10 Best Josei Anime, Ranked

Many enthusiasts of anime tend to favor shonen and hold seinen classics such as “Berserk” in high regard. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a significant gap in appreciation within the community. Shojo and its more mature counterpart, josei, often get overlooked and are sometimes dismissed as ‘inferior’, without fans giving them a fair chance to prove their merit. This narrow-minded perspective results in many missing out on some of the most nuanced and sophisticated narratives that anime has to offer.

Many enthusiasts may not grasp this distinction: shojo is primarily designed for younger female audiences, while josei caters to adult women aged 18-40, akin to seinen for males. These narratives delve into sophisticated storylines featuring intricate female characters and some of the finest LGBTQ+ portrayals in anime or manga. Regrettably overlooked, josei has birthed unparalleled masterpieces that deserve broader acclaim. Here are some outstanding Josei anime that could revolutionize your perspective on the genre.

10) We Were There (Bokura Ga Ita)

The anime titled “We Were There, also recognized as Bokura Ga Ita, offers an emotional rollercoaster journey, portraying the exquisite yet tormented experience of early romance. The narrative centers around Nanami Takahashi, a high school girl who develops feelings for Motoharu Yano, the most well-known boy in her class. However, Yano is still wrestling with the devastating loss of his former girlfriend who passed away in a car accident, while she was with someone else. This incident has left him shrouded in mistrust and suspicion towards others.

The romantic anime series “Bokura Ga Ita,” originally based on the manga “We Were There,” consists of 26 episodes. Unlike many other shows that rely on visually stunning animation or eccentric characters, this one maintains a straightforward approach while delving into complex themes such as grief, unhealthy relationship dynamics, and heartache. The art style is elegantly simple yet captivating, and the voice acting brings every scene to life authentically. Please be aware that this series may provoke tears and cause you to reconsider your own romantic decisions.

9) Michiko & Hatchin

Picture a scenario: Michiko, an unyielding diva, escapes from prison and embarks on a journey with Hatchin, a girl trapped in a harsh foster home. Their destination? They aim to locate Hiroshi, who was once Michiko’s lover and is believed to be Hatchin’s father. This animated series, masterfully crafted by Sayo Yamamoto (the same mind behind Yuri!!! On Ice), features vibrant characters and numerous instances that subtly hint at non-heteronormative relationships.

I absolutely adore the authenticity and intricate craftsmanship that’s gone into every aspect of this work – from the music, to the art style, to the vivid South American setting. The character design for Michiko is truly inspiring, with a vibe reminiscent of the legendary R&B icon Aaliyah – effortlessly cool and powerfully captivating all at once. Now, there might be moments where the pacing could use a bit more zip, but if you’re a fan of shows like Cowboy Bebop, Michiko & Hatchin is tailor-made for you!

8) Polar Bear Café (Shirokuma Café)

Polar Bear Café is undeniably one of the coziest anime series you’ll come across, featuring an ensemble cast of talking animals managing a café and navigating life together. Originally published in the magazine Flowers, this story centers around Panda (similar to JJK) who is kicked out by his mother and must learn to mature on his own. Accompanied by Polar Bear, the café owner, Penguin with his wit, and Grizzly the bartender, they all complement each other perfectly with spot-on comedic delivery.

Instead of writing off this anime as simply featuring “cute animals acting goofy,” it’s essential to understand that beneath its playful exterior lies a deeper message about self-discovery and finding one’s purpose. The transformation of Mr. Panda, from a pampered cub to securing his dream job, is not only amusing and heartwarming but also resonates with those grappling with adult responsibilities. This show serves as a comforting balm for the soul, yet subtly encourages self-reflection about one’s personal journey in life.

7) Yuri!!! On Ice

Sports anime have consistently been present, however, Yuri!!! On Ice significantly elevated the genre in 2016. Upon its release, it created a massive impact on the anime community, capturing the attention of many. The narrative focuses on Yuri Katsuki, a talented skater grappling with self-doubt following a humiliating loss. His world is turned upside down when his hero, Victor Nikiforov, unexpectedly agrees to coach him for the next Grand Prix.

The anime’s exceptional quality, as shown in its engaging animation and captivating music, was greatly enhanced by the compelling portrayal of Yuri Katsuki. It is uncommon for the main character in a sports anime to struggle with high-functioning anxiety, often sabotaging himself. Furthermore, this series made headlines by promoting LGBTQ+ representation within mainstream media. However, the anticipated sequel film was eventually canceled after numerous delays, leaving many fans feeling let down.

6) Princess Jellyfish (Kuragehime)

One of the most underestimated treasures in the Josei genre is Princess Jellyfish. This series handles topics like gender identity and self-acceptance with a level of respect that’s rarely seen in anime. The narrative focuses on Tsukimi, a resident of an old apartment building who shares her home with a band of socially withdrawn women. These ladies shun men and find stylish individuals intimidating. However, when she meets a fashion-conscious woman who assists her in saving a jellyfish, she discovers this woman is actually Kuranosuke, a man who cross-dresses. This marks the first meaningful interaction any of them have ever had with a man.

It’s delightful to observe that cross-dressing and gender fluidity are treated with genuine sincerity here, not trivialized as they often are in other anime. The artwork is stunning, the voice acting is top-notch, and it’s consistently funny, boasting fantastic side characters. However, be prepared for some deep themes intermingled with all the adorable moments and humor. It has a similar balance of heartfelt drama and comedy as you might find in “Fruits Basket.

5) Chihayafuru

The narrative of Chihayafuru revolves around Hyakunin Isshu Karuta, an intricate Japanese card game that combines physical and mental prowess. This story follows Ayase Chihaya, a spirited novice at Karuta who is often overshadowed by her renowned sister. Her life takes an interesting turn when she encounters Arata, a prodigious player, who introduces her to the game. Alongside Arata and their friend Taichi, Chihaya devotes much of her time to mastering this game. However, circumstances lead to a separation, inspiring Chihaya to strive towards becoming the top Karuta player, all while navigating a romantic tension between herself and the two boys.

The Chihayafuru comic series continues, with Studio Madhouse producing a three-season anime adaptation. Beyond the intense competitions, the narrative delves into themes such as poverty, overbearing parents, and unclear futures, all while maintaining a heartwarming, optimistic essence. It’s unusual to find a manga for adults (Josei) that seamlessly blends romance, sports, and Japanese literature, but Chihayafuru certainly does it effectively.

4) Paradise Kiss

Paradise Kiss hails from the creative genius behind NANA, and aficionados of the series will immediately identify Ai Yazawa’s distinctive style. The anime chronicles the story of Yukari, a student whose sole ambition is to secure a place at an elite university, until she encounters a band of fashion design students who persuade her to model for their senior project during their school’s forthcoming fashion show. As she becomes more immersed in their company, she starts neglecting her cram school and gets pulled into a completely new realm that questions everything she previously believed about her future.

The real action unfolds when Yukari develops feelings for George, a brilliant yet self-centered fashion designer who sees her more as an object of his work than a person. As she gets further entangled in the world of fashion, Yukari must grapple with a difficult decision: either adhere to her mother’s cautious plan or gamble everything to try modeling and live life according to her own desires. The stunning designs and captivating music are a treat, but the characters may annoy you due to their authentic imperfections and self-serving actions – yet it is precisely this that lends an air of authenticity to the story about growing up.

3) Honey and Clover

The animated series titled “Honey and Clover” is renowned for its authentic portrayal of real life. It centers around a group of young adults studying art who share the same residence. Conceived by Chica Umino, this show beautifully encapsulates the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompanies one’s late-teens and early-20s, particularly when wondering about post-graduation plans.

In this anime, characters enjoy moments of unity, experience heartbreak, and gradually understand that their blissful college years are fleeting. Unlike many other animations, Honey and Clover doesn’t hide the harsh reality of growing up – we witness Yuta struggling after numerous unsuccessful job interviews, and we follow Ayumi as she comes to terms with her unrequited love for Takumi. Instead of portraying a story where love solves everything, Honey and Clover focuses on finding purpose in life amidst unexpected circumstances.

2) Revolutionary Girl Utena

Utena isn’t your typical weekend cartoon; it’s complex, multi-layered, and requires deep focus. Kunihiko Ikuhara’s 1997 groundbreaking creation reimagines the fairy tale format, delving into themes like gender roles, adolescence, and trauma using the story of Utena, a girl with pink hair who aspires to become a prince. Initially presented as a lighthearted tale, it transforms into something more sinister, dealing with sensitive topics such as abuse, incest, and self-identity crises, in ways no other anime had previously dared. Utena was originally based on a manga primarily marketed towards girls, but its themes intentionally challenge traditional shojo storytelling norms, fitting well within the josei genre.

This production is reminiscent of paintings in every scene, boasts exceptional music, and may require multiple viewings to fully grasp the symbolism – but that adds to its unique appeal. Originally an unaccepted proposal for a Sailor Moon movie, it eventually transformed into a Josei genre masterpiece, earning acclaim for its innovative LGBTQ+ representation in the late 90s. Utena stands as evidence that anime can be both aesthetically stunning and socially impactful – you just need to immerse yourself in its depth to appreciate it.

1) NANA

In the top position, without a doubt, is NANA, an emotionally gripping masterpiece that stands out as a powerful representation of the josei genre, even though its manga was originally published in a shojo magazine. The story revolves around two distinct women named Nana, who cross paths by chance on a train to Tokyo. Nana Komatsu, affectionately known as Hachi, is a dreamy romantic with stars in her eyes, pursuing her boyfriend and yearning for the perfect love story. In stark contrast, Nana Osaki is a rebellious punk rock singer, resolved to achieve success with her band BLAST after her ex-boyfriend, Ren, departs to join the renowned group Trapnest. As fate would have it, these two Nanas wind up house hunting in the same location and decide to share an apartment, marking the beginning of one of the most intricate friendships in anime history.

NANA artfully portrays the female journey – fraught with poor love decisions, fashion fixations, cycles of mistreatment, and the simple pleasures found in friendship. The characters resonate deeply because they embody choices and patterns we’ve all made at some point, opting for harmful relationships and self-harming behaviors even when they are aware of their consequences. It’s devastating that this extraordinary work may never receive a fitting conclusion, but even in its unfinished state, no other anime has encapsulated the intricacies of womanhood as profoundly as NANA.

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2025-09-07 04:44