Salaryman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennou ni Natta Hanashi

Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four!

Characters

Urmander

MAIN

Dennosuke Uchimura

MAIN

Ogre

SUPPORTING

Butagarian

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Maou

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Chimo

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Sylphid

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Viper Lordpent

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Genome

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Zumo

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Orle

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Rampage-ou

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Neia

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Lilim

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Taishou

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Talius

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Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four! – A Fresh Take on Isekai in Season 1

Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four! (Japanese: Sararīman ga Isekai ni Ittara Shitennō ni Natta Hanashi) is a delightful addition to the isekai genre, offering a refreshing twist on the familiar trope of an ordinary person thrust into a fantastical world. Adapted from the manga by Benigashira and Muramitsu, which began serialization on Overlap’s Comic Gardo website in December 2019, the anime’s first season aired from January 6 to March 24, 2025, on Tokyo MX and BS11, with streaming available on Crunchyroll. Produced by Geek Toys and CompTown, this 12-episode series blends comedy, adventure, and corporate savvy in a medieval fantasy setting, earning praise for its unique protagonist and engaging character dynamics.

A Salaryman’s Unexpected Promotion

The story follows Dennosuke Uchimura, voiced by Yūki Ono (Japanese) and Joshua Waters (English), a hardworking but overlooked Japanese salaryman striving to climb the corporate ladder. After being sent to Vietnam for work, Uchimura meets an untimely end in a hit-and-run accident. Rather than fading into oblivion, he’s summoned to a fantasy world by the Demon Overlord, who offers him a prestigious role as one of the Four Heavenly Kings (or “Big Four”), elite generals tasked with leading his army to conquer the world. Assigned the element of water and the title of “Overseas Manager,” Uchimura must navigate this treacherous new realm without magic or physical prowess, relying solely on his office worker skills.

What sets Headhunted apart from other isekai series is its rejection of the overpowered protagonist trope. Uchimura doesn’t gain supernatural abilities or secret powers; instead, his strength lies in his corporate experience—negotiation, logistics, and strategic thinking. The Demon King, portrayed as a surprisingly savvy and supportive boss, recognizes Uchimura’s potential to bring order to his chaotic army. This premise leads to humorous and clever scenarios where Uchimura applies modern business tactics to medieval problems, such as negotiating alliances with stubborn ogre tribes or streamlining magical research.

A Colorful Cast of Characters

Season 1 introduces a vibrant ensemble of characters, particularly the other three Heavenly Kings, all female, who add depth and personality to the story. Ulmandra, voiced by Konomi Kohara (Japanese) and Taylor Murphy (English), is a fiery red-haired demon princess and the Inferno Assailant, representing the element of fire. Her short temper and initial skepticism of Uchimura’s abilities give way to a budding crush, though Uchimura remains comically oblivious to her feelings. Her dynamic with Uchimura, marked by tsundere charm and unrequited affection, is a highlight, with fans on platforms like Reddit lamenting the lack of romantic progression despite Ulmandra’s clear interest.

Sylphid, the Mage of Storms (element of air), is an elven magic specialist who hides her identity under a bulky hood, posing as her own assistant, Belinda, to avoid attention. Her interactions with Uchimura, particularly when teaching him the basics of magic, reveal her complex backstory as a former member of a corrupt merchant family. The third general, Gnome, the Earth Defender, is a cat demihuman whose role is less explored in Season 1 but promises further development. The Demon King himself, voiced by Akio Ōtsuka, stands out as a charismatic and pragmatic leader, earning praise as “Best Boss” among fans for his trust in Uchimura’s unorthodox methods.

Plot and Themes

The first season follows Uchimura’s journey as he adapts to his new role, tackling challenges that blend corporate strategy with fantasy stakes. Early episodes, such as “Tips for Passing the Entrance Exam in Another World,” show Uchimura proving his worth through an entrance test, using his negotiation skills to secure alliances, like a merger with the resource-starved Ogre Tribe. Later episodes delve into his efforts to research magical arts, guided by Sylphid, to make magic accessible to non-mages—a task that mirrors his ability to innovate within constraints.

The series explores themes of meritocracy, workplace dynamics, and self-worth. Uchimura’s past as an underappreciated salaryman resonates with viewers, as his skills, once ignored, become his greatest asset in this new world. The show also pokes fun at corporate culture, treating the Demon King’s army like a giant company with Uchimura as its star employee. While the plot follows familiar isekai beats—reincarnation, a fantasy world, and a harem-like setup—the focus on practical skills over flashy powers keeps it grounded. However, some fans noted on Reddit that the romantic subplot, particularly between Uchimura and Ulmandra, feels underdeveloped, with Uchimura’s obliviousness occasionally frustrating shippers.

Production and Reception

Directed by Michio Fukuda, with Hiroko Fukuda handling series composition, the anime boasts solid production values. Ayumi Nishibata’s character designs capture the manga’s refined aesthetic, while Takafumi Wada’s music, including the catchy opening “Isekai Kyōsōkyoku” by Kentarō Seino and ending “Tsuyo Girlfriend” by Otonari, enhances the show’s tone. The English dub, released on Crunchyroll starting January 20, 2025, has been well-received, with voice director Lee George and a talented cast bringing the characters to life.

Critically, Headhunted has earned a 6.2/10 on IMDb and a “Decent+” rating (6.264 weighted mean) on MyAnimeList, based on 79 user ratings. Fans on Reddit and Amazon reviews praise its lighthearted tone and Uchimura’s reliance on intellect, calling it “above average” for the isekai genre. However, some critique its lack of innovation, with one Reddit user noting it’s “fun but forgettable” compared to heavyweights like Re:Zero or That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. The series’ ecchi elements and harem undertones, while mild, also drew mixed reactions, with some appreciating Ulmandra’s design and others wishing for deeper romantic development.

Cultural Impact and Future Prospects

By January 2024, the manga had over 350,000 copies in circulation, reflecting its popularity. The anime’s first season has sparked lively discussions on platforms like Reddit, where fans celebrate Ulmandra as “Best Girl” and speculate about a potential Season 2. With ten tankōbon volumes published as of December 2024, there’s ample material for continuation, though no second season has been confirmed as of July 2025. Posts on X highlight Ulmandra’s popularity, with users like @Redhairwaifu and @Ecchi_Empire4 hyping her fiery personality.

Final Thoughts

Headhunted to Another World: From Salaryman to Big Four! Season 1 is a charming, if not groundbreaking, isekai that shines through its clever premise and likable characters. Uchimura’s journey from corporate drone to demonic general is both relatable and entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be a hero. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its focus on practical skills, humorous workplace parallels, and Ulmandra’s unrequited affection make it a fun ride. For fans of isekai with a comedic twist, this series is worth checking out on Crunchyroll or through Seven Seas Entertainment’s English manga release.