Josei manga, a genre that captivates adult female audiences, offers a mix of storytelling that delves into the complexities of life, relationships, and personal growth. These narratives often transcend the typical boundaries of romance and fantasy, providing a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of adult experiences.
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Manga like Paradise Kiss blend fashion and coming-of-age drama, while Chihayafuru introduces the traditional and competitive world of Karuta. Each josei manga in this list is a unique journey, marked by mature storytelling, rich character development, and a deep understanding of the human condition, resonating powerfully with those who seek stories with charm and authenticity.
10Happy Marriage?!
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.79
Happy Marriage?!
Why Read Happy Marriage?!?
Happy Marriage?! is a popular josei manga by Maki Enjoji. The protagonist, Chiwa Takanashi, is an office worker struggling with debts her father accrued. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she is suddenly proposed to by her company’s president, Hokuto Mamiya. This marriage, however, is not born out of love but rather convenience and Hokuto’s personal ambitions.
What makes Happy Marriage?! stand out is its exploration of a mature relationship developing from a contractual agreement. Chiwa, initially resistant and skeptical, gradually discovers Hokuto’s complex personality and vulnerable side, particularly regarding his troubled family history. The manga is appreciated for its portrayal of adult romance, which is both realistic and heartwarming.
Release Date
Where To Read
June 13, 2025
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.91
Why Read 07-Ghost?
07-Ghost is a josei manga created by Yuki Amemiya and Yukino Ichihara. The story is set in a fantasy world and revolves around Teito Klein, a former slave with no memories of his past, who becomes a student at the Barsburg Empire’s military academy. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Teito uncovers the truth about his past.
He discovers he is connected to a legendary power called the Eye of Mikhail. Teito’s journey leads him to seek refuge in a church where he encounters the Seven Ghosts, mysterious figures bound by an ancient, holy prophecy. What makes 07-Ghost manga stand out is its depiction of religious and supernatural elements, creating a unique and intricate world.
June 08, 2025
8Kagerou Daze
Kagerou Daze
Why Read Kagerou Daze?
Kagerou Daze by Jin is a josei manga that intricately blends sci-fi and the supernatural. The story centers around Shintaro Kisaragi, an introverted teenager (NEET) whose life changes dramatically after encountering the Mekakushi Dan, a group of individuals with unique, eye-related supernatural powers. The narrative focuses on a phenomenon known as the Kagerou Daze, a mysterious time loop that occurs on August 15th.
What distinguishes Kagerou Daze is the special abilities the characters wield. Each member possesses unique eye-related abilities, like Kido’s power of concealment or Kano’s ability to deceive one’s perception. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, exploring isolation, friendship, and fate.
August 11, 2025
Crunchyroll
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 7.96
Why Read Karneval?
Karneval is a josei manga series by Touya Mikanagi. The story follows two primary characters, Nai and Gareki. Nai is a young, innocent boy with a mysterious past. He is searching for someone he holds dear, named Karoku, who is linked to a bracelet. Eventually, Nai meets Gareki, a clever and streetwise thief.
Their paths cross under dangerous circumstances when they find themselves in a mansion where Nai is captured and Gareki is seeking to steal valuable items. They escape together, only to become entangled with a government organization called Circus: part crime-fighting agency and part actual circus. The series appeals to a wide range of readers due to its mix of suspense, fantasy, and character-driven drama.
June 10, 2025
6Saiyuki Reload
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.21
Saiyuki Reload
Why Read Saiyuki Reload?
Saiyuki Reload is a josei manga and a continuation of the original Saiyuki series, a modern adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The narrative follows the journey of the rebellious priest Genjo Sanzo, the monkey king Son Goku, the half-demon Sha Gojyo, and the former war god Cho Hakkai. They travel to the West to stop the resurrection of the demon Gyumaoh.
Saiyuki Reload stands out for its reinterpretation of the classic tale with a darker, more mature twist. The art style of Saiyuki Reload is another standout aspect, with detailed and expressive illustrations that effectively convey the action-packed and emotional moments of the story.
July 02, 2025
5Princess Jellyfish
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.25
Princess Jellyfish
Why Read Princess Jellyfish?
Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura is a captivatingjosei animeand manga that centers around Tsukimi Kurashita, an introverted otaku with a deep fascination for jellyfish. She lives in an all-women apartment complex, Amamizukan, inhabited by socially awkward women. The story takes a turn when Tsukimi meets the stylish and confident Kuranosuke Koibuchi, who, unbeknownst to her at first, is a cross-dressing son of a politician.
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Princess Jellyfish stands out because of the complexities of gender identity and beauty standards, portraying a heartfelt journey of self-discovery. Its blend of humor, heartwarming characters, and social commentary, all wrapped in Higashimura’s expressive art style, makes it a must-read.
June 09, 2025
4Petshop Of Horrors
Petshop Of Horrors
Why Read Petshop Of Horrors?
Petshop of Horrors is an intriguing josei manga by Matsuri Akino, set in the mysterious and eerie backdrop of a pet shop in Chinatown, Los Angeles. The story revolves around the enigmatic pet shop owner, Count D, who sells exotic and magical animals with strict contracts stipulating specific rules for their care.
What makes Petshop of Horrors unique is its anthology-style narrative, where each chapter, or pet, reveals a new, often dark tale about the pet shop’s customers. For instance, a woman grieving the loss of her daughter buys a rabbit that resembles her child, only to face unforeseen consequences for breaking the contract. The manga stands out for its depiction of horror, fantasy, and moral lessons.
August 03, 2025
3Paradise Kiss
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.29
Paradise Kiss
Why Read Paradise Kiss?
Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa is a standout josei manga that tells the story of Yukari Hayasaka, a high school student stressed by academic pressures. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a group of eccentricfashion designstudents from the art academy Yazagaku, including the charismatic George, the punk Arashi, the lolita Miwako, and the calm Isabella.
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They recruit her as a model for their brand, Paradise Kiss. What makes Paradise Kiss unique is its exploration of self-discovery, passion, and the reality of pursuing creative careers. Yukari, initially a conventional student, transforms as she embraces the world of fashion and begins to question her life’s direction and choices.
Aug 13, 2025
2Kids On The Slope
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.52
Kids On The Slope
Why Read Kids On The Slope?
Kids on the Slope, created by Yuki Kodama, is a joseimusical animeand manga set in the 1960s. It tells the story of Kaoru Nishimi, an introverted classical pianist who moves to Kyushu and struggles with fitting in at his new school. His life changes when he befriends the notorious delinquent Sentaro Kawabuchi, a passionate jazz drummer, and Ritsuko Mukae, a kind-hearted classmate with a family-owned record shop.
This manga’s emphasis on jazz as a metaphor for freedom and expression makes it unique. The friendship between Kaoru and Sentaro blossoms through their shared love for jazz. Its nostalgic and detailed artwork captures the essence of the ’60s era and the vibrancy of jazz, enhancing its appeal.
June 14, 2025
1Chihayafuru
My Anime List (MAL) Score - 8.57
Chihayafuru
Why Read Chihayafuru?
Chihayafuru, created by Yuki Suetsugu, is #1 on this list as it’s an award-winning josei anime that beautifully intertwines the traditional Japanese card game Karuta with passion. The narrative revolves around Chihaya Ayase, a spirited high school girl enthralled with competitive Karuta after being introduced to it by her childhood friend, Arata Wataya.
What makes Chihayafuru stand out is its unique focus on Karuta, a game requiring a blend of physical agility, memorization, and acute listening skills. Chihaya’s journey to passionately striving to become Japan’s top player (a title known as the Queen) is central to the plot. Through its unique combination of sport, culture, and coming-of-age narrative, Chihayafuru has garnered acclaim.
