You know, even though shonen anime might steal the spotlight in the West, Shoujo Anime are still widely popular worldwide. They’re mostly geared towards younger girls but honestly, anyone can get into them.
Sure, a bunch of shoujo anime might seem like your typical romantic tale, but there are plenty that break the mould. They dig into deeper emotions and explore some really cool themes. These shows are what makes the genre so awesome and are totally worth checking out for any anime fan.
So, we’re about halfway through Winter 2024, and it’s been a pretty good season overall. We’ve got a mix of stuff catering to different tastes, which is always cool to see. You’ve got your action-packed series like Solo Leveling and The Dangers in My Heart, which are hitting it off with fans. Mashle is also getting some love, offering something different for those who enjoy a good laugh. But, if you’re into Isekai or fantasy, well, you’re in luck because they’re all over the place this season. Some are decent, others not so much, but they’re definitely keeping that genre alive and kicking.
Now, when it comes to shoujo anime, they’re a bit harder to come by this season. There’s The Demon Prince of Momochi House, but it hasn’t been blowing anyone away. On the bright side, Villainess Level 99, based on a shoujo manga, has been a pleasant surprise. So, while shoujo might be scarce, there are still some gems to discover. Let’s dive in!
1. A Sign Of Affection
“A Sign of Affection” is such a heartwarming romantic comedy that focuses on college-age love and the importance of communication. The main pair, Yuki and Itsuomi, steal the spotlight right from the start. Yuki, who is hearing-impaired, uses sign language, text, and lip-reading to communicate, while Itsuomi is a globetrotter who loves learning languages.
Their instant connection on a train leads to some really sweet moments as they try to get to know each other better. The show does a great job of capturing that rollercoaster of emotions that come with falling in love, and there’s this beautiful moment in the first episode that just hits you right in the feels. What’s cool is that the characters are a bit older than your typical romance anime leads, which gives the series a more mature vibe. It’s refreshing to see a romance story that’s not just all about high school drama.
2. My Happy Marriage
“My Happy Marriage” was a massive hit. It’s based on a novel series by Akumi Agitogi and set in an alternate version of the Meiji Restoration era with supernatural stuff added in.
The main character, Miyo, comes from a well-off family but has a really tough life because her stepmother, stepsister, and dad treat her terribly. Her family wants to get rid of her, so they try to marry her off to a military guy who’s known for rejecting women quickly. If he rejects her, it could ruin Miyo’s life. But surprisingly, the military guy, Kiyoka, actually likes Miyo and gets angry about how her family treats her.
The show doesn’t hide the fact that Miyo has been through a lot because of her family. She struggles with her self-esteem even when she’s safe with Kiyoka. Kiyoka seems like a complicated guy with his own reasons for being interested in Miyo at first, but he genuinely cares for her. The romance between Miyo and Kiyoka is sweet and touching, but not everything else in the show is great. The supernatural parts can feel weird, and the bad guys are easy to hate but don’t have much depth.
3. 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys A Carefree Life Married To Her Worst Enemy!
Right now, reincarnation and villainess stories are all the rage, especially since they’ve been hitting it big in the world of light novels. But let’s talk about “7th Time Loop” for a second. While it’s riding that trend, it’s a bit different from your typical villainess tale.
See, the main character, Rishe, isn’t exactly your typical villainess. She’s stuck in this wild time loop, always reincarnating as her 15-year-old self right before she’s about to get dumped. Oh, and to top it off, she keeps dying at 20 because of a war started by Prince Arnold – who, by the way, she ends up engaged to on her 7th loop.
Now, Rishe? She’s an awesome protagonist. She’s super smart, proactive, and always keeps her cool. Throughout all these loops, she’s been using her time to learn all sorts of skills. Yeah, she might seem a bit too perfect sometimes, but it’s all backed up by the story. And then there’s her relationship with Arnold – it’s pretty interesting. He’s not just some one-dimensional bad guy. There’s this whole air of mystery around him, and their chemistry together is just off the charts.
4. Cherry Magic! Thirty Years Of Virginity Can Make You A Wizard?!
Don’t let the title fool you, the next shoujo anime “Cherry Magic” is shaping up to be one of the best recent boys’ love anime out there. It follows Kiyoshi Adachi, a 30-year-old office worker who suddenly gains the ability of touch telepathy. This new power reveals to him that his coworker, Yuuichi Kurosawa, has a crush on him.
Adachi is caught off guard by this revelation since he’s never considered dating another guy before. He’s torn between wanting to get closer to Kurosawa and keeping his distance to avoid leading him on. On the other hand, Kurosawa is struggling with his own emotions while trying to maintain his image as one of the office’s top performers.
While “Cherry Magic” has its fair share of romantic moments, it’s surprisingly deep and character-focused, delving into the inner thoughts and struggles of its protagonists.
5. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
The next shoujo anime is Sugar Apple Fairy Tale. In this fantasy world, humans and fairies coexist, but their relationship isn’t exactly peachy. Fairies are often seen as little more than possessions by humans. However, Ann, a determined young girl aiming to become a Silver Sugar Master like her mom, bucks this trend when she purchases Challe, a warrior fairy.
Season 2 of the anime dives deeper into their bond, unveiling more about the intriguing social dynamics of this universe. Ann shines as the lead character, and she’s backed by a cast of memorable characters who add richness to the story.
What’s your favourite Shoujo anime this season? Let us know in the comments. Click here for more anime and manga updates.
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