New to Josei? Here Are 10 Great Starter Anime for Beginners

When it comes to anime genres, josei often flies under the radar compared to shonen or shojo, but it offers some of the most compelling and mature storytelling in the medium. While it’s primarily aimed at adult women, josei has something to offer to everyone as it explores relationships, career struggles, personal growth, and the complexities of everyday life. More often than not, josei is grounded in real life, but that doesn’t mean some aren’t as magical and adventurous as shonen or shojo.

For anyone new to josei and unsure where to begin, there is a variety of titles to choose from. To help kick off the journey, here are seven selections that serve as perfect entry points to the genre. Each one offers a compelling storyline and its own unique flair, making them ideal for new fans.

7 Honey & Clover

Based on the Manga by Chica Umino and Produced by J.C.Staff

At its core, Honey & Clover is a coming-of-age story that dives into the trials of young adulthood with an almost painful sincerity. The series follows a group of students as they navigate unrequited love, ambitions, and the uncertainty of the future. What sets Honey & Clover apart from typical romance or slice-of-life anime is its introspection. The characters deal with feelings they can’t fully articulate, and the narrative doesn’t hand out easy resolutions but rather embraces the bittersweet nature of change and the ache of moving on in a powerfully resonating way.

Beyond its strong emotional depth, Honey & Clover also embraces josei’s signature realism in its portrayal of relationships. Unlike the idealized love stories that are often seen in shojo, the romance in Honey & Clover is unbalanced, messy, and sometimes even painful. Feelings aren’t always reciprocated, but even if they are, circumstances can keep people apart. Honey & Clover also focuses on self-discovery and personal growth and pushes the idea that love, whether it be romantic or platonic, or even self-directed, shapes the person you become.

6 Paradise Kiss

Based on the Manga by Ai Yazawa and Produced by Madhouse Studios

Paradise Kiss follows Yukari, a high school student who seeks purpose in life when a group of fashion students asks her to become a model for their clothing label. Unlike traditional shojo heroines, Yukari’s growth isn’t centered on love alone but on carving out a place for herself. Paradise Kiss presents viewers with messy relationships, difficult choices, and the challenges of growing up with unfiltered honesty, making it a highly compelling story and an entry point into the josei genre.

Beyond romance, the anime doesn’t hesitate to show viewers the harsh realities of creative industries. The dynamic between Yukari and George, a fashion designer, is highly flawed and far from the idealized stories often seen in younger-targeted genres. Paradise Kiss embraces themes of ambition, self-worth, and life’s unpredictability. With a unique style and bold art, Paradise Kiss is a stunning anime that deserves far more attention.

5 Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

Based on the Light Novels by Midori Yūma and Produced by Studio Gonzo

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits is unlike other anime on this list due to its blend of supernatural elements and being reminiscent of shojo, but that’s also why it’s a perfect josei entry point. It’s centered around a young woman, Aoi, who is taken to the spirit realm to repay her grandfather’s debt. The story may resemble an isekai fantasy, but it focuses on Aoi’s independence. Rather than accepting her fate as a bride, she establishes a food business to repay her debt on her own terms.

Aside from self-sufficiency, Kakuriyo explores found family and emotional healing. Relationships in josei often extend beyond romance, and while Aoi’s slow-burn storyline adds intrigue to the narrative, her journey isn’t defined by love alone. Instead, the anime focuses on her growth and ability to thrive despite adversity. With a colorful cast, compelling relationships, and a strong-willed protagonist, Kakuriyo offers a fun gateway into the genre of josei anime.

4 Princess Jellyfish

Based on the Manga by Akiko Higashimura and Produced by Brain's Base

Princess Jellyfish is a heartwarming and unconventional josei that explores themes of self-acceptance, identity, and found family. The eleven-episode series centers on Tsukimi, a shy jellyfish enthusiast who lives in a women-only apartment complex with fellow socially awkward otakus. Their lives are turned upside down when they meet Kuranosuke, a fashionable cross-dressing aristocrat who challenges their fears of society. This anime promotes the importance of self-confidence and breaking free of self-imposed barriers.

Princess Jellyfish critiques societal norms, particularly how women outside of conventional beauty standards are overlooked. Tsukimi’s journey isn’t only about confidence but also about blossoming in a world that often dismisses passionate, introverted individuals. Kuranosuke’s presence also challenges typical gender roles, showcasing josei’s tendency to explore identity outside of romantic narratives or subplots.

3 Nana

Based on the Manga by Ai Yazawa and Produced by Madhouse Studios

Nana is a beyond-stunning josei anime that explores themes of love, ambition, and the fragile nature of human relationships. The storyline follows two women who share the same name: Nana Osaki, an independent and powerful punk rock singer who moved to Tokyo to make a name for herself, and Nana Komatsu, a naive and hopeless romantic young woman who moved to Tokyo for love. Despite their differing personalities, the bond they forge with one another is strong and becomes the anchor of the series.

Unlike many romance-driven anime, Nana doesn’t hesitate to depict the harsh realities of life, including heartbreak, betrayal, and sacrifice. Nana’s brutal honesty about love and relationships is one of its greatest strengths. The series doesn’t romanticize the characters’ relationships but instead shows their flaws and the toll they can take on a person's well-being. Nana Komatsu’s journey deals with her self-worth and the toxic relationships she finds herself in, while Nana Osaki’s follows her pursuit of success and complicated relationship with Ren.

2 Chihayafuru

Based on the Manga by Yuki Suetsugu and Produced by Madhouse Studios

Chihayafuru is a unique josei series that mixes competitive sports with personal growth through karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. Chihaya Ayase initially pursues it to support her friend Arata, but it soon becomes her own path to greatness. The series intertwines character development with the game’s mechanics, showing how Chihaya and her teammates approach competition, relationships, and self-worth.

At its center, the story explores its three main characters, Chihaya, Arata, and Taichi, whose admiration, rivalry, and unspoken emotions shape their journeys. Unlike many sports anime that deal with physical prowess, Chihayafuru focuses on psychological and emotional resilience in relation to success. Their evolving character dynamics add depth to the story, and despite its niche premise, the narrative resonates with viewers beyond the games at its center.

1 Usagi Drop

Based on the Manga by Yumi Unita and Produced by Production I.G

Usagi Drop is a heartfelt josei series that explores the struggles of adulthood and parenthood. When 30-year-old Daikichi takes in Rin, his deceased grandfather’s illegitimate six-year-old daughter, he is met with a world of responsibilities that he had never anticipated. Usagi Drop thrives on its realistic portrayal of single parenthood, presenting the sacrifices Daikichi makes, his insecurities, and his gradual growth throughout the series.

Rather than romanticizing caregiving, the anime shows the everyday challenges of balancing work, personal aspirations, and a child’s needs. Daikichi’s initial reluctance transforms into a deep affection for Rin as he grows with her. Their relationship is not like typical family structures and emphasizes that love and dedication matter more than blood ties. The series subtlety critiques societal expectations of parenthood, especially regarding gender roles and work-life balance.

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