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. Heunhan Binguimurin Jul Aratda
- 18. A Business Proposal
- 17. It Was Just a Contractual Marriage
- 16. I Spy a Married Life
- 15. Sigrid
- 14. My Aggravating Sovereign
- 13. Gwangan
- 12. Cinderella-neun Naega Anieotda
- 11. Hwangjewa Hamkke Tarakagetseumnida
- 10. The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
- 9. Daewinim! Ibeon Jeonjaengteoneun Igosingayo?
- 8. The Hidden Muse
- 7. Just Leave Me Be
- 6. My Mom Got a Contract Marriage
- 5. The Legendary Beasts Animal Hospital
- 4. Ibyangttal Yeoka-rol Jinachige Jalhaebeoryeotda
- 3. Jeonjaenggwang Nampyeonui Aireul Ppaedollyeotda
- 2. Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni naru zo: Akuyaku Reijou ni naru hodo Ouji no Dekiai wa Kasoku suru you desu!
- 1. Ushimitsu Gao
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. 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
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. It Was Just a Contractual Marriage
I, the last princess, will use you to survive!
As the last remaining member of the imperial family, Elise must do whatever she can to survive and someday reclaim her empire, even if that means marrying the archduke of an enemy nation and promising to bear his child! As a dragonborn, he needs an heir, and it's not as though he loves her... right?
It Was Just a Contractual Marriage is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: It Was Just a Contract Marriage, Just a Contract Marriage, 只是契约婚姻而已
16. I Spy a Married Life
What would you do if you were ordered to enter a fake marriage… with your crush? That's exactly what happened to Dodam, an agent working for the NSO, the most secretive government organization. Dodam's mission? To expose an industrial spy. But here's the twist: she has to go undercover as a newlywed with her boss and crush, Juwon Gi. Dodam is determined to accomplish her mission and win Juwon's favor along the way. Can she safely complete her mission? Or will her feelings jeopardize everything?
I Spy a Married Life has finished publishing and it has 90 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Team Leader Is Tired of Newlyweds, 组长的新婚生活很疲惫, Timjangnimeun Sinhoni Pigonhada
15. 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
14. My Aggravating Sovereign
Aria’s world is thrown into chaos when Crown Prince Julius, the brilliant but insufferable royal she’s sworn to protect as Captain of his Guard, announces her as his future bride. Stunned, Aria confronts him, and Julius offers a way out: if she can defeat him in any competition before the wedding in six months, he’ll cancel the engagement. But with Julius’ unmatched skills, winning won’t be easy. Can Aria outsmart the talented prince and reclaim her life?
My Aggravating Sovereign is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: De forma sorpresiva, terminé casándome con el príncipe heredero basura, Kunshu-sama ni Munayake, My Lord, My Heart Aches, Sovereign and Heartburn, 君主様に胸やけ, 混世皇太子只对我恋爱脑, 주군, 속이 쓰립니다
13. Gwangan
Eun-Woo quietly worked as a court lady and hoped to become a Jimil Sanggung, a servant exclusive to the royal family. After 15 years of court life, she finally receives the favor of the Crown Prince.
After getting drunk, the Prince visited Eun-Woo just once. But he keeps thinking of her...
This is a story about Lee Hyun, a lonely but outstanding Crown Prince, and Court Lady Eun-Woo, who wanted to live a simple life.
Wild Eyes has finished publishing and it has 97 Chapters. It is also Known as: Gwang-an, Mad Eye, Guangan, 狂眼
12. Cinderella-neun Naega Anieotda
People called Terryl ‘Cinderella.’ It was meant to be a charming nickname for her, who was a mere Baron’s daughter before falling in love with the second son of a Marquis. However one day, he abruptly bid adieu, leaving Terryl wounded by her lover’s betrayal. And suddenly, the so-called ‘King of the North,’ Duke of Rihan, stood in front of her. He identified himself as Terryl’s biological father, whom she assumed was no longer alive. Because she became the Duke’s daughter overnight, she had to put in a lot of work to become the Duke’s successor! Three years later, Terryl, seeking vengeance on her ex-lover, offers Cesio, the Marquis’ eldest son, a contract of engagement to take away what her former lover desired most, the title of Marquis. As the two were engaged, they became more aware of one another, and as Terryl becomes closer to Cesio, she learns an unexpected secret about him… Will ‘Cinderella’ find love by the end of this tale?
Source: MU
I Wasn't the Cinderella has finished publishing and it has 145 Chapters. It is also Known as: Cinderella Wasn't Me
11. 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
10. The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
Is my cursed husband's fate up to me?
Madelyn's husband Ian was left broken after the war, and in turn, made her life a living hell. Fleeing her doomed marriage, she meets a tragic end. But when she opens her eyes, she finds herself at 17 again. The war has yet to start, and Madelyn can still change her fate. But what about Ian?
The Redemption of Earl Nottingham has finished publishing and it has 91 Chapters. It is also Known as: The Redemption of Earl Nottingham
9. Daewinim! Ibeon Jeonjaengteoneun Igosingayo?
Lee Yoon-Ah is the captain of the elite special forces unit and is said to be Korea's leader.
A soldier to the core, there was no romance in her life.
However, a completely different world opens for her, when she loses her consciousness after being hit by a shell during her overseas deployment.
She ends up being transmigrated into a romance fantasy novel written by her friend!
And that's when she became an extra, Rosalie, who lived a miserable life.
She sighed deeply and put her head in her hands for a moment. She sees this place as a battlefield and decides to change her life.
“This is a class-based society. I experienced enough to get tired of class-based societies while in the military.”
She becomes the captain who conquers the Duke's family with her absolute charisma!
But unintentionally, even romance starts to take hold of her...
"Duke, how do you feel about kneeling in front of the crown prince? It's the first time you've ever kneeled before someone other than His Majesty, the Emperor."
The original male protagonist is now down on his knees before her and not the heroine.
This captain who had no interest in love, can she win on this battlefield?
Captain! Is This Battlefield Here? has finished publishing and it has 101 Chapters. It is also Known as: Daewinim! Ibeon Jeonjaengteoneun Igosingayo?
7. Just Leave Me Be
Adele was a hapless orphan until a duke gave her a choice: live as a substitute for his dead daughter, or die on the streets. Despite playing this role to the best of her ability, an order for her assassination was given shortly after he married her off. Miraculously, she is sent back in time and decides to make up for the years wasted living a lie. As ancient ruins call to her, can she use her past knowledge and unexpected help from the Black Knight to defeat the dangers ahead and change fate?
Just Leave Me Be has finished publishing and it has 201 Chapters. It is also Known as: Please Throw Me Away, Please Leave Me Behind
6. 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
5. The Legendary Beasts Animal Hospital
Paris-flying veterinarian named after new recruits! Kim A-young, head of the animal hospital who is struggling with loans. One day you get a phone call. "Do you see reptiles there?" I'm doing reptile therapy, which is not my major for a living. It's a reptile for use, isn't it? A blue dragon is here to see a doctor! Ahyoung Animal Hospital, where word of mouth went out when she treated him after a faint blast. New patients line up. Looking at the animals in a state of unimaginable identity, Ah-yeong was briefly taken into consideration for their generous medical expenses. "Monster? Blue Dragon? I don't know! Money is the best!" The veterinarian's new medical device. Will Ahyoung be able to treat special patients safely and return to a peaceful daily life?
The Legendary Beasts Animal Hospital has finished publishing and it has 152 Chapters. It is also Known as: An Animal Hospital in the Border Area, An Animal Hospital Near The Border Area
4. Ibyangttal Yeoka-rol Jinachige Jalhaebeoryeotda
Transmigrating into the main character of your favorite book sounds like a dream come true, but knowing Viola Vellatoux grows to be disappointed in her ending, Arin Han sets out to rewrite the story. However, her adoptive family will not hesitate to assassinate one another in their fight for control. The new Viola needs to use her wits to convince everyone that she has what it takes while remaining true to her goal. Further complicating her schemes, the male lead looks eerily familiar and has a strange effect on her when she gets too close.
The Unintentionally Ideal Adopted Daughter is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: I Played the Role of the Adopted Daughter Too Well, 過度稱職的養女, 完美演绎养女角色, 过分扮演了领养女儿的角色, ฉันเล่นบทลูกสาวบุญธรรมได้ดีเกินไปซะแล้ว
3. Jeonjaenggwang Nampyeonui Aireul Ppaedollyeotda
What if your whole life was predetermined? When Noelle Ainelle is reborn as an evil marchioness, she learns she is fated to die alongside her 5-year-old daughter at her husband’s hands. But with a new attitude and a will to live, Noelle resolves to salvage her marriage for their daughter’s sake. Too bad her husband, Rupert Ainelle, is a war-loving marquess who knows nothing but violence. With the clock ticking before the unthinkable, can this villainess make peace with her warmonger husband?
My Warmonger Husband is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: I Stole the Child of My War-Mad Husband, I Took My Warmonger Husband's Child, 我养大了好战丈夫的孩子, 暴君夫から娘を救う方法
2. Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni naru zo: Akuyaku Reijou ni naru hodo Ouji no Dekiai wa Kasoku suru you desu!
I absolutely hate a world filled with sweet talking. I'll fight the Heroine's rationale head on!!!
After waking up as the villainess she admires so much from her favourite otome game, Alicia trains hard every day to become the greatest villainess of all time.
I'll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: 歴史に残る悪女になるぞ 悪役令嬢になるほど王子の溺愛は加速するようです!, Rekishi ni Nokoru Akujo ni naru zo: Akuyaku Reijou ni naru hodo Ouji no Dekiai wa Kasoku suru you desu!
1. Ushimitsu Gao
The story follows 33-year-old housewife Megumi Sano, who has strong spiritual sensitivity. One night, while having sex with her husband, a ghost suddenly appears in her room. She feels humiliated instead of terrified after the ghost witnesses her boring sex life with her husband. The ghost begins appearing in their bedroom nightly.
Witching Hour is currently publishing and has Chapters. It is also Known as: ウシミツガオ, Her Face at the Witching Hour
