Best Josei Manga

Best Josei Manga is a genre made for adult women, featuring realistic stories, deep emotions, and mature themes. If you’re here, you likely know a lot about manga—but if you’re new, don’t worry! We’re here to guide you. First, we’ll define josei manga, then explore some of the best josei manga you shouldn’t miss!

✔ 📖 Best Josei Manga – A Guide to the Top Must-Reads

What is Manga?

 Manga is the Japanese word for “comic book” or “comic strip.” Most people use different words to define manga genres. Instead of what happens with movies or books, where everything is comedy, drama, or romance, manga also has other types of classifications. Manga can be classified according to the target audience. And, of course, Japanese terms are used for this purpose.

• Shōjo is one of the types of manga. Specifically, the one aimed at teenage girls. The plot is usually cute and innocent, including stories of romance. Some of them even have fantasy and science fiction on them. In the last few years, shōjo manga with girls who have to save the world is getting more common. Sailor Moon is an example of this.
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• Manga aimed at teenage boys is called shōnen. The friendship between members of a collective or a combat team stands out. There are lots of fighting scenes and large doses of action, in which there are often humorous situations. Naruto is an example of this.

Those are the genres dedicated to teenagers, but anyone can read them. Then, there are genres for adults.

• Adult comics for men are called seinen. Some frequent themes in seinen are violence and politics. On the other hand, the plot can range from edgy to erotic to dramatic. Death Note and Tokyo Ghoul are examples of this. 

What is Josei Manga?

The female equivalent of seinen is josei. In Japanese, the term means “female.” It appeared in the 1980s when girls reading shōjo manga were looking for more mature and realistic content. These comics feature adult women, and what stands out more in the Josei genre is the genuine romance stories. There’s also drama, but this is more focused on complex situations.

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What Are the Best Josei Manga?

When we’re talking about the “best” anything, we have to accept that what is the best for us might not be the best for someone else. This is present in everything, from movies to shows and even books. However, sometimes most people agree that a piece of work is good. Maybe one critic said it, or the show got a lot of recognition. It doesn’t matter. Today, we will bring you a josei manga list. That way, you will be able to pick which one you think you’ll like more.  

Pet Shop of Horrors – A Mysterious & Haunting Josei Manga (1995)

The story revolves around Count D, the enigmatic owner of an exotic pet shop in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Unlike a typical pet store, Count D’s shop offers unusual and rare creatures, sometimes even trading them for candy or giving them away for free.

But since this is a horror manga, there’s always a catch.

✔ Every pet comes with a mysterious contract.
✔ Each contract includes three unique clauses that vary based on the animal.
✔ If the buyer breaks the contract, the consequences are horrifying—often exposing their deepest conflicts and hidden troubles.

Despite its dark themes, Pet Shop of Horrors isn’t just about horror—it also weaves in stories of love, dreams, and human desires. However, don’t forget, at its core, this is still a horror manga.

Now, you might be wondering: Is this just a story about Count D tricking people into buying pets for his own amusement?

Yes… but also no.

When a series of unexplained deaths begins to connect back to the shop, Leon Orcot, a determined young detective, vows to bring Count D to justice. However, capturing him proves to be anything but easy. As Leon gets closer, their relationship shifts between rivalry, obsession, and an intriguing mix of love and hate.

With its haunting atmosphere, psychological depth, and captivating storytelling, Pet Shop of Horrors is a must-read for fans of dark, supernatural josei manga! 🦴🐉👁️

Hapi Mari: Happy Marriage!? (2009) – A Classic Yet Engaging Josei Manga

Hapi Mari tells us the story of Takanashi Chiwa, a girl who is not interested in romance and men. This attitude is quite criticized by her coworkers, but Chiwa doesn’t mind. She knows how complicated men are thanks to the experience she has had handling her father’s problems. In fact, Chiwa works part-time jobs to pay off the debt of her main problem: her father. So, her coworkers really have no idea how problematic men are. 

Chiwa finds herself in a difficult situation—she is overwhelmed by debt and desperately needs to find another part-time job to make ends meet. Just when she feels lost, she is unexpectedly called in by her boss, Mamiya Hokuto.

To her surprise, Hokuto offers to pay off her debts—but there’s a catch. In return, she must marry him.

At first, this might seem like an act of generosity, but Hokuto’s real motive is to please his grandfather. His grandfather once knew Chiwa’s grandmother and felt indebted to her. As a result, he had always hoped to unite their families through marriage.

What begins as a cold and distant relationship soon starts to develop into something more.

✔ A marriage born out of obligation rather than love.
✔ A slow-burning romance that grows over time.
✔ A mix of comedy and drama that keeps the story engaging.

While the arranged marriage trope is common in josei manga, this story stands out for its entertaining execution. It may not be the most original plot, but finding a well-written romance within this theme can be difficult.

That’s why this manga deserves a spot on our list—it’s engaging, funny, dramatic, and highly enjoyable.

If you love romance with humor and emotional depth, or if you’re curious to try a josei manga with an arranged marriage theme, this one is definitely worth reading! 📖💖

A Unique & Emotional Josei Romance – A Story of Love & Trauma

Not all romance stories begin with a lighthearted or comedic conflict. In josei manga, romance can often be more dramatic and deeply realistic, exploring emotional trauma and human connection.

This is where our story begins, introducing Aoki Kaoru, a 26-year-old nurse who struggles to connect with others. Due to a traumatic past, she finds it difficult to treat patients, make friends, or even touch people. Her emotional distance stems from a tragic event—losing her father in a fire, leaving her burdened with guilt ever since.

✔ Kaoru is cold, distant, and unable to express her emotions.
✔ She fears physical contact, as it triggers painful memories.

At the hospital where she works, she meets Kouga Yagai, a 46-year-old renowned surgeon. He is harsh, cold, and mysterious, keeping his distance from others. His secrets and past traumas have led to a troubled relationship with women, making him even more closed off.

However, Kaoru is strangely drawn to one thing—his hands. Unlike anyone else, touching him doesn’t trigger her anxiety. It’s an odd connection, but for Kaoru, it offers a rare moment of comfort and calmness.

As their story unfolds, tension builds between them. Both carry emotional scars and struggle with love, unsure of how to navigate their feelings. They may want to love, but they don’t know how.

✔ Kaoru starts to believe their connection is love.
✔ Kouga, however, denies it, claiming it’s only physical attraction.

This unique josei manga stands out for many reasons.

First, it’s underrated—not many people know about it, and we love bringing attention to hidden gems. Second, it breaks clichés, giving us two emotionally distant protagonists who are both reluctant to fall in love. We’re used to cold and distant male leads, but when the female protagonist shares that same emotional detachment, it creates an intriguing and refreshing dynamic.

If you enjoy romantic stories that explore trauma, emotional struggles, and unconventional relationships, this josei manga is definitely worth a read! 📖💖

Chihayafuru – A Unique Sports Manga About Passion & Dreams (2007)

Japan’s culture and traditions are fascinating, filled with arts, sports, and customs that many outside the country have never encountered. One such unique sport is Karuta—a game that requires players to memorize 100 poems and compete to collect the most cards in the shortest time.

At first glance, Karuta might seem complicated or even dull, but for Chihaya Ayase, it becomes a lifelong passion.

However, Chihaya wasn’t always this ambitious. At the age of twelve, her only dream was for her older sister to become a famous model. But one day, her friend Arata changes her perspective.

✔ Arata teaches her that dreams should be personal, not just about someone else’s success.
✔ He also shows her that Karuta is more than just a game—it’s exciting and meaningful.

Inspired by Arata’s words, Chihaya finds her own dream—to master Karuta and enjoy playing with her friends.

What makes a sports manga stand out isn’t just the sport itself—it’s the characters and their personal growth. This is where Chihayafuru truly shines. The story is filled with moments of laughter, intense competition, and deep emotions that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Another brilliant aspect of the series is how the author conveys her love for Karuta. Instead of using boring explanations, she skillfully introduces the rules and meanings of the poems in an engaging way.

If you enjoy lighthearted yet emotionally compelling manga, Chihayafuru is a must-read. It’s a beautiful blend of sports, friendship, and personal ambition that will leave a lasting impact. 📖🎴💖

Sakamichi no Apollon – A Josei Manga About Music, Friendship & Growth (2007)

The josei genre is not just about love and romance—it also explores passion, personal growth, and deep friendships. One perfect example is Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope), a music-driven story that focuses on self-discovery and human connection.

Set in 1960s Japan, this manga not only gives us a glimpse of urban life at the time but also introduces us to a musical genre that was still new to Japan: jazz.

The story follows Kaoru, a smart yet lonely boy who is skilled at playing the piano. Due to his father’s job, he frequently transfers schools, making it difficult for him to form connections. He doesn’t even try to fit in—until he meets two people who change his life forever:

✔ Ritsuko Mukae – The class president, kind and responsible.
✔ Sentarou Kawabuchi – A rebellious troublemaker with a love for jazz.

Through their unexpected friendship, Kaoru is introduced to the world of jazz, leading to moments of self-discovery, music, and emotional growth.

What makes Sakamichi no Apollon stand out is its realistic storytelling. Unlike other music-themed series that rely on “cute” stereotypes, this one portrays adolescence in a genuine, heartfelt way.

The manga beautifully captures the highs and lows of youth, including first friendships, first love, and finding one’s true passion. Watching Kaoru navigate these experiences feels incredibly authentic and moving.

The series also received an anime adaptation, which, despite not gaining massive popularity at the time, did an excellent job condensing the story into 12 episodes.

If you’re looking for a music-themed josei manga that combines emotional storytelling, jazz, and the struggles of adolescence, Sakamichi no Apollon is a fantastic choice. 🎶📖💖

Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii (2014) – A Fun & Relatable Otaku Love Story

The term otaku is often used to describe someone who is obsessed with anime, gaming, or Japanese pop culture. However, in Japan, the word doesn’t always carry a positive meaning.

This josei manga takes that idea and turns it into a unique and entertaining love story.

The story follows Narumi and Hirotaka, two childhood friends who reunite at work.

✔ Narumi – A secret otaku who is obsessed with yaoi manga but tries to hide it.
✔ Hirotaka – A serious gamer and fellow otaku who knows all about Narumi’s hobby.

On Narumi’s first day at her new job, she unexpectedly runs into Hirotaka. He agrees to keep her secret, but things take a turn when he starts to fall for her. Unfortunately, there’s a problem—Narumi isn’t into dating otakus.

Since they’re both single, best friends, and share similar interests, they come up with an idea: why not date each other? It seems convenient, but will it really work?

This manga follows the romantic and hilarious journey of two adult otakus with little experience in love. With fun parodies, anime references, and gaming jokes, it’s a lighthearted josei manga that blends romance and comedy perfectly.

If you enjoy romantic comedies with otaku culture references, this josei manga is a must-read! 🎮📖💖

Nana (2000) – A Perfect Example of Josei Manga

If there’s one manga that perfectly represents the essence of Josei, it’s Nana. This story is realistic, mature, and emotionally intense, featuring drama, romance, and even uncomfortable situations that make you deeply connect with the characters.

On a train ride to Tokyo, we meet our two main protagonists:

✔ Nana Osaki – A strong-willed girl with a punk-rock appearance. She is mature, determined, and focused on her dream of making her music band successful.

✔ Nana Komatsu – A naïve and romantic young woman who dreams of finding the perfect man to marry.

Despite their opposite personalities, the only thing they initially have in common is their name.

After a brief chat on the train, they part ways—only to meet again when they rent the same apartment. Now living together as roommates, their bond deepens as they share laughter, dreams, heartbreaks, and life’s harsh realities.

The contrast between their personalities makes Nana even more compelling. It shows how two people with very different goals can form a strong friendship, proving that true connection goes beyond similarities.

As you can see, there are many amazing josei mangas out there—you just need to know where to find them. Luckily, we’ve made that part easier for you! We hope this guide helps you discover the best josei manga that matches your taste. Happy reading! 📖💖