Japanese Yuri manga has grown to be a popular genre globally from editor Ito Bungaku’s original use of the term “Yuri” (lily) to characterise lesbian relationships in 1970s Japan. Their unique graphic style—delicate linework, expressive figures, and deliberate panel arrangement that precisely captures emotional nuances—sets these stories apart.
With creators especially focused on emotional development and the little events that create bonds between characters, Japanese GL manga spans simple school romances to complicated adult relationships. Unlike their Western equivalents, these works frequently highlight the trip rather than only the destination, therefore crafting stories that appeal strongly to readers from all walks of life.
Essential readings for both new readers and long-time fans, these 20 exceptional Japanese Yuri manga highlight the artistic quality and storyline range of the genre.
Highlight
Bloom Into You
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (5/5)
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Nakatani Nio
Genres: Romance, Drama, School Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Two girls go forth on a quest to discover the heart-pounding passion they have always dreamed of, and a wonderful story of young love results. Passionate shoujo manga reader Yuu longs for a love confession that will cause her heart to skip a beat. But Yuu only gets disappointment and uncertainty when a male classmate shares his emotions. Not sure how to reply, Yuu starts high school still full of questions. She then runs upon Nanami, the elegant and charismatic student council president, who politely declines a suitor. Yuu asks Nanami for guidance after her maturity and grace inspire her. She has no idea, though, that her own shoujo relationship is going to develop as Nanami comes clean about her emotions. Will Yuu’s much awaited love story start here?
Review: This one is absolutely worth looking at, in my view, if you’re searching for a top Yuri manga. Beautiful drama! Being a young lesbian, I’m happy to have at last an anime that fairly depicts how I adore other women. It reminds me of how it felt when I was with my ex-girlfriend, and I hope the person who wrote it did it because they wanted to convey a decent love story, not only to fetishize persons like me. Though it’s fine, this Yuri tale never really has the vitality and feeling Bloom Into You offers.
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Whisper Me a Love Song
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (4.9/5)
Publication: 2019, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Eku Takeshima
Genres: Romance, School Life, Music, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: When first-year high school student Himari goes to a concert by the well-known band “Canary,” she is enthralled by Yori, the gifted second-year guitarist. Himari tells Yori straight away after the performance her feelings, which he reads as romantic love instead of appreciation. Yori responds with her own confession instead of clearing the misinterpretation, therefore creating the conditions for an unusual connection. Himari starts to wonder as they get closer whether her emotions could really be changing to something more loving.
Review: A delicate emotional love delight accompanied by first-class artwork; the main couple is sweet enough to induce insulin demand. Still, the side couple has more thorough characterisation than the major pair. From their push- and- pull dynamics to the concert confession, it is quite relevant. This couple develops from close friends to furious adversaries, then to lovers who really know each other, so giving both tension and sweetness at highest levels.
There is No Love Wishing Upon a Star
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.4/5)
Publication: 2023, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Shinoa
Genres: Romance, Drama, School Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: MangaDex
Synopsis: Childhood pals Kakeru and Yamato have always been inseparable. Though close enough to share practically everything, Yamato harbours intense romantic sentiments for Kakeru that he is unable to communicate. While they negotiate their high school years together, Yamato battles the agony of unmet love while preserving their relationship. Though physically Kalky is always at his side, the mental barrier separating them seems insurmount, like trying to reach for stars always beyond his reach.
Review: You really have to read this manga if you’re feeling unmet love right now. I’m confident the very sophisticated and realistically accurate plot will appeal to you strongly.
I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.4/5)
Publication: 2018, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Aono Nachi
Genres: Romance, Slice of Life, Drama, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Death is nothing new to the people Sheena lives at the enigmatic orphanage; females who no longer have families of their own, who are nurtured as weapons of war, educated to kill and take the life of others without thinking twice. Everyone, that is except Sheena, who only wants the mounting tension around her to end.
Sheena meets an odd female drenched in blood on the night her roommate dies, who smiles despite the chaos around them. The next day the girl shows up as a new pupil in Sheena’s class and introduces herself as Mimi. Originally believed to be a school myth, whispers in the orphanage’s hallways indicate Mimi is their hidden weapon—an immortal unable to die.
Sheena’s life gets even more complex when Mimi, her new roommate, starts living with someone who loves and welcomes death when all Sheena wants is halt it.
Review: An account of two girls’ naive wishes discovered in a world adjacent to death. The setting of this manga is somewhat unusual: Mimi is a weapon of war serving under a war backdrop while she falls in love with Sheena. Although the storyline is quite sad, the primary pair is really sweet; their feelings for each other stay pure. The secondary couple is especially tragic; be psychologically ready when reading as in this context nobody knows where their loves will lead.
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The Summer You Were There
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.4/5)
Publication: 2020, Completed
Story & Art By: Yuama
Genres: Romance, Slice of Life, Coming of Age, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Living away from people, high school girl Shizuku Hoshikawa writes a book that her friend Kaori Asaka unintentionally comes into. She loves it but discovers, from lack of ideas, Hoshikawa was not intending to write anymore; she ends up suggesting, “Let’s start going out, you and me… You may chronicle our own love story.
Review: One of the stories about redemption is that of a bully brought down by her direct honesty; the other has limited time left because of illness. A book causes them to become summer-limited lovers.
The Moon on a Rainy Night
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.3/5)
Publication: 2021, Ongoing
Story & Art By: Kuzushiro
Genres: Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Saki is racing to a piano lesson one rainy night when she runs across a gorgeous, long-haired girl dropping her sheet music mid route. Saki stumbles an apology, but the girl just hands back her sheet music and walks off silently. Only to discover the stranger from the night before seated at the desk next to her, Saki starts her first day of high school the next morning. She discovers the girl, Kanon, is not quite totally deaf but rather quite hard of hearing. Kanon pushes people away with her cold attitude, even though she must be near people to read their lips. Even when Saki feels something fresh blossoming inside her, she gently starts tearing down the barriers around Kanon with one kind deed.
Review: This piece includes several observations on persons with impairments and centers a protagonist with hearing problems. The author presents the psyche of disabled individuals quite faithfully and evidently studied a great deal about them. Against this complex background, the draw between the two female leads seems quite natural. This is a great mutual redemption as much as a lovely love story.
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There’s No Freaking Way I’ll be Your Lover! Unless…
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.2/5)
Publication: 2020, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Mikami Teren, Musshu/Musshu
Genres: Romance, Comedy, School Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Desperate to be rid of her outsider reputation, Renako Amaori has painstakingly created her “normal girl” high school introduction. Benevolent behind her well put front, though, is a girl with social anxiety and a terrible darkness that undermines her every effort to fit in.
She meets Mai Odzuka, the school’s golden girl with looks, brains, and talents that make her apparently impenetrable just when she is at her breaking point. Unexpectedly, these two opposing souls discover a precious haven in each other’s company where they share vulnerabilities they have kept secret from everyone else.
But Mai reveals a startling confession: “You’ve made me fall in love with you,” just as Renako believes she has discovered the ideal companion.
Now caught in an exciting but terrible conundrum, the two ladies start an unusual experiment contrasting the benefits of friendship against romance using pragmatic “tests.” Renako must negotiate her emotions while still striving for her ideal of a flawless high school life as limits blur and hearts race. Will she follow passion or safety? Loving friendship or friendship? And at last will she be able to find her actual desired identity?
Review: Right now on volume 4, I just started reading the light novels. For this anime, I am quite freakingly thrilled. I still haven’t finished it since I didn’t expected this to be adapted. LET’S FREAKING GOSH.
The Skirt Sings at the Landing
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.2/5)
Publication: 2020, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Utatane Yuu
Genres: Romance, Dancing, LGBTQ+
Where to read: MangaDex
Synopsis: Haruma Kiki dreamed of performing ballroom dance as the feminine “follower,” but as she grew older she only became taller and taller, finally leading her to give up ever looking decent in a frock or anything ladylike. She specializes in the masculine “leader” position now, a second year in high school—until one day her boyfriend abruptly leaves her. Kiki begs Toribami Michiru, a short and attractive first year student, to be her new partner when she comes up eager to join the ballroom dance club, but Michiru says she only performs the leader role and she wants none other than Kiki as her partner.
Review: About two female protagonists overcoming many challenges to become partners on stage, therefore attaining atonement and growth, this is a subtle and slow-burning pure love masterpiece. The narrative covers the passions and development of young ladies, the sourness and entangements of love, and exquisite dance presentations. That is quite a fantastic work.
Adachi and Shimamura
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (5/5)
Publication: 2019 (manga adaptation), ONGOING
Story & Art By: Iruma Hitoma, Yuzuhara Moke
Genres: Romance, Slice of Life, School Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Adachi and Shimamura, high school students, first cross paths at the school gymnasium while absent from class. Spending time ping-pong together away from other pupils results in a friendship based on their common misbehavior from this fortuitous meeting. Shimamura becomes more and more significant to Adachi, who suffers with social contacts since her emotions start to change into something more amorous. But the more friendly Shimamura is, the more unaware of these deeper emotions he is, so there is a fine balance between them. Their relationship develops in little, daily events as Adachi struggles with her developing love.
Review: The original book of this work might be considered a masterpiece: exquisite language, delicate emotional depictions, and perceptive psychological descriptions that anchor the dreamlike sense of falling in love in reality. Every element reflects Adachi’s enormous, ardent yet modest love for Shimamura. The emotions abound. The manga is significantly less than the book, yet reading it is still worthwhile.
The Anemone Feels the Heat
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑(4.4/5)
Publication: 2020, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Sakuragi Ren
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Nagisa Ootsuki chose to totally change herself after her unsatisfactory performance on the high school admission tests.
She runs upon the girl who caused her failing unannounced on her first day at her new high school. How might Nagisa negotiate these difficult emotions?
Review: The title is “The Anemone Feels the Heat,” in English; in Japanese it is “The Girl Doesn’t Know Her Heart.” This is really appropriate since the manga centers on the path of self-discovery and realization of the actual emotions of the characters.
From white to crimson, the author explores the meaning underlying the anemone flower’s shifting color on every series cover as the narrative progresses. As Nagisa and Mashiro learn they love one another, this marks the strengthening link between them. As it turns into a vivid scarlet, signifying the strengthening of their affections for one another, the anemone blossom exquisitely catches the core of the characters. This manga is really charming! It makes me feel quite cosy and cuddly.
Catch These Hands!
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.3/5)
Publication: 2018, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Murata
Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Originally renowned for her assertiveness, Takebe had decided to put her turbulent past behind her. But fate had other ideas when she happened to run across her former enemy, the infamous Soramori—also known as the “Bloody Cardigan.” Years of estrangement reach an unexpected climax when Soramori offers Takebe a special challenge—a battle deciding their romantic destiny. This unexpected turn in their rivalry surprises everyone.
Review: Murata’s quite straightforward visual style might not be the most appealing feature of this release. It lacks individuality, ambiance, and originality even if it is useful. Usually, this could provide a difficulty in most manga. In the genres of drama and romance, though, the story has the capacity to keep the work afloat. Though the images might not be up to par, “Catch These Hands” fortunately has an engaging plot that grabs readers.
Citrus
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.6/5)
Publication: 2012, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Saburouta
Genres: Romance, Drama, School Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: High school fashionista Yuzuko Aihara friends, has fun, and is passionate about fashion; she is about to be thrown a strong dose of reality. Because of her mother’s remarriage, Yuzu finds herself registered in a new, all-girls school known for being quite rigorous. She is soon start a path of actual knowledge. Yuzu’s first day doesn’t go exactly as scheduled since she manages to irritate certain people, especially the austere and gorgeous student council president Mei. Imagine Yuzu’s shock when she gets home depressed only to find Mei living with her and her new step-sister! Mei surprisingly catches Yuzu off-target and kisses her unexpectedly. I find it interesting what the meaning of it all could be.
Review: You did what? Citrus is quite like the most addictive substance known to exist! Once you start reading it, you won’t be able to stop reading it. And let me warn you: once you start Citrus+, you will be addicted and fervently counting down the days until the new chapter drops.
Girl Friends
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.5/5)
Publication: 2006, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Morinaga Milk
Genres: Romance, School Life, Slice of Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Currently devoid of a romantic partner or close friend, Mari is a quiet, bookish girl. One day, apparently out of the blue, Akiko—a girl renowned for her flawless style and gregarious nature— strikes up a discussion with her! The two get ever closer as time passes; Akiko often notes how their friendship developed naturally. Though Mari still feels a little nervous and awkward, she is completely loving her time with Akiko and her group and gradually gaining confidence and becoming more friendly. Mari knows, but, she doesn’t want their relationship to remain platonic permanently.
Review: Therefore, if you enjoy this fantastic Yuri manga, you should definitely check out Kase-San and Bloom into You next ones. I promise you, right now these are the top two Yuri manga available.
Kase-San
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (5/5)
Publication: 2010, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Takashima Hiromi
Genres: Romance, School Life, Slice of Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Like a committed gardener, Yamada looks after the flower garden of the school by herself. She is exceedingly awkward and lacks any sporting aptitude. Notwithstanding the situation, she finds herself growing intensely fond of Kase-san, the great athlete from the next class. Usually more quiet, Yamada is reluctant to show her feelings for the energetic Kase-san. Cherishing every flush and soft touch along the way, the two are gradually helping each other to improve their self-assurance and nurture their growing relationship.
Review: I have been reading Yamada to Kase-san a manga. This novel reads rather well. Their time in college defines everything. This story is still very great even if you dismiss all that pointless drama. I simply loved the characters since the first series was so darn beautiful and clean. Yuri stories with gorgeous lesbian couples living regular lives and being all lovey-dovey just appeal to me too much!
Still Sick
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (5/5)
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Akashi
Genres: Romance, Slice of Life, Office, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Successful R&D lead for an industrial company, Shimizu Makoto has a secret ability she explores in her spare time—writing and marketing fanfiction with LGBTQ+ characters. Shimizu must come to terms with Maekawa’s peculiarities after her happy colleague Maekawa unexpectedly finds her hidden network of like-minded girls.
Review: Hey, with this I had an amazing time! Just click the characters.
A Kiss and White Lily for Her
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.3/5)
Publication: 2013, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Canno
Genres: Romance, School Life, Drama, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Discover the entwined stories of many couples at the prestigious Seiran Academy for girls since each book explores the life of a fresh pair. Join the gripping trip of model student Shiramine Ayaka, whose world goes upside down when she loses her much-desired top slot to the simply genius Kurosawa Yurine. Little does Ayaka know, her life veers abruptly when Yurine falls head over heels for her—much to Ayaka’s dismay. Enter the gripping story of Ayaka’s quiet cousin Mizuki and her unusual boyfriend Moe, who developed a close relationship over their love of running. Alternatively, you will meet other fascinating individuals as well as the active members of the gardening club, Yukina and Towako, who fervently persuade Yurine to join their ranks.
Review: Bloom into You is essentially about that dramatic seriousness. It is quite concentrated on the development of the characters and handling of their emotional load. Overcoming those hang-ups is everything. Kiss and White Lilly then is all about growing up and moving on. It focuses especially on the people on the brink of adulthood. All things considered, they both very precisely meet your search criteria. Bloom emphasizes the complete emotional development process and moving on from past problems; White Lily is more about growing up and discovering your true self.
Beauty and the Beast Girl
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑 (5/5)
Publication: 2017, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Neji
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Get lost in a charming Yuri manga about a beloved monster and the girl who wins her over! Though her appearance is frightening, a lonesome creature living in solitude deep within the forest sees a life among people. Her existence changes when she meets a blind human girl enaminated by the stories her mysterious forest friend tells. Deep in their secret world, the link between the monster and the girl strengthens and exposes the great fact that actual beauty is personal.
Review: Nevertheless, though. Among continuous Yuri series, this one was among my most favorite. And the one who originally put me on Neji’s material. Indeed, I am somewhat depressed about it ending. That they just managed to print one book of this is unfortunate. Still, that is not really crucial. I will most certainly have this series among my all-time favorites. I cannot suggest it enough; it is quite wonderful and poignant.
Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.7/5)
Publication: 2019, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Usui Shio
Genres: Romance, Office, Slice of Life, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Seeking a novel approach to high school narratives? This series offers an original viewpoint on two colleagues who, despite their differences, find startling parallels. Deeply engross in her quest of normalcy, Uno Hinako experiments with makeup, clothes, and cosmetics, negotiating failed relationships. She struggles with inner conflict and an intense fear of being alone, though, all the time. She meets an unusual friend in Asahi Sato, a grounded and pragmatic colleague, while she welcomes her seclusion. Beginning with professional respect, their friendship develops into a deep and close one that gives both ladies chances to flourish and bloom together.
Review: Though it is a mature yuri genre, Doughnuts Under A Crescent Moon distinguishes itself by deftly capturing the nuances of love and queerness using lesbian asexual main characters.
Happy Sugar Life
Our Rating: 👑👑👑 (3.9/5)
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Kagisora Tomiyaki
Genres: Psychological, Drama, Thriller, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: Matsuzaka Satou, a high school student, is well-known for her lively dating life; but, that changes when she meets Shio, a small youngster. Satou is ready to go to considerable efforts to preserve their life together since she thinks she has at last discovered real love. The beginnings of this little child are still unknown, though, and the lifetime of their “Happy Sugar Life” seems dubious.
Review: It stays with me since, as you know, this is not a straight-forward matter. You know, this is like yin and yang all around. Good and bad, they all entwine one another. Though there are other factors to consider, in a crime drama you often support the kidnapping victim to be apprehended as that is the obvious villain. Shio’s family deserts her, Satou offers the affection she yearns, and Shio herself chooses to live with Satou rather than return to her family. It’s difficult to call Satou just pure evil even if you know she’s a killer and pedo and that what she is doing isn’t exactly good for Shio. Shio could have Stockholm syndrome, but honestly, she wouldn’t really benefit from returning to her own family. Man, it’s ridiculous how I’m actually supporting the purported evil man in this narrative.
The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This
Our Rating: 👑👑👑👑 (4.3/5)
Publication: 2018, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Ikeda Takashi
Genres: Slice of Life, Romance, Adult, LGBTQ+
Where to read: Amazon
Synopsis: By same author as Whispered Words! Enter this engrossing slice-of- life yuri manga, which chronicles the path of two mature women in the creative field negotiating their romantic lives together in their cozy apartment. Thirty-year-old Eri works as a professional writer; twenty-year-old Wako is more focused on developing her portfolio as a voice actor. Living and working together, these two ladies have made a lovely existence for each other as housemates and lovers. Join the wonderful trip this lovely couple is on as they negotiate the ups and downs of life, bringing humor, difficulties, and pleasure along.
Review: Although it’s unfortunate that it’s finished, for those two the way it concluded on that last page was exactly ideal. Still, I truly loved this somewhat cool mellow mature Yuri.
Through its classic black-and- white artwork, well timed narrative, and emotional depth, Japanese Yuri manga presents readers with a singular experience. These pieces have established the genre and still shape producers all around.
Although Japanese manga depends on subdued expressions and slow relationship building, Korean GL manhwa uses vivid full-color images and vertical scrolling techniques suitable for digital reading. With relationships that occasionally move at a faster pace, Korean creators frequently include more direct conversation and modern themes.
Both customs have unique creative value and provide girls’ love stories important viewpoints. See our guide to Best Korean GL Manhwa and Chinese GL manhua for a fresh perspective on women’s interactions from a different cultural lens if you have loved these Japanese Yuri recommendations and wish to investigate Korean creators’s approach to GL.
