High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World: A Bold Isekai Revolution
High School Prodigies Have It Easy Even in Another World (Chōjin Kōkōseitachi wa Isekai demo Yoyū de Ikinuku Yōdesu!, or Chōyoyū) is a Japanese anime that reimagines the isekai genre by emphasizing intellect, strategy, and societal reform over traditional heroics. Adapted from Riku Misora’s light novel series, with illustrations by Sacraneco, the 12-episode anime, produced by Project No.9 and directed by Shinsuke Yanagi, aired from October to December 2019. The story follows seven Japanese high school students, each a prodigy in fields like politics, economics, science, medicine, journalism, magic, and swordsmanship, who are transported to a medieval fantasy world after a plane crash. Far from struggling, they leverage their extraordinary talents to revolutionize their new world, challenging its oppressive feudal systems with modern innovations like democracy and technology. With its ambitious premise, vibrant ensemble, and blend of humor and reformist zeal, High School Prodigies offers a unique yet divisive take on isekai, appealing to fans who enjoy wish-fulfillment narratives while drawing criticism for its implausible execution. This article explores the series’ world, characters, themes, and impact, delving into what makes it a bold entry in the genre.
A Medieval World Transformed by Modern Minds
The anime begins with a plane crash that strands the seven prodigies in Freyjagard, a medieval fantasy world inhabited by byuma (beastmen with animal-like strength and features) and hyuma (humans with limited magical aptitude). Unlike typical isekai protagonists who face immediate peril or embark on quests to slay monsters, these teenagers—led by Tsukasa Mikogami, a former prime minister—quickly adapt with remarkable competence. Rescued by Winona, a kind-hearted byuma, and her adopted elven daughter Lyrule in Elm Village, the group repays their saviors by modernizing the world. Masato Sanada, a top entrepreneur, seizes control of Freyjagard’s economy, outsmarting corrupt merchants like the Neutscheland Trading Company while mentoring a young girl named Roo. Ringo Ōhoshi, a genius inventor, constructs a nuclear power plant and advanced weaponry from rudimentary materials, showcasing her scientific prowess. Keine Kanzaki, the world’s best doctor, eradicates plagues beyond the world’s medical capabilities, saving entire communities. Shinobu Sarutobi, a ninja-descended journalist, uncovers conspiracies, such as the Azure Brigade’s schemes, with her investigative skills. Aoi Ichijō, an unmatched swordswoman, dominates in combat, protecting the group from physical threats. Prince Akatsuki, a master magician, manipulates public perception by posing as a divine figure, rallying the masses against the empire. Tsukasa orchestrates these efforts to challenge the Freyjagard Empire’s tyrannical regime, which enforces state atheism and social Darwinism, exploiting commoners for the benefit of nobles. The setting, with its dragons, elves, and feudal hierarchies, serves as a vibrant canvas for the prodigies’ audacious reforms, blending fantasy aesthetics with modern innovations like electricity, firearms, and financial systems. The narrative ties their arrival to a legend about seven heroes destined to defeat an evil dragon, adding a layer of mystery to their purpose. However, the ease with which they implement modern systems—building infrastructure in weeks that would take decades in reality—has sparked debate, with some viewers praising the wish-fulfillment fantasy and others criticizing its lack of logistical realism. This bold approach, while entertaining, often stretches believability, making the series both a spectacle and a point of contention.
Characters and Themes of Reform and Responsibility
Tsukasa Mikogami, voiced by Yūsuke Kobayashi in Japanese and Chris Hackney in English, is the group’s charismatic leader, whose experience as Japan’s youngest prime minister equips him to navigate Freyjagard’s political landscape. His strategic brilliance, honed by surviving assassination attempts, makes him a formidable tactician and fighter, but his true strength lies in his commitment to justice, rooted in his past ousting of his tyrant father. His interactions with Lyrule, an elf with mysterious ties to Freyjagard’s lore, introduce a subtle romantic subplot, though his focus remains on leadership. The ensemble cast is equally compelling: Masato’s economic savvy, Ringo’s technological ingenuity, Keine’s medical miracles, Shinobu’s investigative tenacity, Aoi’s combat prowess, and Akatsuki’s performative charisma create a dream team that dominates every challenge. Lyrule, voiced by Hisako Kanemoto, serves as the emotional bridge to Freyjagard, her enigmatic origins hinting at deeper connections to the world’s fate. The series’ themes center on justice and modernization, critiquing oppressive systems like the empire’s social Darwinism, which mirrors real-world inequalities. The prodigies’ mission to introduce democracy and uplift the commoners reflects their shared sense of righteousness, though their god-like influence raises ethical questions about manipulating a less advanced society. While the narrative’s ambition is admirable, simplistic villains and predictable resolutions sometimes undermine its depth, leading to criticism that it prioritizes spectacle over nuance. Still, the focus on collective effort and societal reform sets it apart from individualistic isekai narratives, offering a refreshing take on heroism.
Production Quality and Cultural Impact
Project No.9’s animation is competent but not groundbreaking, with Akane Yano’s character designs capturing the prodigies’ distinct personalities—Tsukasa’s composed demeanor, Ringo’s shy brilliance, Akatsuki’s androgynous charm—though some fans noted excessive fanservice, particularly with female characters like Lyrule and Shinobu, which felt out of place in a story about intellectual prowess. The world of Freyjagard is vividly rendered, with bustling cities and pastoral villages, but action scenes and magical effects occasionally suffer from budget constraints, appearing stiff or simplistic. The soundtrack, composed by Hiromi Mizutani, complements the tone with upbeat tracks for comedic moments and dramatic scores for confrontations, while the opening theme, “Hajimete no Kakumei!” by DIALOGUE+, captures the series’ revolutionary spirit. Voice performances, particularly Kobayashi’s commanding Tsukasa and Kuwahara’s nuanced Ringo, add emotional weight. Available on Crunchyroll with an English dub by Funimation, the series earned a 6.58 rating on MyAnimeList based on over 100,000 user votes, reflecting mixed reception. Fans on platforms like Reddit and X praise its fun premise and overpowered protagonists, enjoying the power fantasy of teenagers reshaping a world, but critics argue the plot glosses over logistical challenges and relies on clichés like harem dynamics. Posts from 2024 on X show ongoing fan appreciation for its lighthearted approach, though many lament the lack of a second season, as the anime covers only part of the light novel series, leaving the dragon legend unresolved. Despite its flaws, High School Prodigies remains a memorable isekai for its bold vision and unique focus on collective reform, appealing to viewers who enjoy seeing modern ingenuity triumph in a fantasy world.
