, but she is holding her own as a likable character. Her character design is slightly better than generic but not as iconic as Frieren's.
Kazuhiro is rather generic.
Wridra, an important supporting character, has great character design.
The opening song is lovely. The ED is just as love but more cheerful. Both fit the vibe the show is giving.
I also give additional points for its strong visuals.
re: romance
Although there are some romantic subtexts between Kazuhiro and Marie in most anime, the main draw is still her exploration of Japan. Granted, this romantic subtext adds some chemistry between them, but it remains to be seen if this developing romance would be more primary should there be a second season.
§ Conclusion
Setting aside the mediocre isekai part, it's a nice slice of life with a touch of romance. Their chemistry is great and worth watching. This is one of those shows that deserve a second season.
