Isekai (alternate world) is a popular genre of manga, anime, and especially light novels. In a typical isekai story, the usually male protagonist finds himself in a fantastical alternate world that is very different from the ordinary human world. However, Yutaka Funabashi and Sunao Tobe's new light novel takes a novel approach to draw from reality and focus on the actual Japanese family restaurant chain Jonathan's.

Funabashi provided the story for the collaboration novel, titled Yōkoso! Jonathan's Isekai Dungeon Chika 1-kai-ten e (Welcome to Jonathan's Alternate World Dungeon Underground 1st-Floor Shop!), and Tobe drew the illustrations. Kodansha Lanove Bunko released the novel on June 30. Funabashi posted a picture of advance copies of the novel, and Tobe posted a celebratory image on Twitter when the volume went on sale.

The story centers on a young man named Ayumu who starts working a part-time job at a certain Jonathan's that connects Japan to an alternate world. Various monsters come into the restaurant to eat, and Ayumu works hard to satisfy them. One day, a witch girl named Reisu visits the restaurant. Ayumu completely falls for Reisu, but he is the victim of a curse. Reisu says she will search for the key to resolving the curse.

Net commenters responded to the novel's release with a mixture of surprise, mild confusion, and amusement. One commenter said that perhaps the JUSCO supermarket chain would be the next store to inspire a light novel. Another commenter mused that if it's an underground restaurant, the Saizeriya Italian restaurant chain seems more appropriate.

What real-world shop do you think could serve as the setting for a new light novel? Tell us in the forum!

[Via Nijipoi]