For the second day of Weebsmas, I’m coming at you with the opposite post to Star. Instead of looking at seinen, we will be looking at Josei anime. For those that don’t know, Josei is basically stories that are aimed at older girls and women. It often features more mature romance, career, relationships and friendships, and growth — but with explicit content usually. Of some kind. And sometimes just overall mature characters. Anyway, with that preface, here’s our list of recommendations!
Honey & Clover
One of the most popular anime during my middle school years was none other than Honey & Clover (and I would have never guessed it was a Josei). It’s about five art college students and their love and lives. It features personal trials and tribulations, growth, and more. A true slice of life.
Hakuoki
A true treat for women of all ages. This anime is based off a very popular otome franchise which stemmed multiple anime seasons. This story is a historical drama that is a mystery and features an eye-candy worthy cast of members of Shinesengumi. There’s a love interest for almost any of your tastes and it’s pretty easy to tell why this is aimed at older women. Between the historical drama part and the more mature romance, it’s pretty obviously tailored for a mature taste.
Nana
Okay another well known series that everyone used to be into and is making a comeback. This story features two college-age women who share the same name and become roommates. The two seem very different at first but become very close with each other as they navigate love and pursue their individual dreams. The series depicts a lot of mature topics and viewpoints and centers around female friendship. The one bad part is that this series never received a proper ending.
Raven of the Inner Palace
This tale is all about the raven consort at an imperial palace as part of a harem. It features all the best tropes of historical stories by including court drama, as well as some supernatural elements that give it some uniqueness. It’s a real treat for older women and features some truly excellent storytelling. From the slow burn between the raven consort and the young emperor, to the deeply disturbing back stories of some of the side characters. It’s a really good watch.
Saiyuki
Last on the list is one I didn’t even know was a Josei at first. Saiyuki. I would say it’s in a similar vein to Hakuoki. It feels historical, loosely based off of Journey to the West. It features a pretty big priest who definitely is manly and very un-priest like, and three yokai (one of which is a young boy named Goku), as they try to stop the revival of a great demon. Each of the demons is equally attractive in different ways which where I can see it can happen to Josei readers. But the action and comedy definitely seem more shonen in nature. But who I am to judge where it gets categorized? All I know is it’s really good!
xoxo
AishteLOVEru
Luna
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