It’s no secret that demand for shoujo has dipped in recent years, but manga readers have started to notice a steady, exciting rebound. In the last few seasons, a wave of new shoujo manga has breathed fresh life into this classic demographic, drawing in both longtime fans and curious newcomers.
Today’s shoujo has evolved far beyond simple schoolyard crushes. Modern series reflect contemporary reader tastes with richer, character-driven plots, strong female leads, and nuanced relationships. Many titles blend genres for a one-of-a-kind experience—mixing romance with fantasy, slice-of-life, comedy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes—to deliver stories that feel timely, relatable, and emotionally resonant. Thanks to these inventive, carefully crafted adaptations and originals, shoujo manga is back—and better than ever. Below is our handpicked list of shoujo manga recommendations to get you started.
Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona)
Long ago, Kouka flourished under a human king believed to be the incarnation of a red dragon, guarded by four warriors blessed with dragon blood. Centuries later, Princess Yona enjoys a sheltered life within the palace, protected by her loyal bodyguard Son Hak and enamored with her cousin, Su-won. Her world shatters when Su-won executes a coup and kills her father, forcing Yona and Hak to flee into hostile territory. Desperate to reclaim her kingdom and mend its fractures, Yona turns to an exiled priest who urges her to seek the four legendary dragon warriors. With only a myth to guide her, Yona begins a perilous journey of growth, courage, and leadership in this sweeping shoujo fantasy adventure filled with political intrigue and destiny.
Nana
Two young women named Nana board the same train bound for Tokyo, each chasing a different dream. Nana Komatsu is a hopeful romantic who has followed her heart—and boyfriend—more than once, while Nana Osaki is a fiercely independent punk vocalist determined to make it big in music. When chance pairs them as roommates, their lives entwine in unexpected ways. Through late-night talks, gigs, career struggles, and complicated love affairs, the Nanas build a profound friendship that becomes their anchor. This deeply emotional music and romance manga captures the highs and lows of adulthood—ambition, heartbreak, loyalty, and the bittersweet cost of following your dreams.
Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)
Fifteen-year-old Takashi Natsume has inherited an ability that isolates him: he can see youkai, spirits invisible to most. After discovering that his late grandmother, Reiko, bound these spirits to her will in a mysterious “Book of Friends,” Natsume becomes the target of youkai seeking freedom—or revenge. With the help of Madara, a powerful spirit masquerading as a rotund cat and self-appointed bodyguard, Natsume decides to return the names and release the spirits. Gentle, reflective, and quietly profound, this supernatural slice-of-life manga explores compassion, loneliness, and the delicate bridge between human and spirit worlds.
Banana Fish
Ash Lynx is a brilliant yet brutal gang leader who broke free from the mafia boss who raised and exploited him, Dino “Papa” Golzine. When a string of murders points to a cryptic phrase—“Banana Fish”—Ash is pulled into a dangerous conspiracy with global stakes. Eiji Okumura, a kind-hearted Japanese photographer’s assistant, becomes Ash’s unlikely ally and emotional anchor amid New York’s violent underworld. As they unravel the truth behind Banana Fish, they face the tangled web of organized crime, trauma, and power. A gripping crime thriller manga, Banana Fish blends action, mystery, and heartbreaking intimacy.
Skip Beat!
Tireless and sweet-natured Kyouko Mogami follows her childhood crush, Shoutarou “Shou” Fuwa, to Tokyo to support his rise as an idol—only to discover he sees her as nothing more than free labor. Crushed but determined, Kyouko vows revenge the only way she knows how: by beating him at his own game. After a rocky start, a quirky talent agency gives her another chance in the new “Love Me” section. What begins as a revenge plan becomes a journey of self-discovery as Kyouko uncovers her fierce talent for acting, finds unexpected friendships, and learns to shine on her own. This showbiz rom-com manga delivers sharp humor, character growth, and delicious industry drama.
Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita)
High-schooler Nanami Momozono loses her home thanks to her father’s gambling debts—until a grateful stranger offers her a place to stay. The “house,” however, turns out to be a neglected shrine, and Nanami finds herself named the new land god in the former deity’s stead. Tomoe, the shrine’s proud fox familiar, wants nothing to do with a human god—until a contract binds them together. As Nanami learns divine duties, tackles mischievous spirits, and grows closer to the prickly Tomoe, she discovers courage and compassion she never knew she had. This romantic fantasy manga blends humor, folklore, and heartfelt chemistry.
Fruits Basket
Orphaned and unfailingly kind, Tooru Honda is taken in by the enigmatic Souma family after a twist of fate. She soon discovers their secret: when hugged by someone of the opposite sex, they transform into the animals of the Chinese zodiac. As Tooru grows close to the aloof Yuki, hot-headed Kyou, and other members of the clan, she begins to heal wounds the curse has left behind. Through empathy and perseverance, she becomes a beacon of hope for a family haunted by pain. A beloved classic shoujo manga, Fruits Basket is a tender story of found family, trauma, love, and redemption.
Ouran High School Host Club
At the elite Ouran Academy, the dazzling Host Club entertains the school’s wealthiest girls with charm and theatrics. Scholarship student Haruhi Fujioka stumbles into their world—and into debt—after breaking an expensive vase. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi is roped into working as a host to pay it off, catching the eye of the dramatic club leader, Tamaki, and the cool-headed manager, Kyouya. From costume chaos to over-the-top events, Haruhi navigates the club’s hilarious antics and heartfelt moments, challenging stereotypes and discovering friendship along the way. This reverse harem comedy manga is a witty, warm satire of romance tropes and high-society quirks.
A Sign of Affection (Yubisaki to Renren)
Yuki Itose, a hearing-impaired university student, has built a quiet, comfortable life surrounded by familiar routines and her best friend, Rin. Everything shifts when she meets Itsuomi Nagi, a multilingual, well-traveled friend of Rin’s who is curious, patient, and unaffected by Yuki’s disability. As their worlds overlap—through sign language, shared experiences, and gentle admiration—their bond blossoms into a soft, sincere romance. This wholesome university love story highlights communication, accessibility, and the beauty of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, making it a standout in modern romance manga.
Ohayou, Ibarahime (Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty)
Hardworking teen Tetsu Misato takes a part-time job at a grand mansion he’s admired since childhood. There, hidden beyond a quiet garden, lives Shizu Karasawa—an isolated girl confined by a mysterious illness. When Tetsu meets Shizu, their tentative conversations grow into a tender connection that challenges both their worlds. As he learns the truth behind her condition, Tetsu must confront fear, devotion, and the fragile line between the ordinary and the supernatural. Poetic and bittersweet, this gothic-tinged romance manga is a slow-burn tale of empathy, longing, and the courage to reach out to someone trapped by fate.