Top 24 Josei Romance Manga to Enjoy

Understanding Josei Manga

‘Josei’ translates to ‘women’ in Japanese, distinguishing it from ‘shojo’, which means ‘girls’. While both genres often revolve around female protagonists, they diverge significantly in their target audiences and thematic exploration. Josei manga typically appears in women’s magazines such as *Flowers* and *Petit Comic* and delves into mature topics like work, university experiences, marriage, divorce, and intimate relationships—quite different from the youthful themes of first love and high school life prevalent in shojo titles.

The Essence of Josei Romance

Josei romance offers a more nuanced portrayal of relationships compared to the conventional shojo narratives. This genre explores diverse romantic tropes including age-gap relationships, workplace affairs, and the complexities of balancing friendship with romance. Readers can expect a deeper exploration of adult relationships, making josei romance a distinctive genre that resonates with its audience.

Recent Trends and Notable Works

Updated by David Heath on January 20, 2025: Notably, the boundaries between shojo and josei aren’t always clear-cut. For instance, Ai Yazawa’s *Nana* touches on mature themes yet is classified as shojo, while *Chihayafuru*, which may seem like a typical shojo story, embodies the josei genre. The appeal of josei lies in its grounded depiction of love and adult relationships, often resonating with readers in ways that shojo stories may not.

Top Josei Romance Manga Recommendations

1. Hana Wants This Flower To Bloom!

MyAnimeList Score: 6.75

Creator: Haruna Ueno
Release Date: February 25, 2018
Volumes: 3
Fan Translations only

This story follows Hana, an office worker confronted with unexpected challenges after discovering her boyfriend’s infidelity. As she navigates her way through heartbreak and familial pressure to marry, she unexpectedly connects with a man on a blind date who may have a hidden connection to her life as a gardening blogger.

2. Dekinai Futari

MyAnimeList Score: 6.99

Creator: Satomura
Release Date: October 20, 2020
Volumes: 5
Fan Translations only

Dekinai Futari explores the turbulent relationship between office rivals Nao and Takehito. Their dynamic evolves when a surprising illness leads Nao to confide in Takehito, uncovering buried feelings from their high school days. Complications arise when a new rival enters the scene, threatening to expose their secret.

3. Date Of Marriage

MyAnimeList Score: N/A

Creators: Ito Nishihara (web novel), Muno (manga adaptation)
Release Date: March 28, 2020
Volumes: 6+
Available in English via Mangamo

Yoshiko faces uncertainty after being dumped and worries she won’t achieve her goal of marriage by 30. A seemingly lighthearted proposal from coworker Yuuki complicates her feelings—could they truly end up married?

4. Perfect World

MyAnimeList Score: 7.58

Creator: Rie Aruga
Release Date: March 24, 2014
Volumes: 12
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

Set against the backdrop of romantic aspirations and personal challenges, *Perfect World* tells the story of Tsugumi and Itsuki, who must confront their past and present complications after reuniting. Themes of love, disability, and emotional courage weave through their journey.

5. Haru’s Curse

MyAnimeList Score: 7.59

Creator: Asuka Konishi
Release Date: November 28, 2015
Volumes: 2
Available in English via Kodansha USA’s Vertical Comics imprint

This poignant narrative explores the complexities of grief, love, and the aftermath of an arranged marriage as Natsumi grapples with her sister’s death while navigating her sister’s former relationship with Tougo.

6. Strawberry Love

MyAnimeList Score: 7.68

Creator: Irono
Release Date: August 16, 2018
Volumes: 4
Available in English via Square Enix’s Manga UP digital platform

Set on a strawberry farm, this charming story features Sara and Minori, two individuals from different backgrounds who navigate their feelings while overcoming their hesitations about age discrepancies.

7. Please Love The Useless Me

MyAnimeList Score: 7.78

Creator: Aya Nakahara
Release Date: April 15, 2013
Volumes: 10
Fan Translations only

Amidst career challenges and a failed relationship, Michiko re-establishes a connection with her old boss, Kurosawa, leading her to a new opportunity that blossoms into an unlikely partnership.

8. Nina The Starry Bride

MyAnimeList Score: 7.81

Creator: Rikachi
Release Date: October 2019
Volumes: 14+
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

Steeped in fantasy, *Nina the Starry Bride* invites readers into a world of royal intrigue as Nina steps in to fulfill a betrothal in a story that blends adventure with romance.

9. I.S: Intersexuality

MyAnimeList Score: 7.83

Creator: Chiyo Rokuhana
Release Date: July 8th, 2003
Volumes: 17
Fan Translations only

Diving into topics often overlooked, *I.S: Intersexuality* bravely tackles the life experiences of intersex individuals, delivering poignant stories that reveal the complexities of gender and identity.

10. Black Sesame Salt And Custard Pudding

MyAnimeList Score: 7.86

Creator: Yufuko Suzuki
Release Date: July 27, 2018
Volumes: 3
Available in English via Renta!

Haruhi’s story becomes a delightful twist on unexpected love as she drunkenly marries a man twice her age, leading to heartwarming moments as they navigate family expectations and personal aspirations.

11. Namida-Ame to Serenade

MyAnimeList Score: 7.87

Creator: Haruka Kawachi
Release Date: November 2014
Volumes: 12+
Fan Translations only

*Namida-Ame to Serenade* combines whimsy with historical elements, as Hina inadvertently time-travels to a past era, leading her to navigate the complexities of love and identity in a bygone world.

12. Kagerou Daze

MyAnimeList Score: 7.90

Creators: Jin (story), Mahiro Satou (art)
Release Date: June 2012
Volumes: 13
Available in English via Yen Press

A unique multimedia project, *Kagerou Daze* invites readers into a surreal world blending music, romance, and psychological exploration through the life of a socially withdrawn protagonist encountered with unexpected challenges.

13. The End of the World

MyAnimeList Score: 7.92

Creator: Natsuo Kumeta
Release Date: November 2007
Volumes: 30+
Fan Translations only

Touching on themes of reincarnation, *Bokura no Kiseki* showcases the journey of its protagonist, Minami, who discovers connections to past lives amid struggles for acceptance in the present.

14. Tramps Like Us

MyAnimeList Score: 7.94

Creator: Yayoi Ogawa
Release Date: May 8th, 2000
Volumes: 14
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

Exploring the intricacies of modern relationships, *Tramps Like Us* follows Sumire as she navigates through life changes, forming a bond with a man living on the streets, resulting in both comedic and poignant moments.

15. The Embalmer

MyAnimeList Score: 7.99

Creator: Mitsukazu Mihara
Release Date: May 8th, 2002
Volumes: 7
Formerly available in English via Tokyopop

*The Embalmer* challenges societal norms by focusing on an embalmer’s internal struggles, exploring the intersection of life, death, and relationship complexities, particularly regarding his feelings for a key figure in his life.

16. Run Away With Me, Girl

MyAnimeList Score: 8.01

Creator: Battan
Release Date: October 25th, 2018
Volumes: 3
Available in English via Kodansha Comics USA

Through a heartfelt reunion, Maki confronts lingering feelings for her childhood friend, navigating complex emotions as she tries to persuade Midori to make a bold choice in love, challenging societal expectations.

17. Josee, The Tiger And The Fish

MyAnimeList Score: 8.03

Creators: Seiko Tanabe (original novel), Nao Emoto (manga adaptation)
Release Date: January 6th, 2020
Volumes: 2
Available in English via Yen Press

Combining elements of fantasy and romance, *Josee, The Tiger and the Fish* portrays the journey of two individuals who, through their interactions, learn profound lessons about communication and love.

18. Gokusen

MyAnimeList Score: 8.05

Creator: Kozueko Morimoto
Release Date: December 15th, 1999
Volumes: 15
Fan Translations only

*Gokusen* cleverly intertwines humor with romance in a story about a teacher secretly affiliated with the yakuza. The interactions between her and her students uncover deeper messages about growth, respect, and love beyond societal stereotypes.

19. Honey And Clover

MyAnimeList Score: 8.25

Creator: Chica Umino
Release Date: April 24th, 2000
Volumes: 10
Available in English via Viz Media

*Honey and Clover* offers a mix of friendship and romantic dilemmas among art students, viewer’s emotional landscapes as they seek self-discovery in a comedic yet poignant narrative filled with heartfelt moments.

20. Paradise Kiss

MyAnimeList Score: 8.29

Creator: Ai Yazawa
Release Date: March 23rd, 1999
Volumes: 5
Available in English via Vertical Inc

*Paradise Kiss* explores self-identity amidst the backdrop of fashion. Yukari’s growth through unexpected encounters teaches her the significance of following one’s passion and the complicated relationships that come with it.

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