TO Books announced on Thursday that Tōko Amekawa’s popular light novel series, “Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim” (original Japanese title: Akutō Ikka no Manamusume, Tensei-saki mo Otome Game no Gokudō Reijō Deshita. Saijōkyū Rank no Akuyaku-sama, Sono Dekiai wa Fuyō Desu!), is officially receiving an anime adaptation. This news comes as the series has reached a cumulative 350,000 copies in circulation, including digital sales.
The announcement has been met with excitement from fans of the “isekai” and “villainess” subgenres, especially those familiar with Amekawa’s other successful work, “7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!”, which also received an anime adaptation.
The Premise: A Yakuza Heiress in a Dangerous Otome Game
“Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim” introduces readers to a unique blend of organized crime drama and fantasy romance. The story follows a protagonist who, after a sudden death, is reborn as Francesca Calvino, the heroine of a mafia-themed dating video game. In her previous life, she was the granddaughter of a yakuza boss, granting her an unexpected advantage in her new, dangerous surroundings.
The game world is set in a fantastical European-inspired kingdom where crime bosses secretly support the king. Francesca, now the daughter of one of the five powerful mafia dons, desires a normal, peaceful life away from organized crime. Her primary goal is to avoid the game’s predetermined “romance routes” and, crucially, to break off her engagement to Leonardo Aldini, the notorious young head of the Aldini family and the game’s major villain.
Navigating a World of Crime and Romance
Francesca’s yakuza upbringing proves invaluable as she attempts to navigate the treacherous world of the dating sim. She’s far more adept at handling dangerous situations than her game counterpart would have been. However, her efforts to escape entanglement with Leonardo only seem to draw him closer, leading to an unexpected “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic. The narrative explores how Francesca, armed with her street smarts and knowledge of the game, tries to forge her own path while being pursued by an “insolent crime lord” who refuses to leave her alone.
From Web Novel to Anime Sensation
The series originated as a web novel on the Shosetsuka ni Naro platform in 2022. It was later published as a light novel series by TO Books, with illustrations by LINO. A manga adaptation, illustrated by Sora Gōto, has also been widely popular, with Tokyopop licensing the English release and publishing its second compiled volume in September. Both the light novel and manga are set to release their fifth volumes in Japan on December 1, 2025.
The original author, Tōko Amekawa, expressed her gratitude for the anime adaptation on her X (formerly Twitter) account, thanking fans for their support. Illustrator LINO also created a special illustration to commemorate the announcement.
The Rising Popularity of Otome Isekai and Villainess Tropes
“Reincarnated in a Mafia Dating Sim” capitalizes on the enduring popularity of the “otome isekai” and “villainess” genres, where protagonists are transported into the world of a dating sim or novel, often as an antagonist, and strive to alter their fate. Tōko Amekawa herself is a recognized author within this space, known for crafting fantasy romances with strong female leads.
The series stands out with its unique mafia setting, blending the familiar tropes with a fresh, gritty backdrop. This distinct premise, combined with Francesca’s strong-willed personality and her determination to forge a peaceful life, has resonated with readers and is anticipated to translate well to an animated format. Fans can look forward to seeing Francesca and the charismatic underworld figures brought to life, offering a new take on escaping a predetermined destiny.
