10 Moving Josei Anime You Need On Your Watchlist

Compared to other anime genres, such as shojo, which targets girls and young adult women as its primary target audience, josei stories are marketed to adult women. Josei explores more mature themes and topics, often taking a ‘realist’ standpoint within female-oriented social, relationship, and developmental subjects.

This classification has become a genre that appeals to its viewers who may be experiencing similar circumstances to the narrative’s characters, or simply those who wish to enjoy a story with more heavy content. The best josei anime exemplify its purpose: exploring the various shades of romance, friendship, family, and heartache, as well as the overarching question of life’s direction.

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10 Princess Jellyfish Challenges Societal Standards of Beauty and Love

Based on the manga by Akiko Higashimura

Tsukimi doesn’t fit the image of an upstanding, graceful woman. The jobless illustrator shares an apartment with other otaku women that bars men from entering. By an ironic turn of events, Tsukimi meets Kuranosuke Koibuchi, a beautiful cross-dressing man, and breaks her home rule by letting him in. When external forces threaten their sanctuary, these wallflowers band together for a journey of companionship and identity.

Princess Jellyfish explores themes of self-confidence, the true definition of beauty, and the gratification of celebrating one’s self, despite societal standards. It’s a wonderful and quirky story that appeals to the relatable struggle of self-image and the anxiety around budding relationships.

WATCH on Crunchyroll

9 Honey and Clover Is a Breath of Fresh Air

Based on the manga by Chica Umino

Honey and Clover follows five young adults attending the same art school, three of whom live in the same apartment. This earnest show depicts the navigation of their relationships, distinct heartbreaks, and how together they find happiness in life’s simplicities.

Although simplistic, it is a striking account of each character’s struggle to find their path. It also captures how convoluted relationships and friendships in adulthood can be, but how one must remain grateful and hopeful. Despite the group’s bittersweet frustrations, the show is warm and inviting, giving the audience a youthful breath of fresh air.

WATCH on Prime Video

8 Kids on the Slope Shows the Bonds that Music Can Create

Based on the manga by Yuki Kodama

Intelligent and introverted Kaoru Nishimi hasn’t been able to build long-lasting friendships. After relocating to a new school, he encounters delinquent Sentarō Kawabuchi and classmate Ritsuko Mukae, and the three develop an unexpected bond over jazz music. Kids on the Slope follows their shared passions, their time in three years of high school, and the relationships that develop between them.

This series is a perfect medley of peculiar characters who find joy despite the messes of life. It explores tragedy, consequences, and regret. The story is a reflection of their youth’s imperfections and how despite all, the melody they collaboratively create leads them to happiness.

WATCH on Prime Video

7 Banana Fish Is a Boys Love Story Masquerading as a Mob Thriller

Based on the manga by Akimi Yoshida

Pure-hearted Eiji Okamura’s life is flipped around as his travels to America lead him to gang leader Ash Lynx. Banana Fish narrates their conflicts with mob boss Dino Golzine, Ash’s care-taker and abuser, while they puzzle out the conspiracy of a new drug around town, the death of Ash’s brother, and the gritty nature of the criminal underground.

This series is emotionally intense, as it revolves around criminal activity, abuse in every form, death, and sacrifice. As Ash battles against his traumas, the audience welcomes the fleeting tender moments he shares with Eiji, exalting in the soft love implied between the two boys. True love despite the loss of innocence is strung along with heavy themes in this unforgettable tragedy.

WATCH on Crunchyroll

6 Paradise Kiss Is an Unmissable Josei Icon

Based on the manga by Ai Yazawa

The infamous Paradise Kiss follows Hayasaka Yukari, a high schooler who has walked the line society drew for her until she meets a group of fashion design students who scout her to be a model. Through their passions and enthusiasm, she is inspired to create her own path, thus discovering her own motivations and sprouting love.

Audience members are sure to relate to some degree as the narrative depicts familial expectations, daunting decision-making, and the beauty of pursuing one’s dreams. Compiling a whirlwind romance, fortuitous friendships, and the complexities Hayasaka must balance, this series is an unmissable josei icon.

WATCH on Netflix

5 Nodame Cantabile Is Hilarious and Charming

Based on the manga by Tomoko Ninomiya

The perfectionist Shinichi Chiaki’s prickly nature keeps him from becoming the conductor he dreamed of being. He then meets the unkempt Noda Megumi, also known as Nodame, and after hearing her play the piano for the first time, his life seems to change. Although the pair couldn’t be more different, their demeanors encourage each other’s journey to the top of the musical world.

Nodame Cantabile depicts an inspirational josei story with realistic relationships. The characters not only learn how to coexist but individually bloom as the romance shared between them gives space to do so. It is a hilarious and charming series on music, passion, and love.

WATCH on Prime Video

4 Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku Is a Great Portrayal of Adult Relationships

Based on the web manga by Fujita

Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a hilarious yet insightful take on adult relationships. Following two couples who all happen to be coworkers, the series shares their day-to-day shenanigans, their otaku activities, and their romantic encounters.

Despite its humor, the show thoughtfully depicts adult companionships, their different stages, and the issues that arise. The audience sees the cute, awkwardness of beginning a relationship through Hirotaka and Narumi. On the other hand, Koyanagi and Kabakura exemplify a long-lasting, unfiltered adult relationship. Wotakoi is a joyous and fun story that shifts between mature romantic themes that josei fans are sure to enjoy.

WATCH on Prime Video

3 Chihayafuru

Based on the manga by Yuki Suetsugu

Chihayafuru is an underrated josei classic about Chihaya Ayase, who from a young age, devotes herself to the unusual Japanese sport of karuta. Playing along with her friends Arata and Taichi, as well as her school Karuta team, the female protagonist endeavors to become the world’s best karuta player all while navigating the complications of young love.

This dreamy anime pulls on the heartstrings, leaving viewers enraptured with the teens’ infectious vigor as they maneuver through their individual frustrations about goals, bonds, and unrequited love. An accumulation of beautiful visuals and tender connections, Chihayafuru stands as a must-watch.

WATCH on Crunchyroll

2 Nana‘s Complicated Themes Make it a Keystone of the Genre

Based on the manga by Ai Yazawa

In a fateful meeting, two women of the same name meet on a train ride to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu and Nana Oosaki’s destinies have become intertwined, as they cross paths on their journey to reach their desired futures.

The series is paired with an intentional, emotive soundtrack as it gradually divulges the inner workings of each woman. Nana is a sincere narrative about the intricacies of female friendships, love, intimacy, and feminism. Not all subject matter is cheery as it also dives into discussions of mental health, drug abuse, manipulation, and the like. Its complicated themes are shrewd, impactful, and evocative, making this show a keystone of the josei genre.

WATCH on Hulu

1 Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju Is a Poignant Life Story

Based on the manga by Haruko Kumota

Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is a unique anime revolving around Yakumo’s life story, as he becomes a master of rakugo, the Japanese art of single-performer storytelling. As he endeavors to this title, the audience follows the main character’s interactions with his friends Yotarou and Miyokichi, all while he steers through his desires and comes to terms with the tragedies of his past.

This poignant story beautifully utilizes silence and bounces between memories while celebrating this underappreciated art. On the other hand, the dialogue is raw and real, as Yakumo’s persona evolves with age. It’s a story of depth, touching on the waves of emotion that come with lost love, responsibility, death, and grief.

WATCH on Crunchyroll

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