Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Fifteen Josei Manga Series Worth Reading
15
items Josei translates as “women” into English and is a term that refers to any manga aimed at women over 18. These are stories that feature adult problems, life in the corporate world, adult romances, and women finding their way in the world as adults. Th...
Sections
2
General Josei
Romance Leaning
General Josei
These are series that may incorporate some romance but its not the key driver in the narrative.
Kaze Hikaru is set in 1863 during Japan’s Bakumatsu period, when the Shogunate’s power was collapsing and the nation stood on the edge of modernization. It follows Tominaga Sei, a young woman who disguises herself as a boy to join the historical Shin...
This is a beloved manga that clocks in at 45 volumes (which have not all been released in North America, controversially) but over 30 volumes have (with 1-2 releasing per year).
This is a beloved manga that clocks in at 45 volumes (which have not all been released in North America, controversially) but over 30 volumes have (with 1-2 releasing per year).
Kaze Hikaru - Taeko Watanabe
Chihayafuru tells the story of Chihaya Ayase, a spirited girl who discovers a passion for the traditional Japanese card game karuta after meeting a quiet boy who inspires her love for it. As she grows up, Chihaya dedicates herself to becoming the bes...
This is a very long manga (I admit, I haven't finished it myself) at 50 volumes. It is a fantastic read even if you know nothing about karuta. The anime is also very good.
This is a very long manga (I admit, I haven't finished it myself) at 50 volumes. It is a fantastic read even if you know nothing about karuta. The anime is also very good.
Chihayafuru - Yuki Suetsugi
This right here is probably one of my all-time favorite manga series. It is heartwarming, heartbreaking and a masterpiece. It follows Sachiko Azuma, as she and her husband have welcomed a baby boy, Hikaru but something doesn't seem right. It is only ...
This series was released in 8 volumes (the author died in a car accident).
This series was released in 8 volumes (the author died in a car accident).
With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child
I originally read this manga when it (along with its sequel series) was published in North America back in the early and mid 2000s. It's a fantastic series that was long out of print into it was relicensed and published in collector editions.
Within the alleyways of Los Angeles' Chinatown hides a mysterious pet shop, home to many bizarre yet friendly creatures. The store's proprietor is the engimatic Count D. Detective Leon Orcot traces the source of several crimes back to Count D and is ...
The collector series is still being released as of this writing. Hopefully the sequel series is also rereleased.
Within the alleyways of Los Angeles' Chinatown hides a mysterious pet shop, home to many bizarre yet friendly creatures. The store's proprietor is the engimatic Count D. Detective Leon Orcot traces the source of several crimes back to Count D and is ...
The collector series is still being released as of this writing. Hopefully the sequel series is also rereleased.
Pet Shop of Horrors - Matsuri Akino
Ooku is a fasinating series that takes place in an alternate version of Japanese history where a deadly virus kills many of the men in the world. This results in drastic changes in every area of life, including politics. Japan now has a Japanese rule...
My only complaint about this otherwise great series is it can be dialogue heavy so if that can be a deal breaker for you, you may want to stick with the anime over the manga.
My only complaint about this otherwise great series is it can be dialogue heavy so if that can be a deal breaker for you, you may want to stick with the anime over the manga.
Ôoku: The Inner Chambers - Fumi Yoshinaga
Princess Jellyfish is a fun series that follows Tsukimi Kurashita, a young woman who has moved to Tokyo and has a strong love for Jellyfish. She lives in a house with several other girls who have different interests they're passionate about including...
The entire series has been released in English. I can also recommend the authors other series!
The entire series has been released in English. I can also recommend the authors other series!
Princess Jellyfish - Ahiho Higashimura
Romance Leaning
These are Josei titles that focus more on romantic aspects.
This is one of the newest Josei series I've gotten into and easily one of the best. It stars Yuuki, a 20-year old college student who wants to meet her soulmate but has been luckless in love. By chance, she meets Iori, a fifth year dental student, wh...
Both the main characters are endearing and the story is good, without falling into any cliches. The series is ongoing in Japan as of this writing, with a couple volumes currently available in English and being released every few months.
Both the main characters are endearing and the story is good, without falling into any cliches. The series is ongoing in Japan as of this writing, with a couple volumes currently available in English and being released every few months.
How I Met My Soulmate - Anashin
Nana was one of the first Josei I read and remains one of my favorites, and is one I have read through multiple times. It follows the store of two women named Nana who meet on a train while moving to Tokyo and through fate end up as roommates.
This is a beloved series by one of the most well-known and loved manga-ka, Ai Yazawa. It's also known for being on hiatus for many years due to her illness, so keep that in mind when diving into the currently 21-volume series.
This is a beloved series by one of the most well-known and loved manga-ka, Ai Yazawa. It's also known for being on hiatus for many years due to her illness, so keep that in mind when diving into the currently 21-volume series.
Nana - Ai Yazawa
This is a really sweet and simple love story that's perfect when you want something feel good. It follows Nobuko Tanaka, a shy girl who has a crush on a boy, Irie, who attends the same university as her and works at the same supermarket she does.
A Side Character's Love Story - Akane Tamura
Based on a light novel series, My Happy Marriage can be described as a cinderella story with supernatural elements. It follows Miyo Saimori, who lives her days unwanted and unloved, and abused by her stepmother and stepsister. Coming from a long line...
This also received a very good anime series that is currently on Netflix.
This also received a very good anime series that is currently on Netflix.
My Happy Marriage - Akumi Agitogi, Rito Kohsaka (Illustrator), Tsukiho Tsukioka (creator)
This is one of my favorite Josei and one that I was so happy finally got published in English a couple years ago.
At a company get-together, 26-year old Tsugumi is reunited with her high school crush, Itsuki. Itsuki realized his dream of becoming an architect but suffered a spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair. With feelings rekindled, is there a cha...
This is an excellent manga that tackles the real challenges faced by those living with a disability and the challenges relationships face as well. I cannot recommend this series enough, which has been fully published in English.
At a company get-together, 26-year old Tsugumi is reunited with her high school crush, Itsuki. Itsuki realized his dream of becoming an architect but suffered a spinal cord injury that left him in a wheelchair. With feelings rekindled, is there a cha...
This is an excellent manga that tackles the real challenges faced by those living with a disability and the challenges relationships face as well. I cannot recommend this series enough, which has been fully published in English.
Perfect World - Rie Atuga
This is a great manga with plenty of spice. Kaya thought she found the perfect job when she became the private secretary of Kyouhei Touma, the director of a tableware company. His arrogance is legendary, as well as his ways with women. Kaya does her ...
The complete seven volume series has been completely released in English for paperback and kindle.
The complete seven volume series has been completely released in English for paperback and kindle.
Midnight Secretary - Tomu Ohmi
I actually read this manga before it became licensed in English, so I was thrilled when it finally got a release.
Happy Marriage follows Takanashi Chiwa, who works multiple jobs to pay off her father's debt. One night she's fired from a job by a high-profile customer…only for him to reveal he's president of a company and offer her a job as his “wife”. Could real...
This manga has been released in paperback and on kindle in English.
Happy Marriage follows Takanashi Chiwa, who works multiple jobs to pay off her father's debt. One night she's fired from a job by a high-profile customer…only for him to reveal he's president of a company and offer her a job as his “wife”. Could real...
This manga has been released in paperback and on kindle in English.
Happy Marriage?! - Maki Enjoji
Paradise Kiss follows Yukari, a high school student who gets swept into the glamorous world of fashion when she becomes the muse and model for a group of eccentric design students. As she navigates love, ambition, and identity, Yukari must decide bet...
While this does follow a high school student, it is certainly targeted towards a more mature audience. Since it's a Yazawa title, expect lots of fashion you really wish existed.
The collector's edition contains the entire series.
While this does follow a high school student, it is certainly targeted towards a more mature audience. Since it's a Yazawa title, expect lots of fashion you really wish existed.
The collector's edition contains the entire series.
Paradise Kiss - Ai Yazawa
Funny story, I actually read over half of this series before it was translated into English and then…it got licensed! I have finished this series and can recommend it.
Hotaru’s Way follows Hotaru Amemiya, a 27-year old successful office worker who secretly lives like a lazy “dried fish woman” at home, preferring pajamas and beer to romance or glamour. Her double life is turned upside down when her boss moves in wit...
Hotaru’s Way follows Hotaru Amemiya, a 27-year old successful office worker who secretly lives like a lazy “dried fish woman” at home, preferring pajamas and beer to romance or glamour. Her double life is turned upside down when her boss moves in wit...
Hotaru's Way