A Fantasy World Rich in Polite Speech#

Unlike many recent isekai (otherworldly) fantasy stories, which often rely on casual, conversational Japanese, this series features frequent use of keigo (polite and respectful speech). You’ll notice that younger characters—especially Beryl’s disciples—speak to him using polite or humble language, reflecting their respect for their teacher. For learners, it’s a rare chance to study how keigo naturally functions in fantasy settings.

Source: Miura Kouji, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (Akita Publishing)

Easy to Read, with Plenty of Action#

Since the protagonist is a swordsman, the story is filled with dynamic battle scenes. The dialogue is concise and not overly dense, making it accessible even for beginner-level Japanese readers. You can enjoy the action while naturally absorbing everyday and polite expressions.

Source: Miura Kouji, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (Akita Publishing)

Why the Titles Became So Long#

These long titles serve a practical purpose: they act as both summary and advertisement. Since thousands of new stories appear online every day, readers have only seconds to decide what to click. A detailed title instantly tells you:

・Who the main character is
・What their situation or power is
・What kind of emotion or twist to expect

For example:

・“Reborn as a Vending Machine, I Now Wander the Dungeon” (「自動販売機に生まれ変わった俺は迷宮を彷徨う」)
・“I Couldn’t Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job” (「勇者になれなかった俺はしぶしぶ就職を決意しました。」)
・“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (「転生したらスライムだった件」)

Each title gives you the premise and the punchline—like a miniature pitch deck in sentence form.

A Mirror of Internet Culture#

This trend reflects not only marketing logic, but also the expressive habits of the internet generation. Platforms like Twitter (now X) and web fiction sites value speed, relatability, and humor. Writers use long titles to build an instant connection with readers—casual, emotional, and slightly self-aware.

In that sense, these titles mirror online communication itself: conversational, dramatic, and packed with feelings. They blur the boundary between narrative and meme, between story and self-introduction.

Symbolism Behind the Long Title Boom#

The popularity of these titles also hints at deeper cultural themes in modern Japan:

・Self-expression in a modest society:
　In a culture that values humility, fiction allows characters (and authors) to express personal dreams boldly.

・Relatability over mystery:
　Unlike classical literature, which prized subtlety, modern readers prefer clarity and immediate understanding.

・Escapism and humor:
　The exaggerated titles offer both a sense of parody and a promise of emotional release.

Thus, a title like “I Was Just a Rural Instructor, But My Disciples Won’t Leave Me Alone” becomes not just a hook—but a cultural signal:
a gentle rebellion against understatement, and a celebration of personal fantasy.

What It Means for Learners of Japanese#

For Japanese learners, this trend is a fascinating example of how language adapts to digital storytelling. You’ll encounter:

・Playful use of grammar and particles (“～の件,” “～してみた”)
・Conversational rhythm in written form
・Blends of humble, polite, and casual tones that reflect the speaker’s personality

By reading these titles and their stories, you can sense how modern Japanese balances clarity, emotion, and humor—not only in speech, but in how stories introduce themselves to the world.

Beware of the “-ssu” Ending!#

The speech ending “-ssu” (〜っす) originally came from athletic students talking politely—but casually—to their seniors. Recently, female characters using “-ssu” have become a trendy trope in manga and games, giving their speech a tomboyish or fresh tone. However, keep in mind that “-ssu” is not appropriate in formal situations. It shows light respect in casual conversation but should not be imitated in real-life business or academic settings.

Source: Miura Kouji, From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman (Akita Publishing)