Women have played a pivotal role in shaping the manga industry, with female mangakas constituting over 70% of the creative workforce. Despite this significant presence, the industry still grapples with gender-based discrimination. Many female authors, particularly those writing in the shonen and seinen genres, opt for male or gender-neutral pen names to conceal their identities in an effort to navigate potential biases.
While the majority of female mangakas are known for their contributions to shoujo and josei manga, an increasing number are making their mark in predominantly male genres, showcasing a diverse range of narratives and themes.
Spotlight on Iconic Female Mangakas
As of March 5, 2025, the profession of a mangaka is often more challenging than glamorous. Many creators do not openly represent their identities in their works, leaving their personal stories largely unknown outside of dedicated fan circles. Female mangakas have authored some of the most celebrated manga series, including Fullmetal Alchemist, InuYasha, and Black Butler, leaving an indelible mark on the medium.
25. Black Butler
Manaka: Yana Toboso
Black Butler is a shonen series that debuted in 2006 in the magazine Monthly GFantasy. Yana Toboso continues to develop the storyline, which has reached its 33rd volume, showcasing its enduring appeal. As of 2023, the manga boasts over 34 million copies in circulation, exemplifying its popularity.
The narrative revolves around Ciel Phantomhive and his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who is bound by a contract to aid Ciel in avenging his parents’ deaths at the cost of his soul.
24. House of the Sun (Taiyou no Ie)
Mangaka: Pillow
House of the Sun tells the heartwarming tale of Mao Motomiya, a high school girl navigating life’s complexities until an old friend, Hiro Nakamura, steps in to help. This touching romance weaves themes of acceptance and forgiveness, particularly as Mao reconciles with her estranged father. The art style beautifully complements the narrative, creating a comforting atmosphere for readers.
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Author |
I love you |
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Year of Release |
2010 |
23. The Rose of Versailles
Manga artist: Riyoko Ikeda
The Rose of Versailles is a historical shoujo manga that has influenced the genre since its serialization from 1972 to 1973 in Margaret magazine. Written by Riyoko Ikeda, this work explores the lives of Marie Antoinette and Oscar François de Jarjayes during the tumultuous times leading up to the French Revolution. Ikeda belongs to the Year 24 Group, a collective of female mangakas that revolutionized shoujo manga during its Golden Age, and this series has seen a resurgence with a revival from 2013 to 2018.
22. Revolutionary Girl Utena
Manga artist: Chiho Saito
Revolutionary Girl Utena, or Shojo Kakumei Utena, uniquely emerged alongside its anime adaptation. Serialized from 1996 to 1998 in Shogakukan, it ran for 7 volumes and later spawned sequels. The story centers on Utena Tenjou, who seeks to protect the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya, and her extraordinary potential to instigate change.
21. Noragami
Mangaka: He left.
Noragami: Stray God began its serialization in Monthly Shonen Magazine in 2010 and continues to engage readers with its ongoing storyline, which has produced 26 volumes to date. The talented duo, Adachi and Tokashiki, known collectively as Adachitoka, captured audiences’ interest not only through the manga but also through its highly successful anime adaptation. Despite some interruptions due to health issues, the manga has sold over 6.3 million copies as of 2018. The plot revolves around Hiyori Iki, a middle school student who encounters Yato, a stray god aiming to establish his reputation among deities.
20. Pandora Hearts
Manga artist: Jun Mochizuki
Pandora Hearts follows the journey of Oz Vessalius, who is imprisoned for a crime he cannot recall. The story intricately unfolds mysteries tied to a tragic event from 100 years ago. While the initial chapters serve as an elaborate setup for the overarching narrative, readers will find the slow-burn payoff worthwhile as the complex threads of the story culminate in an astonishingly interconnected climax. A noteworthy adaptation also exists in anime form, yet many fans argue that the manga experience carries a unique depth.
19. NANA
Mangaka: Ai Yazawa
NANA, penned by Ai Yazawa, has been on hiatus since 2009, yet its loyal following eagerly awaits the completion of the story. First serialized in Cookie in 2000, the manga has accumulated 21 volumes and inspired a significant anime adaptation that aired in 2006. Winning the 48th Shogakukan Manga Award, this shoujo series illuminates the lives of two girls named Nana—each distinct in personality and life circumstances—as they navigate friendship and the ebbs and flows of life.
18. Mushishi
Manga artist: Yuki Urushibara
Mushishi, crafted by Yuki Urushibara (pen name Soyogo Shima), debuted in 1999 and concluded with 10 volumes in the seinen magazine Afternoon Season Zōkan, later continuing in Monthly Afternoon until 2008. This critically acclaimed manga, awarded the Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Art Festival, unfolds the tale of Ginko, a Mushi Master navigating a world populated by elusive supernatural beings.
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Author |
Yuki Urushibara |
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Year of Release |
1999 |
17. Fruits Basket
Mangaka: Natsuki Takaya
Fruits Basket is a beloved series by Natsuki Takaya that was serialized from 1998 to 2006 in the Hana to Yume magazine, ultimately spanning 23 volumes. Celebrated globally, the manga achieved remarkable success, including recognition as one of the top 150 bestselling books in the USA Today list following the release of its 15th English volume. The compelling narrative tells the story of Tohru Honda, who, after losing her mother, finds herself living with the Sohma family and discovers their ties to the Chinese zodiac.
16. Blue Exorcist
Mamanga: Kazue Cat
Blue Exorcist (Ao no Ekusoshisuto) began serialization in 2009 in Jump Square and remains ongoing, having accumulated 29 volumes thus far. Created by Kazue Kato, its initial print run of the 7th volume broke records in the magazine’s history, largely due to its anime adaptation’s popularity. The plot follows Rin Okumura, the son of Satan, as he aspires to become an exorcist and combat demonic forces.
15. Cardcaptor Sakura
Mangaka: CLAMP Group
Cardcaptor Sakura is a magical girl series crafted by the renowned CLAMP group—comprising creators Nanase Ohkawa, Mokona, Tsubaki Nekoi, and Satsuki Igarashi. Serialized from 1996 to 2000 in Nakayoshi, this beloved series achieved recognition as one of the top-selling manga and clinched numerous awards, including the Seiun Award for Best Manga. The storyline follows Sakura Kinomoto as she embarks on a quest to capture and seal the Clow Cards she inadvertently released.
14. A Silent Voice
Manga artist: Yoshitoki Oima
A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi), illustrated by Yoshitoki Ōima, first appeared as a one-shot before becoming a serialized series in the Weekly Shonen Magazine from 2013 to 2014. The manga garnered significant attention following the release of its critically acclaimed movie adaptation in 2016, winning accolades for Best Animation of the Year. This poignant tale follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption after befriending the deaf girl he once tormented.
13. Todoke with Kimi
Manga artist: Karuho Shiina
Kimi ni Todoke is a celebrated shoujo manga by Karuho Shiina, winning the Best Shojo Manga award in the 32nd Annual Kodansha Manga Award. This completed series has produced 30 volumes and gained popularity through adaptations into anime and live-action formats. The plot centers on Sawako Kuronuma, a misunderstood girl navigating her high school life alongside her friend, Shota Kazehaya, amidst misadventures and emotional growth.
12. Ouran High School Host Club
Mangaka: Bisco Hatori
Ouran High School Host Club, crafted by Bisco Hatori, debuted in 2002 and concluded in 2010. This influential shoujo series, a hallmark of parody and comedy, has sold over 10 million copies. The engaging plot follows Haruhi Fujioka, a girl who, while disguised as a boy, becomes entangled in the lives of members of a male-only host club.
11. Violet Evergarden
Mangaka: Kana Akatsuki
Violet Evergarden emerged from a successful light novel series, later adapted into manga in 2015. The narrative follows Violet, a former soldier navigating her life’s purpose post-war, especially after reflecting on the words of her late mentor. The manga’s anime adaptation premiered in 2018, captivating audiences worldwide.
10. Beastars
Manga artist: Paru Itagaki
Beastars, a shonen series serialized from 2016 to 2020 in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion, was created by Paru Itagaki, the daughter of renowned manga creator Keisuke Itagaki. This series won multiple accolades, including the 2018 Manga Taisho and Japan Media Festival awards. The story is set in a world of anthropomorphic animals, exploring themes of species, societal pressures, and identity.
9. Witch Hat Atelier
Mangaka: Kamome Shirahama
Witch Hat Atelier is an ongoing seinen series illustrated by Kamome Shirahama, first published in 2016. The story, which has produced 10 volumes to date, follows Coco, an aspiring witch in a world where magical skills are limited to the chosen few. A noteworthy recognition includes winning the Harvey Award in 2020, and an anime adaptation is anticipated.
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Author |
Kamome Shirahama |
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Year of Release |
2016 |
8. Inuyasha
Manga artist: Rumiko Takahashi
Inuyasha, a hallmark of shonen manga, was serialized from 1996 until 2008 under Shogakukan. Written and drawn by Rumiko Takahashi, this franchise has sold over 50 million copies globally. The storyline weaves in elements of time travel, following Kagome Higurashi and her encounters with the half-demon Inuyasha in Japan’s Sengoku era.
7. Ranma 1/2
Manga artist: Rumiko Takahashi
Also created by Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma 1/2, first released in 1987, ran for 38 volumes in Weekly Shonen Sunday until 1996. The plot follows the adventures of Ranma Saotome, who transforms between male and female forms due to a curse activated by hot and cold water—a unique perspective on identity and gender fluidity in manga.
6. Demon Slayer
Mangaka: Koyoharu Gotouge
Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) has risen to unprecedented heights as one of the most popular shonen series today. Authored by Koyoharu Gotouge, the manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2016 to 2020, becoming a cultural phenomenon and generating massive revenue, even contributing positively to Japan’s tourism. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, who strives to become a Demon Slayer in order to avenge his family and save his sister from her demon transformation.
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