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 19 Josei manga you should read right now. [2026 List]
- 19. Helmut (Kim Nan Sae)
- 18. A Business Proposal
- 17. Angnyeoraseo Pyeonhago Joeundeyo
- 16. My Mom Got a Contract Marriage
- 15. Eojjeodaboni Cheonsaengyeonbun
- 14. As the Heart Led
- 13. Uahan Yamanui Bada
- 12. The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway
- 11. Age of Arrogance
- 10. Futsutsuka na Akujo de wa Gozaimasu ga Hinamiya Chou Nezumi Torikae Den
- 9. Cheating Men Must Die
- 8. How to Hide the Emperor's Child
- 7. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
- 6. Kumicho Musume to Sewagakari
- 5. My Husband and I Cannot Live in the Same World
- 4. I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke
- 3. Reitetsu Shougun no Atsu sugiru Ai ni Samugari Maid wa Tomadoi-chuu
- 2. The Duchess Lives Only for This Day
- 1. Single Mother no Tensei Akujo Desu ga, Dekiai Route Tsukamimashita!
19. 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
18. A Business Proposal
Ha-ri made a deal—go on one blind date for her BFF and pretend to be a super-vixen to end all of her unwanted marriage set-ups! Unfortunately, instead of easy money, Ha-ri’s got a headache. Her date is Taemu, her company’s hot new CEO, and he’s got his own plans to get his family to back off by marrying whoever shows up on the date. Should Ha-ri accept his proposal to keep playing pretend? Nothing could go wrong with lying about your real identity while dating the boss... right??
A Business Proposal has finished publishing and it has 124 Chapters. It is also Known as: お見合い相手はうちのボス, Love Is Misfortune, 我和总裁相了个亲, I Got a Date with the President, The Office Blind Date
17. 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?
16. 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
15. 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
14. As the Heart Led
Yi-jae, who has been reincarnated as Hailey, the daughter of a noble family who threw herself into the river just before the royal marriage, now sees restless spirits that should never be seen behind the king! Days are spent struggling to exorcise the restless spirits that crowd around King Roderick. As Roderick spends time with Yi-jae, he starts to notice strange changes in his mental clarity and physical condition…
As the Heart Led is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: As Your Heart Leads You, Follow Your Heart (Tildakim), Where the Heart Leads, Where Your Heart Leads You
13. Uahan Yamanui Bada
The daughter of a noble family deep in debt, Irina Nordiak’s only desire is to marry her long-time love Ludwig Fontern, but her financial situation prevents this. With no other options, she calls upon an old schoolmate, Ileanor Schuberg, who is now a wealthy lord. While cruel to others, he acts like a different person to Irina, pining over her while detesting her love for Ludwig. Though he agrees to pay off Irina’s debt in exchange for her servitude, he has no intention of letting her leave.
The Elegant Sea of Savagery has finished publishing and it has 84 Chapters. It is also Known as: Elegante Mar Salvaje, The Elegant Sea of Barbarism
12. The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway
When six-year-old Inés laid eyes on the handsome heir to House Escalante, she promptly made the boy her fiancé. Since noble men are all the same, she figured she might as well choose a pretty one. But Lord Cárcel isn't ready for this sort of commitment just yet, and he spends the next decade and a half avoiding the marriage at all costs! Luckily, that's no trouble for Inés, as this marriage failing is exactly what she wants. In fact, he has her blessing to sow his wild oats as long as he stays out of her business. Unfortunately, being a playboy isn't as fun when your fiancée gives you permission. And doesn't this mean she's cheating on him too? Now, Cárcel is determined to change Inés' mind about him and prove he can be the husband she's always wanted.
The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: El Anillo Roto: Este matrimonio fracasará de todos modos, This Marriage Is Bound to Sink Anyway, 反正这段婚姻注定失败
11. Age of Arrogance
The lord of Pervaz, who led the 28-year war to victory, Asha Pervaz.
For Pervaz, who was devastated by the long war, Asha heads to the imperial family to receive the victory reward promised by the emperor. However, the only reward that came back was the "right to choose a marriage partner."
As the best choice, Asha pointed out the Duke of Carlisle Haven, the first prince who had recently been deprived of the title of crown prince. If she was refused, she intended to receive compensation from the emperor...
"Marquise Perbaz. I will accept your marriage proposal."
Contrary to expectations, the Duke of Carlisle accepted Asha's choice. Promising tremendous support for Pervaz...!
Age of Arrogance has finished publishing and it has 93 Chapters. It is also Known as: City of Arrogance, The Age of Arrogance, The Era of Pride, अहङ्कारको युग, ยุคแห่งความโอหัง, 傲慢的时代
10. 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
9. 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
8. How to Hide the Emperor's Child
Astelle, the empire's one-day empress brought with her a secret when she left the palace after the divorce: she was pregnant with Emperor Kaizen's child. Six years later, Astelle is living a peaceful life in the countryside with their son until the imperial guards come knocking. Kaizen requires Astelle's consent to receive the key territory of Meilen. With the empire still in turmoil from a rebellion, will Astelle be able to hide her son's identity from these threatening forces, and more importantly, from his father, the emperor?
How to Hide the Emperor's Child has finished publishing and it has 129 Chapters. It is also Known as: วิธีซ่อนทายาทของจักรพรรดิ, 如何藏匿皇帝的孩子, Comment Cacher le Fils de l'Empereur, 皇帝の子供を隠す方法, Astelle und der geheime Sohn des Kaisers, Como Esconder o Filho do Imperador, Como ocultar al hijo del emperador
7. 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
6. Kumicho Musume to Sewagakari
Kirishima Tooru is the right-hand man of the Sakuragi crime family. For him, the job is a perfect excuse to let his violent instincts run wild, earning him the nickname “the Demon of Sakuragi”. It seems like nothing will stand in the way of his vicious nature. But then one day, he receives an assignment like never before from the boss—babysitting his daughter! This is the heartwarming (or is it bloodcurdling?) story of a little girl and her yakuza caretaker!
The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 組長娘と世話係, 組長女兒與照料專員, The Mob Boss’s Daughter and Her Caretaker, Kiedy yakuza zostaje niańką
5. My Husband and I Cannot Live in the Same World
Mellie never fooled herself into believing she was more than a mere burden. Since childhood, she had been a leech to House Felton who relied on her mother's friendship with the former Duchess Felton. Even so, it was inevitable that she came to harbor feelings for her most cherished playmate, Young Master Edric. But things start to change when Edric gets engaged. The former duchess begins treating her coldly, and her childhood friend insists that she remains by his side forever. Mellie has never had agency over her own life. But surely Edric has her best interests in mind, right...?
My Husband and I Cannot Live in the Same World is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: You and I Are From Different World, You and I Live in a Different World, 公爵夫人は逃げる～夫と生きる世界が違い過ぎて～, 당신과 나는 사는 세계가 다르다
4. I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke
Not a single soul in Olivia Florence's life, including her own husband, provided the warmth that she craved, and she lived her life alone, growing strong.
Waking up two decades earlier right after her regretful arranged marriage to the Duke, Lord James Parnell, she plans to live a different life.
She hatches a plan to anull her marriage remarry the Duke, Ian Tyrone, infamous for being ""IMPOTENT"" for never showing any interest in the ladies.
Maybe his disinterest in women would allow Olivia to comfortably live as his wife, unburdened by childbirth and free of any other pressures in life.
But wait, the Duke who seemingly ""couldn't get it up"" turns out to be a complete stud at in the bedroom. What has Olivia gotten herself into?"
I Can't Keep Up With My Stallion Duke has finished publishing and it has 151 Chapters. It is also Known as: 第二任老公太强了，好烦！, My Second Husband Is Desperate and Depressed
3. Reitetsu Shougun no Atsu sugiru Ai ni Samugari Maid wa Tomadoi-chuu
Welcome to the inner palace, where only the most skilled and diligent maids are stationed to wait on the king's consorts and their children. Fina Scalchi is one such maid. The problem is that she despises the cold climate of the royal capital. She's managed to put up with the frigid temperatures for the past five years (with the help of aphrodisiacs), but she's had enough! So when she's finally offered an assignment in the warmer South, you can imagine how ecstatic she is. The caveat, however, is that she must work at the southern military fortress ruled by the "Stone Cold General," Silverio Orcagna. Despite her distaste for his arrogant demeanor, she remains the dutiful maid, impressing him with her dedication. Then one evening, when the general visits Fina's room, he mistakenly partakes in her precious aphrodisiac! Unable to bear the sight of him in his heated state, she aids him...in quelling his fervor. But as a result of their close-quarters contact, a sense of possessiveness begins to take hold of the general...!
The Stone Cold General & the Maid Perplexed by His Burning Passion is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 冷徹将軍の熱すぎる愛に寒がりメイドは戸惑い中, Reitetsu Shougun no Atsu sugiru Ai ni Samugari Maid wa Tomadoi-chuu
2. The Duchess Lives Only for This Day
Born from a family where daughters don’t survive until adulthood, frail Frida Harkbourne enters a political marriage with the feared war hero Duke Daniel Richards. Abandoned at the altar and left with a comatose husband, Frida gains unexpected freedom and quietly rebuilds his barren territory. Three years later, Daniel awakens to find a gentle, determined duchess who has transformed his lands through sheer will. As imperial intrigue, hidden enemies, and looming succession conflicts close in, a wary duke and a dying duchess begin a tense partnership that could change their lives… if only Frida can live long enough for it.
The Duchess Lives Only for This Day is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: The Duchess Lives Only Today, 呪われた公爵夫人と冷酷公爵
1. Single Mother no Tensei Akujo Desu ga, Dekiai Route Tsukamimashita!
Sofia Grancourt finds herself reincarnated with the doomed fate of a villainess and a young son. In order to save both their lives, she quickly divorces her insufferable husband, who was originally supposed to trigger her villain arc, and moves back in with her parents. Since Sofia’s previous life as an office worker was full of repression, she is determined to speak her mind and live freely in this life. And with a supportive family, an adorable son, and a handsome new man, her dreams just might come true...!
Single Mother no Tensei Akujo Desu ga, Dekiai Route Tsukamimashita! has finished publishing and it has 65 Chapters. It is also Known as: シングルマザーの転生悪女ですが、溺愛ルートつかみました！, As a Reincarnated Villainess and a Single Mother, I've Secured the Love Route!, I'm a Reincarnated Villainess and Single Mother, but I Managed to Get the Doting Route!, The Single Mother Villainess Finds Her Happily Ever After, Злодейка воспитывает сына в любви и заботе!
