What is this genre all about? Media targeting women roughly 18-40
We present you the list of Josei anime you should watch right now.
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Top 20 Josei anime you should watch right now. [2026 List]
- 20. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
- 19. Tenmaku no Jaadugar
- 18. Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu. Season 2
- 17. Ikoku Nikki
- 16. Doumo, Suki na Hito ni Horegusuri wo Irai sareta Majo desu.
- 15. Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu.
- 14. Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta...
- 13. Uramichi Oniisan
- 12. Chihayafuru
- 11. Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi
- 10. Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta... Season 2
- 9. Zutaboro Reijou wa Ane no Moto Konyakusha ni Dekiai sareru
- 8. Mignon
- 7. Nodame Cantabile
- 6. Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
- 5. Usagi Drop
- 4. Kirio Fanclub
- 3. Tomie
- 2. Koroshi Ai
- 1. Norn9: Norn+Nonet
20. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
As maidens from the Five Clans battle for the Crown Prince’s heart, jealous Keigetsu uses forbidden magic to swap bodies with the beloved Reirin. Switching places does not guarantee happiness for Keigetsu with her new body's ill health leaving her hanging on the verge of death. Meanwhile, Reirin, now wearing the face of a scorned outcast, must answer for Keigetsu’s crimes in a dangerous trial.
The unlikely pair become increasingly entangled in each other’s lives and they will need to work together to survive after discovering the dark conspiracies brewing beneath the palace's genial surface. To confront the deadly threats lurking in the shadows, Reirin must embrace her new identity and defy their expectations of the court's inept villainess.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: ふつつかな悪女ではございますが ~雛宮蝶鼠とりかえ伝~, Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
19. Tenmaku no Jaadugar
After losing her mother and her homeland, Sitara’s despair transforms into determination with the power of knowledge. New possibilities unfold when a family of scholars takes her in, deepening her education. Meanwhile, Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire conquers nation after nation, nearing Sitara’s new home. After the Fourth Prince of the empire takes her captive, a flame of revenge is ignited.
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 天幕のジャードゥーガル, A Witch's Life in Mongol
18. Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu. Season 2
Second season of Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu.
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior Season 2 has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 悲劇の元凶となる最強外道ラスボス女王は民の為に尽くします。Season2, The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen Who Will Become the Source of Tragedy Will Devote Herself for the Sake of the People, Lastame
17. Ikoku Nikki
Reclusive novelist Makio Koudai has always preferred the company of books—but when her sister and brother-in-law pass away, Makio unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her 15-year-old niece, Asa Takumi. As they navigate grief, clashing personalities, and the challenges of living together, the two slowly open their hearts to each other, discovering warmth, understanding, and the meaning of family.
Journal with Witch has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 違国日記, Different Country Diary, Foreign Country Diary
16. Doumo, Suki na Hito ni Horegusuri wo Irai sareta Majo desu.
"I want you to make a love potion."
The Good Witch of the Lake's four-year crush ended in heartbreak with a single request from the object of her affections! Wanting to increase what little time she has with Royal Knight Harij, Rose sends him on a wild-goose chase for the ingredients but gets more than she bargained for when the grumbling knight starts visiting her every day... to feed her?
This is the heartwarming story of a shut-in witch and an arrogant, strait-laced knight whose romance starts from a love potion.
I'm a Witch Who's Crush Requested a Love Potion has not yet aired. It will air on October 5, 2026. It is also Known as: どうも、好きな人に惚れ薬を依頼された魔女です。, Hello, I Am a Witch and My Crush Wants Me to Make a Love Potion!
15. Higeki no Genkyou to Naru Saikyou Gedou Last Boss Joou wa Tami no Tame ni Tsukushimasu.
Pride Royal Ivy is only eight years old when she realizes that she’s been reincarnated, destined to become the future wicked queen and final boss of an otome game. She’s got it all in this new life: razor-sharp wit, boss-tier powers, and influence over the kingdom as crown princess. Determined to sow despair and destruction across the land, she… Wait, what kind of a rotten future is that?! Princess Pride decides to drop the maniacal villainess plan and protect the male love interests instead, cheating her way to saving everyone she can! Will this final boss end up earning the adoration of her kingdom?
The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen: From Villainess to Savior has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 悲劇の元凶となる最強外道ラスボス女王は民の為に尽くします。, LasTame
14. Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta...
After hitting her head particularly hard one day, Duke Claes' daughter suddenly recalls all the memories of her past life: that of a teenage Japanese girl. Just before her untimely death, this girl recalls playing an otome game... that is exactly like the world she's living in now!
She is now Katarina Claes, the antagonist of the otome game, who nastily hounded the protagonist until the end. Knowing all the possible outcomes of the game, she realizes that every single possible route ends with Katarina being murdered or exiled! In order to avoid these Catastrophic Bad Ends, she has to use her knowledge of the game and her own wiles, starting with breaking off this engagement with the prince...
Will Katarina survive while making her way through this world, where bad flags trip at every turn?
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 乙女ゲームの破滅フラグしかない悪役令嬢に転生してしまった…, Hamefura
13. Uramichi Oniisan
"Hello, boys and girls! Do you like guys with more than one side to them?"
31 year old Omota Uramichi is the gymnastics coach in the children's educational TV program "Together with Mama." He might be sweet on the outside, but all boys and girls are inevitably scared off whenever they get a glimpse of the adult darkness that's the result of Uramichi-sensei's emotional instability. This is a tragic eulogy to all the "boys and girls" who are now adults!
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: うらみちお兄さん, Uramichi Oniisan
12. Chihayafuru
Chihaya Ayase, a strong-willed and tomboyish girl, grows up under the shadow of her older sister. With no dreams of her own, she is contented with her share in life till she meets Arata Wataya. The quiet transfer student in her elementary class introduces her to competitive karuta, a physically and mentally demanding card game inspired by the classic Japanese anthology of Hundred Poets. Captivated by Arata's passion for the game and inspired by the possibility of becoming the best in Japan, Chihaya quickly falls in love with the world of karuta. Along with the prodigy Arata and her haughty but hard-working friend Taichi Mashima, she joins the local Shiranami Society. The trio spends their idyllic childhood days playing together, until circumstances split them up.
Now in high school, Chihaya has grown into a karuta freak. She aims to establish the Municipal Mizusawa High Competitive Karuta Club, setting her sights on the national championship at Omi Jingu. Reunited with the now indifferent Taichi, Chihaya's dream of establishing a karuta team is only one step away from becoming true: she must bring together members with a passion for the game that matches her own.
Chihayafuru has finished airing and it has 25 Episodes. It is also Known as: ちはやふる, Chihayafull
11. Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi
Himuro-kun is a living descendant of the Snow Woman from Japanese folklore. But anytime he's around his eccentric yet kind colleague, Fuyutsuki-san, he totally freezes up! Despite the snowstorm of love that rages on in his heart, and her complete cluelessness, will he take a step forward or stay frozen in place?
The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 氷属性男子とクールな同僚女子, Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi
10. Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta... Season 2
Second season of Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta...
My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Season 2 has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 乙女ゲームの破滅フラグしかない悪役令嬢に転生してしまった…Ｘ, Hamefura 2, My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! X, Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta… X
9. Zutaboro Reijou wa Ane no Moto Konyakusha ni Dekiai sareru
Marie, the second daughter of a poor baron’s household, is treated like a servant by her parents. Even at Marie’s birthday party, her beautiful elder sister, Anastasia, is the star. Outside, Marie bumps into Count Kyuros Granado, who falls for her at first sight. Yet, due to a misunderstanding, the Count proposes to Anastasia. After a tragic accident, Marie must marry the count instead!
Betrothed to My Sister's Ex has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ずたぼろ令嬢は姉の元婚約者に溺愛される, Loved by Her Sister's Former Fiancée
8. Mignon
Mignon is an original BL anime from South Korea. The animation follows a complex and exciting story of drama and desires. It revolves around a boxer named Mignon, and a vampire doctor Young-on Oh, who find solace in the presence of one another through an aggressive and romantic affair.
Mignon has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: Mignon
7. Nodame Cantabile
Shinichi Chiaki is a first class musician whose dream is to play among the elites in Europe. Coming from a distinguished family, he is an infamous perfectionist—not only is he highly critical of himself, but of others as well. The only thing stopping Shinichi from leaving for Europe is his fear of flying. As a result, he's grounded in Japan.
During his fourth year at Japan's top music university, Shinichi happens to meet Megumi Noda or, as she refers to herself, Nodame. On the surface, she seems to be an unkempt girl with no direction in life. However, when Shinichi hears Nodame play the piano for the first time, he is in awe of the kind of music she creates. Nevertheless, Shinichi is dismayed to discover that Nodame is his neighbor, and worse, she ends up falling head over heels in love with him.
Nodame Cantabile has finished airing and it has 23 Episodes. It is also Known as: のだめカンタービレ, Nodame Cantabile
6. Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
Chitose-chan is a penguin who lives in Kyoto. Getting in touch with people and getting fed delicious food as she curiously walks around Kyoto streets is her favourite thing to do. The story features popular places in Kyoto like Kiyomizu Temple, Ginkaku Temple, and Gion from the Penguin's point of view. This is a short story about a penguin that is nostalgic and warm, curing and relieving the heart.
Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: おこしやす, ちとせちゃん, Okoshiyasu, Chitose-chan
5. Usagi Drop
Daikichi Kawachi is a 30-year-old bachelor working a respectable job but otherwise wandering aimlessly through life. When his grandfather suddenly passes away, he returns to the family home to pay his respects. Upon arriving at the house, he meets a mysterious young girl named Rin who, to Daikichi’s astonishment, is his grandfather's illegitimate daughter!
The shy and unapproachable girl is deemed an embarrassment to the family, and finds herself ostracized by her father's relatives, all of them refusing to take care of her in the wake of his death. Daikichi, angered by their coldness towards Rin, announces that he will take her in—despite the fact that he is a young, single man with no prior childcare experience.Usagi Drop is the story of Daikichi's journey through fatherhood as he raises Rin with his gentle and affectionate nature, as well as an exploration of the warmth and interdependence that are at the heart of a happy, close-knit family.
Bunny Drop has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: うさぎドロップ, Usagi Drop
4. Kirio Fanclub
For Aimi and Nami, the answer is to cry tears of joy for being able to pinpoint at a distance the object of their affections, Kirio, from a single toot. These are the kinds of deep, philosophical questions the two friends/rivals in romance pose to each other to prove their love for this boy who hardly seems to know they exist. That won’t stop them from conducting nightly rituals to entice him into their dreams, though, or listing out what exactly they like about him, down to the very last organ. But when push comes to shove, will they choose their hilarious friendship over a shot at love?
Kirio Fanclub has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 霧尾ファンクラブ, Kirio Fanclub
3. Tomie
Tomie Kawakami is a femme fatale with long black hair and a beauty mark just under her left eye. She can seduce nearly any man, and drive them to murder as well, even though the victim is often Tomie herself. While one lover seeks to keep her for himself, another grows terrified of the immortal succubus. But soon they realize no matter how many times they kill her, the world will never be free of Tomie.
Tomie has finished airing and it has 2 Episodes. It is also Known as: 富江, Ito Junji: Collection Specials
2. Koroshi Ai
The silent and stoic Chateau Dankworth is a bounty hunter. Her target: Son Ryang-ha, a notorious killer known for killing 18 high-class officials in a single night. To this day, his murders remain swift, efficient, and bloody. However, after Son Ryang-ha overpowers Chateau in their first encounter, he reveals his own intentions: he too is after her, aiming for her heart.
Son Ryang-ha's attempts to catch her eye are quite unique, to say the least. He offers gifts to her in the form of her current targets, tied up and battered, and will do anything to spend more time together. Reluctantly, Chateau goes along with this act, and so begins the cat-and-mouse game of love between two killers.
Love of Kill has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 殺し愛, Koroshi Ai
1. Norn9: Norn+Nonet
The story takes place a little in the future. Guided by one particular song, young elementary school student Suzuhara Sorata, from the Heisei Era, is warped through a time skip to an unfamiliar place that looks much like the towns from the Meiji or Taishou period from his textbooks. In this world, he meets three young ladies and nine young men and joins them on a journey aboard the mysterious Norn ship, a giant globe that floats in midair.
Norn9 has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: NORN9 ノルン+ノネット, Norn 9 Norun+Nonet, Norn 9 Norun+Nonetto
