Upon Waking Up, I Found Myself Transformed Into a Certain Individual Named Taro Urashima. As I Arrived at Ryugu Castle Accompanied by the Turtle I Had Rescued, to My Astonishment, My Supposedly Deceased Ex-girlfriend Was Present!

I’m a corporate employee trapped in a grueling black company. One day, as usual, I worked overtime and returned home at 3:00 in the morning, utterly drained from the excessive workload. Without even changing out of my suit, I headed straight to bed and fell asleep instantly. …And then, I remember… “Where am I?” Just like the tale of Taro Urashima, I had saved a turtle and was led to Ryugu Castle. To my surprise, my ex-girlfriend, Hiyori, who was supposed to have passed away a few years ago, was inexplicably there.

Original Publisher

Unknown

Original Language

japanese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on Upon Waking Up, I Found Myself Transformed Into a Certain Individual Named Taro Urashima. As I Arrived at Ryugu Castle Accompanied by the Turtle I Had Rescued, to My Astonishment, My Supposedly Deceased Ex-girlfriend Was Present! This web novel certainly grabbed my attention with its ridiculously long title! The premise is intriguing: a burnt-out salaryman finds himself transformed into Urashima Taro, the legendary fisherman, only to discover his deceased ex-girlfriend is Princess Otohime. It's a blend of isekai, romance, and fantasy, with a dash of drama thrown in for good measure. ### First Impressions The opening is strong, immediately immersing you in the protagonist's mundane and depressing life. I felt his exhaustion and yearning for something more. The sudden shift to a fantastical setting is jarring, but in a good way, mirroring the protagonist's confusion. The encounter with the talking turtle, Kamejiro, and the subsequent journey to Ryugu Castle are whimsical and capture the spirit of the original Urashima Taro folktale. ### What Works Well The blending of modern anxieties with ancient mythology is expertly done. The protagonist's initial skepticism and comparisons to his old life make him relatable. The reveal of Hiyori as Otohime is a genuinely surprising and emotionally charged moment. The author does a great job of exploring their past relationship and the regrets that haunt them both. The pacing is generally good, keeping me engaged with the unfolding mystery and romance. The world-building, while not overly detailed, is sufficient to create a believable and magical setting. ### Areas of Concern Honestly, I don't really have any concerns. ### Final Verdict "Upon Waking Up, I Found Myself Transformed Into a Certain Individual Named Taro Urashima. As I Arrived at Ryugu Castle Accompanied by the Turtle I Had Rescued, to My Astonishment, My Supposedly Deceased Ex-girlfriend Was Present!" is a surprisingly heartwarming and engaging story. The blend of genres works well, and the emotional core of the narrative is compelling. If you're looking for a unique take on the isekai genre with a strong romantic element, this is definitely worth a read. I give it a solid 4/5.