We have another isekai series where the main character isn’t the isekai protagonist! It’s a welcome surprise in such a large, populous genre. Emi is a typical happy girl from Japan who enjoys playing (and replaying) an otome visual novel. She’s reborn into that world after suffering a tragic accident back in Japan. As Remilia, she wants to change her fate and give her favorite character a happy ending. However, she’s not the only isekai protagonist around, and Remilia will need to take center stage. We’ll see who gets that happy ending when Within the Villainess (Akuyaku Reijo no Naka no Hito: Danzai Sareta Tensei-sha no Tame Usotsuki Heroine ni Fukushu Itashimasu) premieres sometime in 2027.
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Makiburo released the original Within the Villainess novel series on the user-generated website Shosetsuka ni Naro from May 14th, 2020, to May 25th, 2020. Mai Murasaki provided art for the light novel adaptation, which ran from February 2nd, 2021, to February 2nd, 2024. Ichijinsha published both volumes in the Ichijinsha Novels imprint. Nazuna Shiraume provided art for the manga adaptation, whose story differs from the novels and ran from November 19th, 2021, to May 30th, 2025. Ichijinsha published all six volumes in Comic Lake.
Within the Villainess Cast
The titular villainess, her lovely isekai protagonist, and their shared enemy are as follows:
- Remilia Rosa Graupner — Miyuki Sawashiro (Raiden Shogun/Raiden Ei from Genshin Impact). Remilia is a noblewoman who was once destined to side with the demons and destroy the kingdom.
- Emi Kobayashi — Rie Takahashi (Megumin from KONOSUBA -God’s blessing on this wonderful world!). Emi is a girl from Japan who works hard to change Remilia’s fate.
- Rina. Rina is a girl from Japan who wants to make the most of her new isekai life, no matter what.
Studio Roll2 maintains a home page and a Twitter (X) page to promote Within the Villainess. You can find more information about the series and the key visuals at those sites.
The One Within the Villainess Must Be Protected At All Costs
Circumstances cut Emi Kobayashi’s bright young life short in Japan. She awakens as a young Remilia Rosa Graupner, the villainess of her favorite otome game Hoshi no Otome to Guze no Kishi. Emi always loved Remilia, and she felt sad that the villainess had to suffer for her actions in the game. As such, Emi would change Remilia’s fate and befriend the game’s heroes. It’s unfortunate then that Emi isn’t the only isekai protagonist around.
Rina is a similar “reincarnator” from Japan who took over Pina Blanche’s role. She thrives on being the main heroine of the game, destined for glory. Rina works behind the scenes and frames Emi for bullying and assault. Seeing her friends turn against her shatters Emi’s mind and puts her soul into a state of slumber. It’s here that Remilia returns to the world, filled with Emi’s memories of the game. Remilia will avenge Emi and destroy those who hurt her dear friend.
Will you set your calendars to watch the premiere of Within the Villainess in 2027? Do you know a heroine who acts more like a villainess? Have you ever sided with a villainess? Let us know in the comments below.
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No girlfriend? No problem! April 14 is Black Day in South Korea, when single men mark the occasion by eating black noodles. They missed out on Valentine’s Day chocolate on February 14, and had no one to give white chocolate to on White Day, March 14, but so April 14 is their day! J-List is celebrating with a huge 15% sale on all Japan-based products through April 20. Start browsing now!
