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At the start of My Happy Marriage, the male lead, Kiyoka Kudo, is introduced as a seemingly perfect character. He is handsome and composed and exudes an air of confidence, pride, and authority. He is a man who is feared by many, with there being many rumors going on about his ruthless nature. That is why Miyo’s initial fear of him is completely understandable.

Kiyoka and Miyo from My Happy Marriage season 2 | Credit: Kinema Citrus

Usually, in Shojo anime, we see that the male leads are there as a support and have barely a whit of a personality. They seem to be two-dimensional, usually being cold and acting cool. But Kiyoka Kudo is a breath of fresh air.

Although he starts off as a cool guy, as the series goes on, we see him for his real personality. He seems to be immature, jealous, and extremely pouty. This hilarious...

Shojo and fashion have shared the same space for a long time. They have been dependent on each other, and their close interaction has led to several inspirations for cosplayers. In fact, one simple search for Shojo-inspired fashion would lead you to hundreds of Pinterest boards.

Unfortunately, most of these clothing inspirations might serve you with the same cottagecore/soft girl aesthetic. But is Shojo fashion really limited to these waist-snatching corsets and frilly laces? Or has the manga/anime-inspired fashion scene just gone stale?

Shojo anime-inspired fashion is stuck in the past

The current trends of Shojo-inspired fashion no longer adhere to the current trending series. It almost seems like the aesthetic is stuck in the past with the addition of fast fashion elements. Yes, mixing vintage styles with current trends is the way to go, but completely detaching from the dressing style in the anime scene does...

Anime is usually geared toward one of the four major demographics, with adult anime fans getting the most mileage out of seinen and josei. Seinen and josei tend to feature older character and deep content for adults, setting such anime apart from shonen and shojo. That means typical anime fans over 30 won't find much to like about shonen and shojo, especially of those anime series focus on the lives and angst of teenage characters.

As a general rule, anime fans 30 and over won't find much to like about teenage heroes, since those viewers can no longer relate to protagonists half their age, weakening the appeal of teen-centric anime series. Exceptions will always exist, such as older anime fans who get occasional nostalgia for their teen years through anime. That said, plenty of anime series are clearly written for tween or teenage viewers and won't have much to say to anime...

The anime community as a whole, even including the major animation studios in charge of bringing them to life, has held an unconscious bias towards Shonen anime. It’s become the flagship genre for anime that becomes the first taste to any fans exploring the world.

When thinking about anime, names like One Piece, Attack on Titan, and Naruto pop up. It’s curious how it’s rarely a Shojo anime that comes to mind, unlike how people can instantly name at least 5 Shonen in comparison. What exactly happened to make the Shonen genre tower over Shojo?

Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece. [Credit: Toei Animation]

Liking the Shojo genre ends up being met with a level of ridicule and shame. On the flip side, if you aren’t familiar with popular Shonen anime, the reaction is the same.

Since Shojo mainly caters to a female audience, it’s...

Tite Kubo’s Bleach is known for its variety of characters who come in all shapes and sizes. These characters have their own significance to the story and while some are only for a short period of time, others have been a part of the narrative since the beginning. However, there is one set of characters that fans can never forget no matter how much the Bleach story progresses.

Bleach Anime Series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The reason behind these characters being unforgettable is their character designs that according to many fans are hauntingly ugly. Kubo is quite famous within the manga industry for creating some of the most ugly-looking characters in Bleach. These characters are mostly villains or antagonists who transform into their final forms.

From Guenael Lee to Aaroniero Arruruerie, these character designs are hideous in more than one way, but there are three characters that fans have been...

The legendary director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki is known for crafting films that resonate across age groups and cultures. His works, such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, and Kiki’s Delivery Service, often explore themes of growth, environmentalism, and human connection. However, with his groundbreaking movie, Spirited Away, Miyazaki set out to do something entirely unconventional: rebel against the prevailing trends in anime culture.

The transformation of her parents catalyzed Chihiro’s growth | Credit: Studio Ghibli

Released in 2001, the story of Spirited Away follows a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro’s journey of self-discovery and resilience in a fantastical world; subverting the traditional coming-of-age storylines that are often dominated by external validation or romantic undertones. This movie became monumental in anime history, which still serves as a rebellion against the genre’s norms and a display of inner strength and authenticity.

The premise of Spirited Away...

When anime fans think about iconic series from the mid-2000s, Ouran High School Host Club inevitably comes to mind. Adapted on Bisco Hatori’s manga, this delightful reverse harem anime won over fans with its quirky characters, witty humor, and realistic exploration of gender norms and social expectations. However, despite its undeniable cultural impact and huge fanbase, the series has been left in a frustrating state of limbo.

The vibrant casts of Ouran High School Host Club | Credit: Studio Bones

While beloved series like Ranma ½ and Fruits Basket have received modern updates; breathing new life into their stories, fans of Ouran High School Host Club are left wondering: why not Ouran? The frustration is palpable across social media platforms, where longtime enthusiasts and new fans alike are rallying for the remake this iconic series deserves.

Ouran High School Host Club and its legacy in the anime world

After its 2006 premiere,...

When it comes to entertainment, trends come and go, but some industries find a way to plant roots and grow on the global stage. For years, K-pop was a cultural powerhouse outside the West that gained audiences thanks to its polished visuals, performances, and fan culture. However, according to recent data, anime has become a surprising contender and officially overtook K-pop.

With its global appeal and relatively low production costs, anime has solidified its place as the next big thing in Hollywood’s hunt for entertainment. Anime caught fans and a global audience, but now it deals with attention from larger corporations. Streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon are scrambling to claim and take over parts of the industry, while Sony, who owns Crunchyroll and Funimation, is doubling down on its hold.

Anime Was Always Bound to Surpass K-pop as the Top Media Investment Anime’s Diversity Ensures There’s...

Shojo is a unique anime demographic that caters to young female audiences. Unlike its counterpart, shonen, shojo focuses less on action or adventure and more on character-driven stories. Shojo are often rich with emotion and usually possess greater depth than the typical anime series. There’s a strong emphasis on interpersonal relationships that lead to some very dramatic story arcs.

The shojo demographic is well-known for its heightened drama that stirs the soul and tugs at the heartstrings. These thrilling stories tend to revolve around romance, friendship, and personal growth, though they can also get much darker at times. Shojo anime aren’t afraid to delve into some heavy subjects, and many don’t hold back on these topics. From tales of deceit to heartbreaking stories of abuse, shojo’s most dramatic series are some of the most impactful in all of anime.

Related 10 Shojo Anime That Went Too Far...

Shojo is one of anime’s oldest and most influential demographics and plays host to many iconic classics that have changed the medium as fans know it. The most popular shojo series have defined each generation and are beloved by anime fans of all kinds. Titles such as Ouran High School Host Club, Maid-sama!, and Sailor Moon have kept the shojo demographic alive even during its period of steady decline. But while there’s no denying that these shojo classics are some of the best out there and well worth the hype, they overshadow other old-school titles.

The ’90s and 2000s were a peak time for shojo anime, with many of the most iconic series coming from those eras. However, shojo is an expansive demographic that extends as far back as the ‘60s and ‘70s. With such a large catalog, it’s only natural that many great series have faded into obscurity.

The year 2025 will be nothing short of iconic for rom-com lovers. This is especially true for most upcoming anime, especially Skip and Loafer. Based on Misaki Takamatsu’s manga, the anime is more than impressive.

It isn’t your bog-standard romance series, especially with its treatment of relationships. While most people assume it to be a shojo series, it is quite the opposite. After a successful first season, the anime is making a comeback with its second season. But there’s more to it.

Mitsumi Iwakura in a still from the anime | Credit: P.A Works

The coming year is going to be truly eventful in terms of most romance anime. With most series getting their second season, fans cannot help but deem it the “Year of romcoms”.

Skip and Loafer announces Season 2

Skip and Loafer isn’t a run-of-the-mill seinen anime. Written by Misaki Takamatsu, the series highlights Mitsumi’s...

Shojo is technically a demographic; it's anime and manga written and marketed for a young, female audience. It's also referenced almost as a wider genre of its own, because shojo anime follows certain conventions, like telling romance and character-driven (rather than plot-driven) stories. Some shojo stories are incredibly melodramatic, to where fans often compare them to soap-operas.

Fans enjoy those shojo titles for the drama. They push the envelope, and keep the audience hooked, making them wonder what could happen next. Not all zany anime is written equally. While some anime are poorly written but enjoyed for their shock value and humor, others are well-written soap operas with nuance and purpose.

Takeo Embodies Knightly Goodness in Modern Day in My Love Story!! Takeo Saves Rinko on a Bus

My Love Story!! is a romantic comedy that has a very playful and sincere tone. It follows the very likable hero, Takeo Gouda,...

As the year 2024 is coming to an end, looking back, we have received and enjoyed several groundbreaking and unique anime regardless of the genre. However, if we talk about their themes and public appeal, it’s not a very wholesome year for Shonen since Shojo and Slice of Life have taken the upper hand. Similarly, this year at IGN’s Best Anime Awards, the anime that has emerged victorious as Anime of the Year is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Frieren | Credit: Studio Madhouse

Although surprising, it’s a well-deserved achievement for a series that has captivated audiences through its unique storytelling and thematic brilliance. In an era where most Shonen series emphasize adrenaline-pumping battles, over-the-top power-ups, and flashy visuals, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End dares to take a different route; one of quiet introspection, emotional depth, and understated fantasy world-building.

Divided but passionate reactions from fans

In a year dominated by...

The world of anime and manga has just lost yet another shining star, who contributed to shaping one of the most beloved genres of this industry: Shojo. Iconic titles such as Fruits Basket, Kamisama Hajimemashita (aka Kami-sama Kiss), and many more have always continued to attract the attention of global audiences and have become a hallmark in the anime/manga industry itself. The unique romance, drama, and fantasy of these stories have captured the hearts of audiences for years now.

A still from Kamisama Hajimemashita | Credits: Tms Entertainment

However, in a sad reality, the pioneer of the genre, Macoto Takahashi, has recently left us, at the ripe age of 90, leaving behind his legacy that will continue to inspire generations and entertain. Fans are celebrating his extraordinary life and contributions, as they take time to admire the lasting impression that he brought to the world of Shojo manga.

Macoto Takahashi bids...

Shojo is one of the most popular anime demographics, targeted particularly at the young female audience. Even outside of its target demographic, shojo anime has garnered a solid fandom and continues to revolutionize itself according to every era. The demographic typically catered to the “magical girl” anime in its initial days but quickly gained traction as it embraced other genres and sub-genres.

Romance is one of the major sub-genres of shojo that has given fans some of the greatest anime love stories of all time. Fans have grown up with classics like Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket that have gone on to be remade for modern audiences. From incorporating dramatic high school stories to fantasies that go far and beyond the realm of possibility, these shojo series have each left an impact on anime history in their own ways.

Updated on December 12, 2024 by Lauren Younkin: Though not as many shojo...

Even the most casual anime and manga fans are likely familiar with the terms "shonen" and "shojo." Shonen and shojo series represent the medium's most popular properties, from One Piece and Naruto to Sailor Moon and Fruits Basket. Shojo and shonen series are often unavoidable since they dominate the market, but it's easy for audiences to consume this content without truly understanding what these contrasting types of stories mean or represent. The two terms in question loosely translate to "young girl" in the case of shojo and "young boy" for shonen. However, these broad demographics continue to evolve after more than a century of storytelling and experimentation.

Admittedly, shonen and shojo series can sometimes be neatly divided by gender, but it's not as simple of a delineation. Many different unique elements give both shojo and shonen series their distinct flavors. To better appreciate what both of these types of stories have to offer,...

With the Shonen genre being the reigning king amongst anime and manga communities, the Shojo genre goes largely undermined. Still, many Shojo titles have cracked into mass popularity. And if one manga deserves a special mention, it’s Kamisama Kiss or Kamisama Hajimemashita.

Despite having debuted more than 15 years ago, the series has still maintained a certain level of popularity amongst Shojo enthusiasts. If you are a romance fan, it is likely to be in your top 3 list. If it isn’t, redo your list.

Kamisama Kiss Manga Suffers from a Lack of Availability Kamisama Kiss Volume 1 | Credits: Hakusensha

Pick up any Shonen series, and you are bound to find it serializing on Viz Media, MangaPlus, or some other official website. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about most Shojo series, especially ones that have already finished serialization. Kamisama Kiss suffers from the same problems.

The only legal way to...

Despite being one of animes most popular demographics, shojo, or anime targeting young female audiences, has an unfortunate history of being dismissed and excluded from mainstream discourse. In the current action-saturated anime landscape, the genre has been experiencing a steady decline, its more introspective and slow-paced narratives outdistanced by shonen and seinen heavy hitters. However, shojo anime has by no means vanished completely, and the genres current period of stagnation gives fans a perfect opportunity to rediscover some of its hidden gems from the past.

Shojos rich history spotlights no shortage of iconic series, from romance classics like Lovely Complex to unconventional hits like Banana Fish. Yet shojo, more than any other demographic, suffers from countless exceptional series flying under the radar. For every shojo cult classic that has remained relevant through the decades, there is another equally stellar show that most fans have completely forgotten. These shojo anime dont deserve to be forgotten,...

Quick Links When Does Episode #3 of Blue Box Release? What Happened in Blue Box Episode #2? Taiki Proves His Worth in Blue Box Episode #3

In Blue Box episode #3, Taiki makes important strides in his journey to join Chinatsu at the Nationals, while seeing Kengo Hary seemingly hitting it off with her. Blue Box is Netflix's latest charming anime featuring the adaptation of Kouji Miura's gorgeous coming-of-age romance about Taiki Inomata and Chinatsu Kano. The series is a breathtaking endeavor by Telecom Animation Film. In the latest episode, Chinatsu finds renewed determination to go to the Nationals, with an entire thriving Eimei Academy athletics department emerging.

Blue Box began its manga run in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump on April 12, 2021, quickly laying strong impressions for how it blurs lines between typical Shonen and Shojo conventions. The series has been running weekly since then, releasing chapter #168 on October 13, 2024, meaning plenty...

Shojo is a popular anime demographic that caters to a young female audience. This unique genre centers around female-led stories featuring strong emotion and rich character growth. Romance often plays a major role in shojo anime as well, and some of animes most iconic romances come from this demographic. Many of these incredible love stories helped shape shojo into what it is today.

The classic shojo love story has become so famous over the years that even non-shojo fans recognize its defining features. From typical high school love stories to romantic fantasy adventures, shojo romances come in many different forms. The very best of these romances stand out among the rest, and their influence can be felt even years later.

Related 10 Most Influential Shojo Anime

Shojo anime like Fruits Basket 2001, Ouran High School Host Club, and The Rose of Versailles set the standard for the genre.

Kiyoka and Miyo...

Shojo anime Love of Kill features dark violence, blurring genre lines with suspense and mystery. The violent past connecting the protagonists adds depth to the story, unfolding through flashbacks. Ryang-ha's mysterious treatment of Chateau intensifies the suspense, leading to a shocking revelation.

Shojo is understandably renowned for cute romances that are tailored specifically for teenage girls, but a dark and bloody anime called Love of Kill proves that the demographic can also be just like their shonen counterparts and possibly even like seinen. In fact, it would be very difficult for Love of Kill to not have at least a little bit of violence, just taking the specific trades of both protagonists into account. Song Ryang-ha is a hit man and Chateau Dankworth is a bounty hunter, and, of course, both of them meet in the bloody aftermath of a successful mission (i.e. murdered targets).

Of course, Love of Kill...

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Season 3 will air in 2024, with the upcoming continuation of the final storyline set to feature new scenes not found in the original manga according to a recent interview with Studio Pierrot staff.

The official Bleach website interviewed three important individuals from the anime staff at Studio Pierrot: series composer Masaki Hiramatsu, chief director Hikaru Murata and producer Yoshihiko Tominaga. The interview asked various questions, such as the team's reaction to the first season of Thousand-Year Blood War and what it was like working with series creator Tite Kubo. However, one question that stuck out was the team's approach to Season 3, such as the inclusion of anime-original scenes.

Related Bleach Loses Its Biggest Supporter at Weekly Shonen Jump

After nearly a decade as Editor-in-Chief, an influential supporter of Bleach and its creator Tite Kubo is leaving Weekly Shonen Jump.

According to #Bleach Tybw staff members the manga...

Shueisha -- Japan's largest publishing company and the entity behind the likes of Weekly Shonen Jump -- has launched a new manga portal site specifically for josei and shojo series called Rimacomi+. The new website includes 94 series, including big-name favorites such as Blue Spring Ride and Honey Lemon Soda, from eight different Shueisha-owned magazines.

Per Japanese news outlet PR Times, Rimacomi+ aims to be a "comprehensive distribution site for manga works for girls and women that publishes the series and the latest reading of the eight magazines Ribon, Margaret, Bessatsu Margaret, Deluxe Margaret, Cocohana, Cookie, Kimikoi and Manga Mee." Rimacomi+ is a free platform with both new and ongoing series, including the beloved Blue Spring Ride, Honey Lemon Soda and Pink & Habanero, among many others.

Related New Sailor Moon Video Transforms the Shojo Classic Into a 1950s Film Noir Flick

A new genre-bending Sailor Moon video transports the series' heroines...

The official website of Kodansha unveiled the winners of its 48th annual manga award on May 14, 2024.

The selection committee, comprised of notable figures from the manga industry, including Natsumi Ando, Tsunami Umino, Etsuji Ogawa, Koji Kumeta, Kaoru Hayamine, Norifusa Mita, and Makoto Yukimura.

Each winner will receive a certificate, a bronze statue, and a cash prize of one million yen.

Check out the winners in all the 3 categories, namely Shonen, Shojo and general category, below:

Best Shonen Manga

Winner: Kanehito Yamada & Tsukasa Abe’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

The nominees under this category were:

The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Gachiakuta Tank Chair Daemons of the Shadow Realm Best Shojo Manga

Winner: Rumi Ichinohe’s I See Your Face, Turned Away

The nominees under this category were:

In the Clear Moonlit Dusk Firefly Wedding A Sign of Affection General Category

Winner: Tsurumaikada’s Medalist

The nominees under this category were:...

Suzuki's crush on Tani leads to comedic chaos among classmates in You and I Are Polar Opposites. Shonen and Shojo fans will enjoy the emotional depth and humor. The series has strong staying power, with six volumes in Japan and bi-weekly chapter updates.

Shojo and Shonen manga demographics occasionally overlap when featuring high school romances, and the newly localized You and I Are Polar Opposites will unite readers with its charm. The series is published under Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ digital imprint and has run since May 2, 2022. It is the latest romance series to feature in a Shonen publication, winning readers and critical acclaim thanks to its comedic charm and the chemistry of its characters, and it is sure to appeal to Shojo readers as well.

Suzuki and Tani's romantic misadventures are a light treat to remind readers of the diverse and beautiful offerings in Shonen Jump+, ranging from...

Shojo anime is having a wonderful renaissance, especially over the least few years of new romance anime releases. Even shonen, josei, and seinen anime take notes from shojo anime. Shojo stories are marketed toward a young female audience, and they mostly focus on romance, friendship, slice-of-life, and personal development.

Shojo anime have also popularized certain tropes that set it apart from other anime, like shonen battle classics and adventure tales. Those tropes tend to be very whimsical and romantic. Kuudere characters try to hide their feelings, but their blushes tell the real story. Hearts and rose petals float through the air when a couple interacts or a gorgeous new love interest introduces themselves. Many shojo tropes are sweet and timeless, and they're more popular than ever in new release anime.

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Related 10 Most Questionable Shojo Tropes Some controversial shojo tropes are better left in the past,...

Quick Links Attack On Titan: A Choice With No Regrets Takes A Critical Look At Levi And Erwin's History The Differences Between Shojo And Shonen Attack On Titan Takes A Big Leap Into The Shojo Market

While anime is already a very niche community, the industry is broken down into different sub-groups known as anime demographics. The most popular anime series mark the traits of each demographic from Shojo, Josei, Shonen, and Seinen. As one of the most popular Shonen series, the acclaimed anime Attack On Titan is arguably a pinnacle example of what the Shonen demographic is capable of. Aot has also dabbled in the opposing Shojo demographic to find shocking and significant success.

When Attack On Titan began to profit from its Blu-ray sales, a light novel titled Attack On Titan: A Choice with No Regrets made it to fans' collections. Aot creator Hajime Isayama supervised the...

Anime genres are diverse and can be confusing, but understanding the intended audience helps set expectations. Shonen targets young boys, Shojo targets young girls, Seinen targets young adult men, Josei targets young adult women, and Kodomuke targets children. Action, adventure, and fantasy are popular genres in anime, often merged together in series like Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer. Subgenres like Mecha, Isekai, and Superhero also thrive within this genre. There are relaxed and informative genres in anime, such as slice-of-life and iyashikei. Informative subgenres can focus on music, culinary, or sports. Comedy is also a prevalent genre that entertains lightheartedly.

Long-time anime fans tend to know the ins and outs of the various genres and subgenres. Yet, at the same time, no matter how long you've been around, it can still get convoluted and complex to navigate for the fandom, let alone those new to it. This is further...

Japanese anime can be divided not just by traditional genres such as romance, fantasy, and drama, but also four main demographics: shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei. The shonen demographic is aimed at young boys, usually defined by themes of the power of friendship, the spirit of adventure, and working hard to succeed against all odds. There's some flexibility in what shonen anime should look like, but in general, shonen is optimistic, has clear-cut morals, and nearly always involves a happy ending where good people get what they're due. Many shonen protagonists are designed accordingly.

Meanwhile, the seinen demographic is aimed at adult male audiences. Seinen stories don't have to be R-rated with extreme violence, strong language, or sexual content, but they are free to include such things, meaning seinen has fewer constraints than shonen does. Seinen anime, on average, has more thematic and psychological depth than shonen and can delve...

It’s no secret that shojo anime has been seeing a decline for quite some time. However, in recent years, fans have noticed a slow comeback in the works. That said, many new shojo titles have recently been released, breathing life back into this classic demographic.

Like many other anime genres, shojo has evolved and changed a lot, and many new series better reflect the tastes of modern fans. With deeper storylines that go far beyond a simple romance, new-gen shojo branches out with a wide variety of themes that set each new series apart from the last. From character-driven stories with strong female leads to titles that blend multiple genres for a one-of-a-kind experience, shojo is back and better than ever thanks to these modern adaptations.

Related 15 Best New Romance Anime, Ranked With shojo series like Skip And Loafer and Raven Of The Inner Palace, recent anime seasons have...

The anime medium is filled with a wide variety of different series, but for well over four decades, one thing has served as a unifying factor for many of the medium's most beloved titles — combat. Between the shonen, shojo, seinen, mecha, and isekai genres, there are countless titles that rely on individual fights and large-scale battles to propel their narratives.

While many anime battles are the highlights of their respective series, others leave fans wanting to see more from its combatants. For various reasons, these fights end before they are able to reach an appropriate conclusion, even if they're still enjoyable sequences nonetheless.

Related 20 Best Action Anime, Ranked According To MyAnimeList For those who follow anime, MyAnimeList awards fitting scores for anime's best action series, helping anime fans connect with great recommendations. Shoto Todoroki's Familial Issues Hold Him Back Against Katsuki Bakugo My Hero Academia: Episode 25, "Bakugo Vs. Todoroki"

My Hero Academia's U.

Shojo anime is written and marketed for a young female audience. It tells stories that primarily focus on female protagonists and their internal growth, personal relationships, families, learning, and the act of falling in love. There's a lot of opportunity within these themes for complex character growth.

Shojo audiences love watching their favorite characters find middle ground and fall in love with the most unlikely people. And oftentimes, protagonists go through difficult life phases, like their sudden awakening from naïveté, outright ignorance, or grief, which are very relatable. The plot stakes in shojo anime are woven together so well that there are no easy resolutions and they can only be resolved through a nuanced character-building journey.

Related 10 Shonen Anime With the Best Stories & Writing, Ranked Shonen anime can feel repetitive. Exceptional writing and unique stories keep shonen anime fresh and innovative, as seen in titles like Jjba and Jjk. Yona Of The Dawn...

A Sign of Affection has released its first official anime teaser video, along with new details about its staff and cast.

Mainichi (Mbs) Broadcasting featured the trailer on its official YouTube Channel. Studio Aijado's upcoming series will adapt Suu Morishita's titular manga series, which revolves around a deaf college student named Yuki Itose and her budding romance with Itsuomi Nagi, a kindly upperclassman who, unlike most, acts naturally around Yuki. As detailed on Anime News Network, A Sign of Affection will have its broadcast debut on Tokyo Mx and Mbs in January 2024. Viewers in the U.S. will also have the opportunity to attend the series' North American premiere at Anime NYC 2023, which starts on Nov. 17 and ends on Nov. 19. Crunchyroll will stream the series following its Japanese premiere.

Related: Why Kudo From My Happy Marriage Is the Best Shojo Male Lead of 2023

The newly revealed cast members are Takeo Otsuka,...

Shojo new releases have experienced a drought over the last few years compared to their shonen and seinen counterparts. Happily, shojo is experiencing a bit of a much-needed Renaissance with many new romance releases. Not only are these romances unique and thoughtfully made, they embody everything great about shojo stories.

New releases like I'm the Villainess, So I'm Taming the Final Boss and My Happy Marriage embrace the most popular and well-loved tropes in shojo manga, and add some new ones, too. Action and horror anime will always be exciting and compelling, but romance deserves its flowers, too. Shojo fans have plenty of new content to enjoy that will feel both familiar and refreshingly new.

Related: Top 10 Most Anticipated New Anime of Fall 2023, According to My Anime List

The Charming Fairy Tale Prince (Bibliophile Princess)

Prince Christopher is the best part of Bibliophile Princess. The series is a fantasy...

Shojo anime have gotten a bad rap over the years. Many viewers dismiss them as being too cheesy. Shojo anime also have a stigma that only heartsick girls and women would enjoy them, but that is not the case. There are many shojo anime for fans of various ages and genders. Some specific shows have even been so groundbreaking that they instilled new life into the genre.

These particularly innovative anime have bucked traditional tropes to show audiences that the shojo genre is just as legitimate as any other. The excellent storytelling, dialogue, and themes of these shows are all factors that play into what restored hope in the shojo genre for many anime fans.

Related: 10 Best Anime Girls Who Crushed and Overcame Shojo Clichés

Snow White With The Red Hair

Snow White with the Red Hair is a mostly traditional shojo anime. It features a handsome prince falling for a beautiful commoner,...

Shojo anime has been in a decline for some time now. Though shojo used to be a huge part of anime culture, shojo series have become few and far between over the years. Some even fear this unique demographic is at risk of disappearing altogether. However, in the last year or so, shojo has finally been showing some signs of making a comeback.

Related: 10 Worst-Written Female Characters In Shojo Anime

From new anime releases to reboots of beloved classics to reprints of iconic manga series, the shojo demographic is slowly gaining momentum again. Though it still has a long way to go before being considered a contender, there's no denying that shojo anime is working its way back up to the top.

Classic Shojo Manga Are Being Reprinted

For a good while, shojo manga were almost non-existent in physical form. One look through any bookstore carrying manga proves that the...

Romances and rom-coms are some of the most popular anime genres among general audiences. Whether it's shonen, shojo, josei or even seinen titles, love stories of all kinds have hooked viewers since the birth of anime as a medium. However, lately, romance anime has witnessed a consistent change in terms of depicting more realistic and not-so-typical stories with better character development and personality tropes. The main couple's personality types are one of the most important aspects of a successful rom-com anime series, and over the years, rom-coms have come to develop significant favoritism for introverted male protagonists.

Male leads in romance anime have to be held to a certain standard because one wrong move and the show will never get rid of the "toxic masculinity" tag. Fortunately, the audience has been treated to some of the best romance anime in recent years, supported by characters and relationships that feel relatively realistic and down-to-earth,...

Shojo is a beloved anime demographic that focuses on romance, drama, and female sensibilities. Despite being a very niche category, it's home to some of anime's most iconic series and appeals to fans of all ages and genders. After many decades of popularity, shojo has developed its own unique style within anime that makes it stand out among the many other genres and subgenres.

Related: 10 Worst Shojo Anime With The Best Characters

As a result, it's only natural that the demographic has its fair share of tropes and clichés. While many of shojo's trends are seen as dated and even unhealthy, plenty still appeal to fans today. From its unique aesthetic to its intense love stories, shojo's many prominent characteristics are what make it so special, and fans can't get enough of them.

Shojo's Iconic Feminine Aesthetic

One of the biggest things that make shojo stand out among other anime is its visuals.

“All Ayumu dreams of is making it into the same high school as her best friend. But when she gets in and her friend doesn't, their friendship crumbles-sending Ayumu spiraling into depression. She finds relief in cutting herself, but realizes soon that her scars may interfere with her budding high school life. Can she trust her new friend, Manami, who seems too good to be true? Or will Ayumu's apparent lack of compassion and understanding get her tossed aside like she was before? And is there anyone else out there who could possibly love her for who she is?” (Kodansha)

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Unabashedly exploring mental health as it pertains to self-harm, Keiko Suenobu's “Life” has already seen infamy and praise, including the grand prize winner at the 30th Kodansha Manga Awards for best Shojo series. The series was published that...

AFI Fest 2002 -- held Nov. 7-17 in Hollywood -- wrapped up over the weekend with an awards ceremony Friday night and a closing-night screening of Pedro Almodovar's Talk to Her on Sunday. Friday's awards ceremony was presented at the Kodak Connect Closing Party on Sunset Boulevard. In the international feature competition, Eiji Okuda's Shoujyo: An Adolescent was lauded with the grand jury prize, while special honors for acting went to Shawn Ku for his performance in Samsara and Paprika Steen for her starring turn in Okay.