What is this genre all about? Media targeting women roughly 18-40
We present you the list of Josei manga you should read right now.
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Top 20 Josei manga you should read right now. [2026 List]
- 20. Helmut (Kim Nan Sae)
- 19. Angnyeoraseo Pyeonhago Joeundeyo
- 18. Eojjeodaboni Cheonsaengyeonbun
- 17. Angnyeoui Mungujeome Oji Maseyo!
- 16. Cheating Men Must Die
- 15. My Mom Got a Contract Marriage
- 14. Sigrid
- 13. Neoui Aiga Aniya
- 12. Cross My Heart and Hope to Die
- 11. Eonni, Ibeon Saengen Naega Wangbiya
- 10. Hwangjewa Hamkke Tarakagetseumnida
- 9. Angnyeok Pokguni Hoegwihae Beoryeotda
- 8. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?
- 7. Don't Call Javotte an Evil Stepsister
- 6. Geomeun Saseul
- 5. Saranameun Wangnyeoui Useum Dwieneun
- 4. Serena
- 3. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
- 2. My Unexpected Marriage
- 1. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
20. Helmut (Kim Nan Sae)
Helmut was a child who had been abandoned in the Demonic Beast Forest at birth.
Raised by Demonic Beasts, the first human that he met was the Sword Saint Darien.
Little did Helmut know that the chance encounter would soon shake the foundation of his fate…
“Grow stronger If you want to get out of here.”
The boy who’d lived like a beast was thrown into the human world!
He possessed overwhelming swordsmanship, outstanding looks and sharp intelligence, but there was one thing he lacked: humanity.
I am no longer a prey. I am now a predator!
Helmut (Kim Nan Sae) is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Helmut (Honyo), Helmut: The Forsaken Child
19. Angnyeoraseo Pyeonhago Joeundeyo
Do-Hee lived as a pushover, died miserably, and was reborn in a novel as a notorious villainess. But it turns out that her new life is not without its perks, as Deborah Seymour is also the richest villain alive. Now, all that's left for her to do is lay low and enjoy her carefree lifestyle... if not for the fact that Deborah is fated to be sent to a monastery! Will this ex-doormat find a way to avoid yet another tragic ending, or will the challenges of being a villainess be too much for her?
The Perks of Being a Villainess is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: What's Wrong with Being the Villainess?, Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?, 當個惡女輕鬆又愉快, เป็นนางร้ายก็สบายดีนะคะ, What's Wrong With Being the Villainess?, 因为是恶女所以很舒服, 当恶女很舒服很好啊？, Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?
18. Eojjeodaboni Cheonsaengyeonbun
‘How long have I been laying down at home…?’ Han Jia, who is turning 32 this year (she’s a freelancer who still doesn’t have a full-time job/jobless), suffers because of the pressure given by people around her that keep telling her to get married. Around the same time, Jin Mincheol, her childhood friend who came to Jia’s hometown for holiday, is having the same problem. Then, the two people got married just like that. Now that they have married….. ‘Huh? We match each other more than i thought?’
Source: MU
Maybe Meant to Be has finished publishing and it has 132 Chapters. It is also Known as: Accidentally Heavenly Match, Match Made in Heaven by Chance
17. Angnyeoui Mungujeome Oji Maseyo!
“A useless thing like you has no value in our family. Take this money and leave immediately!” “Yes! Goodbye!” She became the incompetent villainess who commits wrongdoings in order to earn the love of her fiance, the male lead. Her reputation was already at rock bottom and the main characters, who can’t live without each other, are having an affair. “Getting kicked out and receiving money is good enough!” So after she was kicked out, she set up a stationery store in front of a school. She reminisces of snacks, beer candy, and even bubbles! Just you wait, kids! But… somehow her young customers are a little weird? “I’ll find you a handsome and modest man, and not someone who has an affair like my brother!” “Ha, then what about my brother, the crown prince?” The great magic swordsman, the next crown prince, the villainous tower master, and finally, the hidden villain...
The Villainess's Stationery Shop is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Please Don't Come to the Evil Lady's Stationery Store!, Please Don't Come to the Villainess' Stationery Store!, A papelaria da vilã, Cửa hàng văn phòng phẩm của ác nữ, Jangan kunjungi toko alat tulis wanita jahat!, Kötü kadının sevimli mağazası!, La papeterie de la méchante, Please Don't Come to the Villainess' Stationery Shop!, Por favor, não venha para a papelaria da vilã!, Đừng đến văn phòng phẩm của ác nữ!, Не приходьте в канцелярський магазин лиходійки!!, อย่ามาร้านเครื่องเขียนของนางร้ายกันเลยนะ!, 悪女の駄菓子屋へようこそ, 請勿進入惡女文具店！, 请不要来恶女的文具店!
16. Cheating Men Must Die
One moment oppressing scum yields a moment of satisfaction. Continuously oppressing scum yields continuous satisfaction. Our female main lead, Su Lüxia is bound to the Second Female Lead Counterattack System and transmigrates to several small worlds. Using elaborate means, she beats up countless cheating bastards and bitches. Su Lüxia: "Only a cheating bastard's tears of remorse, and the pained moans of a bitch unable to get what she wants bring me solace." System: "Has my host tapped into her humanity today? Nope."
Cheating Men Must Die is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Cheating Men Must Die
15. My Mom Got a Contract Marriage
Lilyca is a poor girl who used to spend every day with her alcoholic mother.
However, one day...
"Kyaa, it's hot! No!"
Her mother woke up screaming and nonsensically asked, "Lily, you're alive! Have you gotten younger?"
"What's the date?"
She'd lost her mind!
"This can't be... I've come back!"
She started spouting more puzzling things, even going so far as to say, "We need to go to the Imperial Ball and meet the Emperor!"
Lilyca began to worry that something had gone wrong with her Mother's head...
My Mom Got a Contract Marriage is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: My Mother Gets Married Again, My Mother Got Married By Contract
14. Sigrid
She always lived by the rules. She thought her life had been honourable. She was loyal to the emperor, even at the cost of her life. But the only thing she got in return was the blade of the guillotine.
"Why? Why is it like this?" she kept asking before her death.
However, when she opened her eyes, she had returned to five years before she died.
"Was the way I lived wrong?" she kept thinking.
Sigrid decided to change her way of life. What to eat, what to wear, what to buy, everything. The way she changed led her to be the centre of everything. Although, everything eventually started to go back ...
Sigrid is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Шікрід
13. Neoui Aiga Aniya
Kalia is a war hero, and commander that put an end to the past war, but one day, she finds out that she's... pregnant?! Of all people, the father of the baby is Simon Terroan, her best friend and archmage, whom she spent a single passionate night with. Believing that Simon doesn't want the baby, Kalia hides the truth of her pregnancy, then retires from her job and disappears while Simon is away in order to have her baby. The truth is that Simon has loved Kalia, more than anyone else, and so, the frantic search for her begins.
Source: MU
The Baby Isn't Yours is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: It's Not Your Child, 这不是你的孩子
12. Cross My Heart and Hope to Die
In pursuit of a natural death, Silvia reluctantly agrees to a strategic marriage. To deceive the gods, she must convincingly play the role of a married couple.
"Shall we turn off the lights then?"
"Why would we...?"
"Don't we have to consummate our marriage on the first night?"
"Why is that necessary?"
Isn't my husband too conservative?
Silvia, who yearns for a chance to die, and Randal, who struggles with conflicting emotions, embark on an unexpected healing romance.
Cross My Heart and Hope to Die is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Hope For Death, Hoping for My Death, Hoping to Die, I Hope to Die, Je souhaite mourir, ปล่อยให้ข้าตายเถอะ, 因为厌世才结婚, 希望死亡, 私を死なせてください
11. Eonni, Ibeon Saengen Naega Wangbiya
Her fiance, her sister, and her parents. Ariadne returns 14 years from the past, the day she was cast aside by everyone. "Shit! I am trying to court you right now!" From her fiance, who acted much different than he did in the past, "Don't cry, Ariadne. Don't you know how pretty you are to me?" to the kind Prince, who fell for her at first sight. This time, she will get revenge on everyone and become Queen.
Eonni, Ibeon Saengen Naega Wangbiya is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Sister, I Am the Queen in This Life, Nesta Vida, eu serei a Rainha, In This Life, I’ve Become The Queen
10. Hwangjewa Hamkke Tarakagetseumnida
“You, too, will be corrupted. Then I will make it all come true.”
If I had only joined hands with him and agreed to become his mistress then, could I have lived a little longer?
At least I would not have know the pain of my eyes being gouged out. But instead I shouted: “I refuse. I will not betray my country”, not realizing that my country, my family, had betrayed me long ago.
Sacrificed, used, abandoned, and finally executed by my own family... I only realized after returning to 10 years in the past that the reason why you wanted me to stand by your side is because you and I were so much alike.
Let us fall together this time.
I Will Fall With the Emperor is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Впасти разом з імператором, お求め頂いた暴君陛下の悪女です
9. Angnyeok Pokguni Hoegwihae Beoryeotda
Was there ever a greater tragedy than love turned to hate? Such is the tragic downfall of Emperor Ludwig of Berzantium, as he is betrayed and murdered in a fiery blaze by his empress. Olive Charleterre was once a bright young debutante, until her spirit was broken by the emperor’s cruelty. Yet when Ludwig opens his eyes, he finds he has been sent back in time to his childhood. Whether he uses this boon to reclaim his lost love and forge a new path away from his villainous future -- only time will tell.
The Villainous Tyrant Has Returned has finished publishing and it has 85 Chapters. It is also Known as: Angnyeok Pokguni Hoegwihae Beoryeotda
8. What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Handsome, loaded, and arrogant Youngjoon is the VP of a major corporation. Miso has been his perfect secretary, practically legend for surviving her narcissistic boss for 9 long years. But now that she's quitting, is there really nothing—or no one—that can stop her from walking away? "Please don't quit, my perfect secretary!"
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? has finished publishing and it has 98 Chapters. It is also Known as: Why Secretary Kim, Why would Secretary Kim do that
7. Don't Call Javotte an Evil Stepsister
Javotte Wincheston shoots a venomous glare at the men leering at Cinciarell in the ballroom. Yes, it’s true that she didn’t really care for her younger stepsister in the past. But ever since Cinciarell miraculously woke her up from a coma by body slamming her, Javotte has had a soft spot for her stepsister. Javotte is now determined to step up as House Wincheston's heir and become the true head of the household. With the help of her new, mysterious lover from the empire, she struggles to find ways to revive the dying family business. But her mother, who has always been so benevolent and caring, seems to have no intention of letting that happen. Will Javotte be able to restore the Wincheston name to its former glory and find out what sort of secrets her mother is hiding?
Source: TappyToon
Don't Call Javotte an Evil Stepsister has finished publishing and it has 60 Chapters. It is also Known as: DCMS, Don't Call Me Sister, Don't Call Jabot Your New Sister, Jaboteureul Sae Eonnirago Bureuji Maseyo
6. Geomeun Saseul
Despite standing by Black Dragon Akelans’ side for 14 years as his loyal vassal, Hasolan was never accepted as his mate, her love left unrequited until the day she took her own life. But upon opening her eyes, Hasolan finds herself back in the past on the day she first awakened Akelans. Though she tries to change her fate in this life, she ends up in the merciless dragon’s clutches once more. Except this time, there’s something different about him. To Hasolan’s shock, Akelans acknowledges her as his mate right away. But at this point, it may be too late...
Black Chains is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Black Chain, Dark Chain, Les Enchaînés
5. Saranameun Wangnyeoui Useum Dwieneun
"Very good. I shall give you my beloved sister, whom I cherish dearly."
Eric Chladnie, who led the long war to victory against the Shidate Principality, received the mandate to marry a foolish princess as a reward for his triumph. After the wedding ceremony, Eric returned to the mansion with the newlywed princess. Amidst the princess's eccentric behavior, his father attempts to kill her and his mother advises him to not give his heart. Only he, treating her like a child, respects and cherishes her as his wife. However, who is this woman who, in front of the king, impersonates deeds that she has never done and acts piously?
Behind Her Highness’s Smile is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Behind the Laughter of the Surviving Princess, Beneath the Surviving Princess Joyful Facade, Beneath the Surviving Princess Joyful Façade, เบื้องหลังรอยยิ้มของเจ้าหญิง, 倖存王女的微笑之謎, 幸存王女的微笑背后, 活下来的王女的笑容背后
4. Serena
Welcome to Wellenberg, Meuracevia at the turn of the 19th century. The fate of Serenity Hotel, an opulent hotel in the nation’s capital, hangs by a thread as its headstrong heiress Serena and her stern husband Eiser struggle to turn its fortune around. Their loveless marriage of convenience takes a twisted turn following Serena’s jealous attachment to her stoic and handsome servant, Frederick. At a time when happiness takes a back seat to one’s sense of duty, will Serena be able to protect her love and ensure the survival of her family and her business?
Serena is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: Selena, 賽琳娜, เซเรน่า
3. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
Not all villains are evil. When Sun-A Choi reincarnates as Edith Rigelhof, the villain from her favorite novel, she is determined to change Edith’s life around and treats everyone with kindness. Although she marries the handsome Killian Rudwick, he is madly in love with the original protagonist of the book and mistrusts Edith because she is from a rival family. Will her marriage survive the whirlwind of family feuds, love triangles, and more? Will Edith find her happy ending?
Note: Includes 15 extra chapters.
Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story has finished publishing and it has 115 Chapters. It is also Known as: I Thought It Was a Common Isekai Story, I Thought It Was a Common Transmigration
2. My Unexpected Marriage
"Dirty wench! You stole my necklace!” “Unless I knew where your necklace was, I wouldn’t have been able to take it.” As an illegitimate child, Laritte’s biggest sin was being born. In the year she became an adult, she was sent to marry the ghost duke who was rumored to be dead. Her miserable life seemed to get worse and worse, however her life changed when the duke came back alive. “Madam, how do you like it?” Kind servants, “You have enough luxury to buy some residences in the capital.” “…no one will be able to look down on you anymore.” And the empire’s devoted and murderous duke. It was already too late for those who tormented Laritte to regret.
My Unexpected Marriage is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: When the Count's Illegitimate Daughter Gets Married
1. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
In a kingdom inspired by historical China, five clans put forth their maidens as imperial consorts–but only one will be crowned empress. The frail and beautiful Kou Reirin, the so-called “butterfly” of the imperial court, is a shoo-in to marry the crown prince. But when “court rat” Shu Keigetsu lashes out at her during the glittering Lantern Festival, it’s Reirin who wakes up in the dungeons! Body-swapped by her assailant to steal her position at court, Reirin’s plight seems dire…to everyone else! Now that she’s got a robust new body, not even the looming threat of execution can stop her!
Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Tale of the Butterfly-Rat Body Swap in the Maiden Court is currently publishing and has Chapters. 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
