That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – Season 1 (2018)

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That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season - 1

The Beginning of Rimuru Tempest's Journey

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 1 introduces viewers to one of the most beloved isekai protagonists in modern anime. Adapted from the light novel series written by Fuse, the season follows an ordinary salaryman who is unexpectedly reborn in a fantasy world as a slime—a creature typically considered one of the weakest monsters in existence.

Produced by Studio 8bit, the first season combines fantasy adventure, comedy, action, and world-building to create a unique story that stands apart from many traditional isekai series. Rather than focusing solely on battles and power progression, the anime places significant emphasis on friendship, cooperation, and the creation of a society where different races can live together peacefully.

As Rimuru Tempest explores his new world, he forms alliances with goblins, wolves, dwarves, ogres, lizardmen, and many other races, gradually building the foundations of what will become one of the most influential nations in the series.

Season 1 establishes the world, introduces the franchise's core cast, and lays the groundwork for the political conflicts, wars, and alliances that shape later seasons.



Season Overview

Title: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 1
Japanese Title: 転生したらスライムだった件 (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)
Episodes: 24
Air Date: October 2, 2018 – March 19, 2019
Studio: 8bit
Streaming Platforms: Crunchyroll, Netflix (availability varies by region), Amazon Prime Video, Blu-ray, DVD
Opening Themes: "Nameless Story" by Takuma Terashima, "Megurumono" by Takuma Terashima
Ending Themes: "Another Colony" by Miho Karasawa, "Little Soldier" by Azusa Tadokoro


Story Summary

Satoru Mikami is a 37-year-old office worker living an ordinary life in modern Japan. While meeting with a colleague, he becomes the victim of a random stabbing incident and dies unexpectedly.

Instead of passing on, however, he awakens in a completely different world.

Confused and unable to see, he soon realizes that he has been reincarnated as a slime. Although his new body appears weak, he quickly discovers that he possesses extraordinary abilities, including the power to absorb objects and creatures while gaining their skills and characteristics.

While exploring a cave, he encounters the legendary Storm Dragon Veldora, one of the most powerful beings in the world. After forming an unlikely friendship, the dragon grants him the name Rimuru Tempest, marking the beginning of a journey that will change the world.

Leaving the cave, Rimuru begins traveling through the Jura Forest and soon encounters a small goblin village struggling to survive against attacks from Direwolves. Using both diplomacy and strength, he helps resolve the conflict and earns the trust of the local monsters.

This event becomes the first step toward a much larger dream.

As Rimuru continues his journey, he gathers allies from various races, including dwarves, ogres, lizardmen, and adventurers. Rather than ruling through fear, he chooses cooperation and mutual respect, creating bonds that allow previously hostile groups to work together.

His growing influence eventually leads to the creation of the Jura Tempest Federation, a nation built on the idea that monsters and other races can coexist peacefully.

However, the world beyond Tempest is far from peaceful.

Powerful monsters, ambitious rulers, and dangerous threats constantly test Rimuru's leadership. As his nation expands, he finds himself facing increasingly complex challenges that require both strength and wisdom.

The season introduces several major conflicts, including tensions between monster tribes, the rise of the destructive Orc Lord, and the appearance of Charybdis, a catastrophic threat capable of endangering entire regions.

Through each challenge, Rimuru continues growing as both a leader and an individual. His experiences teach him that building a nation requires more than power alone—it requires trust, responsibility, and the willingness to protect others.

By the end of the season, Tempest has evolved from a small collection of settlements into a thriving nation whose influence is beginning to attract attention from powers across the world.


Major Story Arcs

  • Reincarnation Arc — Satoru Mikami is reborn as the slime Rimuru Tempest and begins exploring his new world after meeting the Storm Dragon Veldora.
  • Goblin Village Arc — Rimuru helps a struggling goblin settlement defend itself from Direwolf attacks, forming the first alliances that will eventually lead to the creation of Tempest.
  • Dwarf Kingdom Arc — A journey to the Dwarven Kingdom introduces important allies while helping establish trade and diplomatic relations.
  • Ogre and Kijin Arc  — After encountering a group of displaced ogres, Rimuru welcomes them into his growing community. Many become some of his closest companions and strongest supporters.
  • Orc Lord Arc — One of the season's most significant storylines, the Orc Lord conflict forces multiple races to unite against a powerful enemy threatening the entire region.
  • Charybdis Arc — The appearance of the massive calamity-class monster Charybdis presents one of Rimuru's greatest challenges and demonstrates Tempest's growing strength.


Main Characters

  • Rimuru Tempest — The protagonist of the series. Formerly Satoru Mikami, he is reincarnated as a slime and gradually becomes the founder and leader of the Jura Tempest Federation.
  • Veldora Tempest — The legendary Storm Dragon whose friendship plays a crucial role in Rimuru's journey.
  • Benimaru — A powerful Kijin warrior who becomes one of Rimuru's most trusted commanders.
  • Shuna — Benimaru's sister and one of Tempest's most capable administrators and diplomats.
  • Shion — Rimuru's fiercely loyal bodyguard and secretary.
  • Gobta — A goblin warrior whose bravery and comedic personality make him a fan favorite.
  • Ranga — The leader of the Direwolves and one of Rimuru's earliest companions.


Themes & Tone

  • Nation Building — One of the defining aspects of the series is the gradual creation of the Jura Tempest Federation and the relationships that support its growth.
  • Friendship and Cooperation — The story repeatedly emphasizes the value of understanding and cooperation between different races and cultures.
  • Leadership and Responsibility — As Tempest grows, Rimuru learns that leadership involves difficult choices and responsibilities.
  • Growth and Adaptation — Both Rimuru and his nation constantly evolve, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

The tone blends fantasy adventure, action, comedy, and heartfelt character moments.


Animation & Audio

Studio 8bit delivers colorful animation, memorable character designs, and exciting action sequences that bring the world of Tempest to life.

The season balances large-scale battles with quieter moments of world-building and character interaction, helping viewers become invested in both the setting and its inhabitants.

The soundtrack complements the fantasy atmosphere while the opening and ending themes capture the optimism and excitement of Rimuru's journey.


Where to Watch

You can watch That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 1 on:


Popularity & Reception

Season 1 was widely praised for its unique approach to the isekai genre. While many series focus primarily on combat and power fantasy elements, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime distinguished itself through its emphasis on community building, diplomacy, and world development.

Fans particularly enjoyed Rimuru's personality, the diverse supporting cast, and the gradual growth of Tempest from a small settlement into a thriving nation.

The season's success helped establish the franchise as one of the most popular fantasy anime of the late 2010s.


Final Thoughts

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 1 successfully introduces a rich fantasy world filled with memorable characters, exciting adventures, and ambitious world-building. By focusing on cooperation and nation-building alongside traditional fantasy action, the season creates a unique identity that sets it apart from many other isekai stories.

Rimuru's journey from an ordinary office worker to the leader of a growing nation provides both entertainment and emotional depth, making the first season an excellent starting point for one of anime's most successful modern franchises.

Location: Japan

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