In the modern popular “isekai” genre, protagonists often shine quickly in unfamiliar environments thanks to some special advantage. This advantage could be a powerful skill or some item brought from modern society. Recently, Japanese netizens began discussing whether a protagonist could “dominate” an isekai world by bringing a large fortune with them.
After all, the technology and cultural level of isekai worlds are often depicted as being inferior to modern society. In such an unfamiliar place, could carrying wealth instead lead to a tragic fate? Let us explore the viewpoints of Japanese netizens together.
A netizen said: “I read a light novel that describes the plot of ‘going to another world with immense wealth and achieving great success.’ However, coming from an unknown world to a strange environment without a place to stay, such people are likely to become easy targets for deception or violent theft. Even if one wants to hire bodyguards, the risk of betrayal is also quite high. So, for wealth to be effective, what conditions are needed?”
Hidetaka Yoshimura, a Japanese netizen, recently brought up the topic of “the feasibility of bringing wealth to another world,” which immediately sparked a lively discussion among netizens.
The concern lies in the fact that in many isekai works, the technology and cultural level of the other world are portrayed as being far inferior to modern times. Even with a wealth of gold and silver treasures, it is extremely difficult to find a proper place for safekeeping in an environment lacking a modern financial system and social security. Let alone conducting transactions or creating miracles.
Many works depict how to become wealthy through hard work in another world.
For example, a netizen said: “I believe ‘credit’ is key. Money is a metric used to quantify value in transactions and, precisely because of the endorsement of the state, it is regarded as valuable.”
Others believe: “I would say it’s military power. But having only military power will lead to being a brute, so it is also necessary to pursue political power, intelligence, and leadership abilities. Of course, the charm that can attract the attention of the Pope or king is also indispensable.”
Many people emphasize that achieving success in another world requires a combination of power, violence, and wealth, suggesting that initially, one should establish a reputation by funding local festivals.
Some netizens remind: “A stranger with a large amount of wealth not only easily becomes a target for crime but may also be framed as a criminal because the administrative systems or police in another world may not be reliable.”
Referring to history, some netizens pointed out: “Like Roman Emperor Claudius I, when his own power was weak, using slaves as followers was an effective strategy to quickly establish allies. Although he came from a noble background, he lacked political connections due to health issues and ultimately had to draw talent from slaves.”
Some people suggested: “Power can also be consolidated through adopting orphans, finding leaders who understand oneself, and training mercenaries, which has historically been a strategy frequently employed.”
Combining modern financial concepts, a netizen finally summarized: ‘To survive in another world, one must work hard to build connections with the locals. Since money comes from the establishment of trust, it is necessary to start by interacting with people and earning their trust.’
‘Similar to the trope of ‘using modern scientific or medical knowledge to excel in another world!’ Every time I see such stories, I can’t help but feel that the people in other worlds are quite open-minded. In reality, there are many people who struggle to accept the latest technology.’
In summary, Japanese netizens generally believe that merely having wealth is not sufficient to create new opportunities in another world; one must also combine it with credit, interpersonal relationships, and various comprehensive abilities.
It seems that it is more prudent to apply for an invincible skill from the goddess before venturing into another world.