Last updated on April 8th, 2024 at 03:55 pm
Obsession Unleashed: A recap of my last 6 Shoujo mangas from 2023
Discover a world of romance, drama, and heartfelt moments as we go through my latest shoujo manga obsessions of 2023. From the intense sweetness of first love in “Kurosaki-kun wa Dokusen Shitagaru” to the unforgettable tale of friendship and romance in “Osananajimi ni Koishitara,” these mangas left me giggling, squealing and had me feeling all the emotions.
Join me as we explore the captivating stories, unique characters, and delightful twists that make these titles stand out in the world of shoujo manga. Honest they included some of my favourite MCs! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Mangas that made the list (skip to a manga via the title):
- Kurosaki Wants Me All to Himself ~The Intense Sweetness of First Love
- Waiting for Spring (Haru Matsu Bokura)
- Tama no Gohoubi
- You Are Too Naive, My Sweetheart! (Chorokute Kawaii Kimi ga Suki)
- Looking at Your Profile (Kimi no Yokogao wo Miteita)
- Osananajimi ni Koishitara
Disclaimer: The release dates and status provided are based on the English-online released versions as of 12th January, 2024. Now, let’s delve into what these romantic shoujo mangas has to offer!
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Tier ranking all 52 shoujo mangas I read last year
Watch me tier rank the mangas featured in this blog, and every shoujo manga I read in 2023 the remaining shoujo mangas I read in 2023. View part 1 on YouTube here, or watch part 2 below. Or continue on with this blog here.
1. Kurosaki Wants Me All to Himself ~The Intense Sweetness of First Love (Kurosaki-kun wa Dokusen Shitagaru - Hajimete no Koi wa Ama sugite)
Genre: Shoujo, Romance, School Life.
Author and Artist: Kanoko & Reiko Sakurada.
Status: Released 2022 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 1. | View next manga rec >
In the high school world of ‘Kurosaki-kun wa Dokusen Shitagaru’, Moka Asano unexpectedly becomes the focus of attention when Izumi Kurosaki, the popular soccer team captain, singles her out. Despite Kurosaki’s widespread popularity and aversion to girls, he’s inexplicably drawn to the seemingly ordinary Moka. The constant swarm of admirers complicates Moka’s daily life, but a twist of fate brings them together in the old school library, providing a rare opportunity for closeness.
Kurosaki, known for his popularity and cold demeanour, contrasts with the cute, quiet, yet cheerful Moka. This captivating romantic tale delivers an addictive and insanely cute narrative. If you’re a fan of the ‘guy falls first and harder’ trope, this manga is a must-read. The inclusion of Kurosaki’s point of view chapters, complete with his blushing moments, adds depth to the story. Without a doubt, this was one of my top 10 reads of 2023.
2. Waiting for Spring (Haru Matsu Bokura)
Genre: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life, Sports – basketball.
Author and Artist: Anashin.
Status: Released 2014 – 2021.
Latest: Volume 13. | Buy on: Amazon.
View next manga rec 
In ‘Waiting for Spring,’ Mitsuki Haruno, a shy high schooler, crosses paths with four popular basketball players—Towa Asakura, Rui Miyamotoi, Ryuuji Tada, and Kyousuke Wakamiya—while working at a cafe. Despite initial rudeness, they discreetly befriend her, adding twists to her quiet life. As Mitsuki navigates newfound friendships and potential romantic entanglements, the manga explores past childhood romances, unresolved feelings, and a captivating love triangle that is both frustrating and addicting.
The story centres around Mitsuki’s evolving connection with Towa Asakura. Despite struggling with emotions, Towa delivers knock-out one-liners and heartwarming moments. ‘Waiting for Spring’ offers a satisfying blend of sweetness, sensitivity, and wholesomeness, making it an unforgettable journey. The manga’s most satisfying first kiss moment (but who with?!) will forever be etched in my heart, making this a must-read for fans of shoujo romance.
3. Tama no Gohoubi
Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life.
Author and Artist: Hoshiya Kaori.
Status: Released 2018 – 2019.
Latest: Volume 4. | View next manga rec
In ‘Tama no Gohoubi’, join Kanoko Mikeda on her quest to unravel the mysteries of boys and romantic love after spending her school years in all-girls institutions. Enrolling in a mixed-gender high school introduces her to Yuito Tamako, initially perceived as aloof and strange. However, as they navigate the challenges of unfamiliar emotions, Kanoko discovers a pleasant and gentle side to him. This unique and delusion-filled story of beginner’s love and hidden desires unfolds differently from the romantic fairytales Kanoko was familiar with.
What sets this manga apart is the understanding MC Yuito, who respects Kanoko and prioritises her feelings without resorting to forced advances. This 4-volume gem offers great comedy and romantic moments, leaving Shoujo fans yearning for more of their captivating story.
4. You Are Too Naive, My Sweetheart! (Chorokute Kawaii Kimi ga Suki)
Genre: Shoujo, Comedy, Delinquents, Romance, School Life.
Author and Artist: Hatta Akari.
Status: Released 2021 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 3. | View next manga rec
In ‘You Are Too Naive, My Sweetheart!,’ meet Nana, an avid shoujo manga fan who prefers fictional romance over real-life love due to her easily flustered nature. Her world takes a surprising turn when delinquent classmate Sutaka confesses his love, sending her heart racing. As Nana navigates this unexpected romance, the manga challenges her perception of love and her ability to handle genuine emotions.
Featuring a unique art style, the manga art brings texture and comedy to the story. Nana and Sutaka’s dynamic, with Sutaka making Nana blush and her heart race, adds a delightful touch. Additionally, the narrative explores their interactions with each other’s friends, providing readers with a glimpse into their respective worlds. For fans of delinquent shoujo romance, this manga promises an enjoyable experience with its fun characters and hilarious moments.
5. Looking at Your Profile (Kimi no Yokogao wo Miteita)
Genre: Shoujo, Drama, Romance, School Life, Slice of Life.
Author and Artist: Rumi Ichinohe.
Status: Released 2022 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 3. | View next manga rec
In the heart of Lovesick Alley, ‘Looking at Your Profile’ delves into the lives of four high school students, with the spotlight on Hikari—a daydreaming freshman. Her imaginative musings revolve around the potential love story between her shy best friend, Mari, and the classmate Ootani. When Hikari discovers Ootani’s crush on Mari, prompted by the matchmaking efforts of their friend Asagiri, she decides to play cupid. The narrative unfolds with Mari as the central character, Ootani as the romantic lead, and Hikari as the supportive friend. However, Hikari fails to consider her own feelings in the equation, resulting in a youthful tale of unrequited love among these four teenagers.
‘Looking at Your Profile’ boasts a unique and beautiful art style that sets it apart from typical manga. The characters break away from the copy-paste mold, each possessing distinctive storylines, hobbies, and personalities. As the story navigates through one-sided love, forbidden romance, secret teacher crushes, and complex personal struggles, readers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions.
6. Osananajimi ni Koishitara
Genre: Shoujo, Childhood Friends, Romance.
Author and Artist: Chia Teshima.
Status: Released 2021 – Ongoing.
Latest: Volume 2.
Embark on the heartfelt journey of ‘Osananajimi ni Koishitara,’ where childhood friends Koyuri and Sei-chan, once inseparable, drifted apart in sixth grade due to bullying. Fast forward to high school, where Koyuri, now yearning for love, unexpectedly finds herself in the same class as Hoshiichi. The story unfolds as Koyuri rediscovers the joy of their friendship, leading to a charming and unique romantic narrative.
In this adorable manga, the tables turn on the traditional childhood friend trope. As the two friends reconcile, Hoshiichi breaks the norm by expressing his feelings and asking Koyuri to be his girlfriend. This twist introduces new complications to their relationship, as Koyuri is content with the joy of rekindled friendship. A refreshing take on the genre, this story captivates with its cute and heartwarming moments. Koyuri, the main character, stands out as one of my personal favourites, embracing his feelings and showcasing an adorable caring side. If you’re a fan of the childhood friend trope with a unique twist, this manga is an absolute delight!
Closing thoughts
There you have it—my latest shoujo manga picks from 2023! If you’re a fan of intense first loves, unforgettable friendships, and all the emotions in between, these titles won’t disappoint. I hope you find these recaps helpful and that these manga bring as much enjoyment to your reading list as they did to mine.
Remember, manga release dates and statuses are based on the English-online versions as of January 12, 2024. Now, go ahead and dive into the world of romantic shoujo manga.
If you enjoyed these recommendations read our other blog listing 12 great Shoujo Romance manga series to read in 2023 and 10 Romantic-Comedy mangas you need to read.
Happy reading!
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*ML = Male Lead, FL = Female Lead, MC = main characters