Overview of the Romance Manga Genre
- The romance manga genre continues to flourish, offering readers a plethora of both classic and contemporary selections.
- Recent works, such as “The Summer You Were There,”keep readers enchanted with their storytelling.
Romance manga holds a timeless allure in the literary world. While a select few stories have made the leap to anime adaptations, they represent just a fraction of the expansive romantic narratives available in manga. From beloved classics to exciting new releases, there is a romantic tale suited for nearly everyone.
For those who prefer narratives that have reached their conclusion, diving into finished series allows readers to savor complete journeys without cliffhangers. Below, we share some remarkable romance manga that have recently finished their runs, enabling fans to enjoy their full stories seamlessly.
Latest Update (December 19, 2024) by David Heath: While nostalgia often leads to the selection of older romance manga, many fans might have already explored those options. Some long-running series, like “Skip Beat,”continue into their 22nd year, while others have reached their final chapters due to various circumstances affecting their creators.
The silver lining is that most romance manga eventually conclude, either by design or necessity. In celebration of the season, this curated list features several fresh entries! It encompasses a range of themes—from bittersweet romances to uplifting romcoms, featuring diverse stories of love between girls and boys, along with intricate supernatural elements. All entries on this list are complete and worthy of your attention.
1. Sakura, Saku
MyAnimeList Score: 7.21
- Japanese Title: Sakura, Saku (Sakura in Bloom).
- Creator: Io Sakisaka.
- 9 Volumes, 36 Chapters.
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat.
Renowned for her work on “Ao Haru Ride,”Io Sakisaka released “Sakura, Saku,”which concluded its serialization in November 2023 after nearly three years in “Bessatsu Margaret.”This story diverges from the themes of its predecessor, focusing on the present rather than the past. The protagonist, Saku Fujigaya, faces a fainting incident that leads to a chance meeting and a quest to connect with her savior, Sakura.
2. Masamune-kun’s Revenge
MyAnimeList Score: 7.26
- Japanese Title: Masamune-kun no Revenge.
- Writer: Hazuki Takeoka.
- Illustrator: Tiv.
- 13 Volumes, 70 Chapters.
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment.
The popular light novel series “Masamune-kun’s Revenge”transitioned into a manga adaptation, concluding in December 2023 after almost twelve years. The story revolves around Makabe Masamune, who orchestrates a complex revenge plot against a childhood bully. However, as he develops a friendship with her, he begins to question his intentions.
3. Love’s In Sight!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.59
- Japanese Title: Yankee-kun to Hakujou Girl.
- Writer/Illustrator: Uoyama.
- 8 Volumes, 127 Chapters.
- Available in English via Viz Media.
“Love’s In Sight!”tells the touching story of Morio Kurokawa, a delinquent who unexpectedly finds himself enamored with Yukiko Azawa, a girl who is visually impaired. This endearing narrative explores themes of strength, love, and protection as Morio becomes increasingly devoted to helping Yukiko navigate life’s challenges.
4. Even If You Slit My Mouth
MyAnimeList Score: 7.68
- Title: Kuchi ga Saketemo Kimi wa.
- Creator: Akari Kajimoto.
- 11 Volumes, 80 Chapters.
- Available in English digitally via MANGA Plus.
In “Even If You Slit My Mouth,”the story highlights a unique blend of folklore and romance. This narrative centers around a character navigating her identity as a legendary figure while developing a relationship with Koichi, who proposes a challenge that leads to unexpected emotional connections.
5. Pure, Shameful, And Annoying
MyAnimeList Score: 7.68
- Japanese Title: Kiyoku, Yamashiku, Modokashiku.
- Writer/Illustrator: Nao Arihara.
- 7 Volumes, 35 Chapters.
- Fan Translations only.
This series delivers a charming narrative featuring Enjouji, a seemingly tough female delinquent whose gentle personality unexpectedly unfolds through her interactions with Fuji, the school’s chairman. Their dynamic showcases how opposites can attract while revealing deeper emotional truths.
6. 365 Days To The Wedding
MyAnimeList Score: 7.72
- Title: Is it true?
- Creator: Tamiki Wakaki.
- 11 Volumes, 110 Chapters.
- Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment.
“365 Days to the Wedding”explores the comedic dynamics between coworkers Takuya and Rika, who agree to stage a relationship to outsmart their company—a creative take on the notion of love emerging from deception.
7. It Takes Two Tomorrow, Too
MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
- Japanese Title: Futari Ashita mo Sorenari ni.
- Creator: Suzuyuki.
- 5 Volumes, 92 Chapters.
- Available via One Peace Books.
This manga, which wrapped up in 2021, is a slice-of-life portrayal of an established couple navigating challenges after moving in together—emphasizing realistic and heartfelt moments essential to romantic relationships.
8. Black Sesame Salt And Custard Pudding
MyAnimeList Score: 7.86
- Japanese Title: Gomashio to Purin.
- Creator: Yufuko Suzuki.
- 3 Volumes, 22 Chapters.
- Available in English digitally via Renta!
Tackling the trope of an odd couple, “Black Sesame Salt and Custard Pudding”follows Haruhi, a heavy machinery operator facing difficult life choices as she navigates an unexpected marriage to her significantly older coworker, Nagato.
9. The Fallen Student And The Hopeless Teacher
MyAnimeList Score: 7.88
- Japanese Title: Tsuiraku JK to Haijin Kyoushi.
- Writer/Illustrator: sora.
- 20 Volumes, 119 Chapters.
- Fan Translations only.
This poignant narrative centers around Mikoto, who, after a heart-wrenching rejection, encounters her teacher, Jin, and together they explore the complexities of love, life, and self-worth against a backdrop of profound emotional struggles.
10. Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
MyAnimeList Score: 7.90
- Japanese Title: Kubo-san wa Mob wo Yurusanai.
- Writer/Illustrator: Nene Yukimori.
- 12 Volumes, 152 Chapters.
- Available in English via MANGA Plus and Viz Media via Shonen Jump.
This manga follows Junta, a high school student longing for recognition, who is uniquely aware of the classmate Kubo, who actively pulls him out of the shadows. Their relationship highlights the importance of friendship and personal growth.
11. Cheeky Brother
MyAnimeList Score: 7.92
- Japanese Title: Namakizakari.
- Creator: Miyuki Mitsubachi.
- 23 Volumes, 140 Chapters.
- Available via Yen Press.
“Cheeky Brat”intertwines themes of love and competitiveness as Yuki, a responsible high school girl, finds herself challenged by Shou. His determination and charm help break down her walls, leading to an unexpectedly sweet romance.
12. The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses
MyAnimeList Score: 8.05
- Japanese Title: Suki na Ko ga Megane wo Wasureta.
- Creator: Koume Fujichika.
- 12 Volumes, 110 Chapters.
- Available in English via Comikey and Manga UP!
This delightful manga tracks Kaede’s experiences with Ai, a girl who frequently forgets her glasses. Their endearing interactions and gradual progression into a relationship make for an engaging narrative full of heartfelt moments.
13. Teasing Master (Former) Takagi-san
MyAnimeList Score: 8.08
- Japanese Title: Karakai Jouzu no (moto) Takagi-san.
- Writer/Illustrator: Mifumi Inaba.
- 22 Volumes, 314 Chapters.
- Fan Translations only; available in English via Yen Press.
The beloved “Teasing Master Takagi-san”saga wraps up in 2024 with the sequel exploring the lives of Takagi and Nishikata as parents. Their witty banter and charming dynamics have been a joy for fans throughout their journey.
14. Home Office Romance
MyAnimeList Score: 8.11
- Japanese Title: Telework Yotabanashi.
- Creator: Kintetsu Yamada.
- 1 Volume, 20 Chapters.
- Fan Translations Only.
This poignant tale situates itself in the context of the pandemic, showcasing Nokoru’s transition to working from home and his developing relationship with his neighbor Natsu as they navigate the challenges of remote work and emotional isolation.
15. Call Of The Night
MyAnimeList Score: 8.17
- Japanese Title: Yofukashi na Uta.
- Creator: Kotoyama.
- 20 Volumes, 203 Chapters.
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Shōnen Sunday.
The adventurous narrative follows Ko Yamori, who encounters the captivating vampire Nazuna while wandering the city at night. Their electrifying relationship propels the plot as Ko wrestles with the implications of love and immortality.
16. Touch Within The Abyss
MyAnimeList Score: 8.34
- Japanese Title: Kimi no Yoru ni Fureru.
- Creator: Moyori Mori.
- 1 Volume, 6 Chapters.
- Available in English via Shu-Cream on Mangaplaza.
This compact narrative explores the complexities of love amidst tragedy, featuring Chinatsu, who finds solace in a blind boy named Kasumi as they grapple with their respective pasts and find healing through their bond.
17. My Love Mix-Up!
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
- Japanese Title: Kieta Hatsukoi.
- Writer: Wataru Hinekure.
- Illustrator: Aruko.
- 9 Volumes, 39 Chapters.
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Shojo Beat.
This comedic romance revolves around a misunderstanding that catalyzes a complex love triangle, showcasing the charm and angst of youth as Aoki navigates his feelings toward Mio and Ida in this lighthearted tale.
18. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku
MyAnimeList Score: 8.35
- Title: W otaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii.
- Creator: Fujita.
- 11 Volumes, 105 Chapters.
- Available in English via Kodansha USA.
Exploring the trials and tribulations of various otaku characters, “Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku”captures the delightful interplay of love and hobbies amidst the chaos of adult life, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate its authenticity.
19. Horimiya
MyAnimeList Score: 8.41
- Japanese Title: Horimiya.
- Writer: HERO.
- Illustrator: Daisuke Hagiwara.
- 17 volumes, 139 Chapters.
- Available in English via Yen Press.
Set in a high school context, “Horimiya”beautifully articulates the development of a heartfelt relationship between Hori and Miyamura, shedding light on the nuances of young love and the importance of vulnerability in connecting with others.
20. Insomniacs After School
MyAnimeList Score: 8.41
- Japanese Title: Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia.
- Creator: Makoto Ojiro.
- 14 Volumes, 25 Chapters.
- Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature.
This poignant romance revolves around Ganta and Isaki, two students bonding over insomnia. Their connection blossoms as they create a safe space in the school’s observatory, symbolizing unity through shared struggles.
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