What is Yuri Manga? During the 1970s, Ito Bungaku, the editor of Rosebud Magazine, introduced the term “Yuri” to describe the representation of lesbian relationships, as opposed to the red roses commonly associated with BL. Here, we’ll explore a selection of the best Yuri manga that are sure to catch your eye.
Best Yuri Manga
1. Bloom Into You
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Nakatani Nio
Synopsis: A delightful tale of young love unfolds as two girls embark on a journey to find the heart-pounding romance they’ve always dreamed of.
Yuu, an avid fan of shoujo manga, yearns for a love confession that will make her heart skip a beat. However, when a male classmate confesses his feelings, Yuu feels nothing but disappointment and confusion.
Uncertain of how to respond, Yuu enters high school with lingering doubts. It is then that she encounters Nanami, the graceful and charismatic student council president, who gracefully rejects a suitor.
Inspired by Nanami’s maturity and finesse, Yuu seeks her advice. Little does she know that her own shoujo romance is about to unfold when Nanami herself confesses her feelings. Will this be the beginning of Yuu’s long-awaited love story?
Review: In my opinion, if you’re looking for a great Yuri manga, this one is definitely worth checking out. Great drama! As a young lesbian, I’m glad there is finally an anime that realistically shows how I love 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 tell a good love story, not just to fetishize people like me. Even though it’s good, this Yuri story never really has the feeling and energy that Bloom Into You does.
2. Yuru Yuri
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2008, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Namori
Synopsis: Four spirited girls take over the abandoned Traditional Tea Ceremony clubroom to establish their own “Amusement Club.”
These malicious individuals…who disregard multiple warningsβin clear defiance of the Student Council’s righteous directivesβchoose to stay in the room until they finally take action!
In this blog-like manga, filled with ups and downs, the four girls embark on a journey from their homes to take a leisurely walk, experiencing various adventures along the way!
Review: It’s an enjoyable slice-of-life comedy with a fair dose of Yuri shipping fuel. If you’ve loved other shows showing gorgeous girls hanging out together, Yuru Yuri is likely to appeal to you as well.
3. A Yuri Story in Which a Girl Who Says That Girls Being Together is Unbelievable Will Completely Fall Within 100 Days
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2020, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Mikami Teren & Kayako
Synopsis: In the busy hallways of high school, Marika Sakakibara, a popular girl, is surprised when her classmate Aya Fuwa approaches her with an unexpected proposal.
Aya proposes a generous offer to Marika, inviting her to spend 100 days together with a budget of one million yen.
The aim is to showcase that a romantic relationship between two girls can thrive and flourish. Curious yet fascinated, Marika agrees, paving the way for their incredible adventures after school.
Review: Japan is still a lot less accepting of gay people than many Western countries. Sadly, hearing that line doesn’t come as a surprise. If the author is just writing down a question she’s been asked before, that wouldn’t surprise me.
4. Our Yuri Started with Me Getting Rejected in a Dream
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2022, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Hijiki (γγΈγ) & Hijiki (γγΈγ)
Synopsis: Tsukushi, a typical high school student, has been friends with Hinoka since childhood. Hinoka, despite her stunning looks, has some unique vulnerabilities.
Their friendship, which was once thought to be unwavering, is suddenly shaken by a tumultuous wave of romantic uncertainty when Tsukushi has a vivid dream where Hinoka rejects her declaration of love.
Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting tale of Tsukushi and her mysterious companion Hinoka as their lives intertwine in a delightful romantic comedy.
Review: They’re such an adorable couple.Alright! Now those two fools I adore have become a pair of complete idiots. It’s great to see that. I really dig how cozy this series is and I’m stoked it’s not dragging things out too much.
Yep, those useless lesbians are at the top of the shelf. Basically going out, but they don’t even realize it yet.
5. Catch These Hands!
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2018, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Murata
Synopsis: Once known for her strong personality, Takebe had made a decision to leave her troubled past behind.
However, destiny had a different course in mind when she unexpectedly encountered her former foe, the notorious Soramori, also known as the “Bloody Cardigan.”
Years of separation come to an unexpected climax as Soramori proposes a unique challenge to Takebe: a fight that will determine their romantic fate.
This surprising twist in their rivalry catches everyone off guard.
Review: The art style of Murata is quite simplistic and may not be the most appealing aspect of this release. It’s functional but lacks personality, ambiance, and uniqueness. Typically, this could pose a challenge in most manga. However, in the genres of romance and drama, the narrative has the ability to sustain the piece. Fortunately, “Catch These Hands” has a compelling storyline that captivates readers, even though the visuals may not be up to par.
6. I See You, Aizawa-san!
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2022, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Odoroo Dorothy
Synopsis: Michi has always struggled with her ability to see ghosts, a talent she usually ignores to avoid getting involved.
However, Honami Aizawa’s spirit suddenly appears, throwing her determination into disarray.
Honami, a former member of the idol group De: LPhinus and Michi’s classmate, now lingers in their old classroom, consumed by a deep sense of longing.
Michi is unable to resist being drawn in by Honami’s lively and extravagant actions, finding herself captivated by her spirited fan service.
Review: The drawing style is pretty cool, so I wanted to see what else the author has done, but I couldn’t find anything. Looks like this is their first manga series.
Based on their Pixiv account, it looks like the author is into drawing adorable girls, Yuri, and spooky stuff, all of which are showcased in this manga.
The art style is really impressive. I can already sense that this is gonna be a real rollercoaster of emotions, ya know? The ending’s gonna be a mix of bitter and sweet, I can just tell. It’s like, this totally rad ghost story, but with a Yuri twist. Thanks for helping me find this awesome treasure!
7. Do You Think Someone Like You Could Defeat the Demon Lord?
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2018, ONGOING
Story & Art By: kiki (kiki_lily17) & Minakata Sunao
Synopsis: Flum, an unexpected hero, was selected by the prophecy of the god Origin to join a legendary group tasked with defeating the Demon Lord. Flum, in contrast to her accomplished comrades, had no combat abilities and all her stats were at zero. This was due to her rare affinity.
Despite facing criticism, she worked hard to demonstrate her value. Her story took a sinister twist when she was cunningly betrayed by her companions and forced into a life of servitude.
While in captivity, Flum unexpectedly discovered a cursed sword that granted her access to the incredible abilities of her rare “Reversal” affinity. With newfound freedom and a desire to embrace a life of excitement, Flum chose to embark on thrilling adventures, accompanied by a fellow companion she had saved from a life of slavery.
This story chronicles Flum’s incredible journey from a place of despair to ultimately finding peace and tranquility.
Review: I’m cool with Yuri and fantasy, but horror? No way, that’s just too much for me. I mainly follow for Yuri.
8. Doughnuts Under a Crescent Moon
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2019, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Usui Shio
Synopsis: Looking for a fresh take on high school stories? This series presents a unique perspective on two coworkers who, despite their differences, discover surprising similarities.
Uno Hinako is deeply immersed in her pursuit of normalcy, experimenting with makeup, fashion, and navigating through unsuccessful romances.
However, she constantly grapples with inner turmoil and an overwhelming fear of being alone. As she embraces her solitude, she stumbles upon an unlikely companion in Asahi Sato, a down-to-earth and practical colleague.
Starting with professional admiration, their connection gradually evolves into a profound and intimate relationship, providing both women with an opportunity to thrive and blossom together.
Review: It is a mature yuri genre, but what sets Doughnuts Under A Crescent Moon apart is how it beautifully captures the intricacies of love and queerness with its lesbian asexual main characters.
9. Handsome Girl and Sheltered Girl
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2019, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Mochi Au Lait & majoccoid
Synopsis: Ooguma Satomi, who hasn’t had any romantic encounters, becomes captivated by a charismatic younger classmate, mistakenly perceiving them as a boy.
Her story takes an unexpected twist when she discovers that the person she is attracted to is actually a girl.
Review: Just a little step for a girl. A huge step forward for fans of Yuri. Man, this series is just too darn cute and heartwarming. Aw, their kisses are just so adorable! They really make my heart melt. They’re such a cute couple!
10. How Do We Relationship?
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2018, ONGOING
Story & Art By: tmfly
Synopsis: Miwa, an introspective individual, has always nurtured aspirations of finding love, a pursuit that is particularly difficult given her small-town surroundings in Japan and her attraction to girls.
Her transition to college didn’t provide much relief, until her vibrant classmate, Saeko, nonchalantly proposed that they should start dating, given their lack of alternatives.
Review: The writing in Yuri is so good that it pulls you in, but it was too real for me at that time. I love this comic book. I don’t think the main characters should be dating; they’re better off as friends. But the comic feels very real because the characters work through their problems and find happiness with other people.
It’s a straightforward story about two folks who couldn’t make things work but still managed to stay friends. It’s a really messy story that deals with some serious relationship issues.
11. Kami-eshi JK to OL Fujoshi
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2019, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Sato
Synopsis: Aizawa, a passionate office worker with a deep love for fujoshi culture, is overjoyed upon learning that Misumi, the artist she adores, will be making an appearance at a doujinshi event.
Excited to meet her idol, she heads to the venue, only to be surprised when she finds out that the artist at the booth is not Misumi, but instead a charming high-school girl.
Review: This is the most honest and relatable romance story I’ve ever read. The story really speaks to me because it goes into so much detail about how I use media as a fan and an artist. The main friendship between Aizawa and Misumi is so cute and grows really well. I felt like the love growth process was going well at every turn. There was never a time when I thought things were getting dull or bad. The other characters are all very likable, and they get along great with each other. All of these things happen easily in just 20 or so chapters, which makes the story even more impressive. The story never got off track or lost its way. Instead, it kept getting better and better.
12. Our Teachers are Dating!
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2018, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Pikachi
Synopsis: Hayama-sensei and Terano-sensei, two women teaching at the same school, have recently started a new romantic journey together. Their coworkers and even their students are excitedly supporting them as they navigate their blossoming relationship with a touch of awkwardness!
This love story is absolutely heartwarming and one of the most delightful Yuri publications currently available. I can’t help but adore it.
Review: It’s a really cute and heartwarming love story and definitely one of my favorite wholesome Yuri manga being published at the moment.
13. The Two of Them Are Pretty Much Like This
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2018, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Ikeda Takashi
Synopsis: By the same creator as Whispered Words! Immerse yourself in this captivating slice-of-life yuri manga that follows the journey of two adult women in the creative industry as they navigate their romantic life together in their warm and inviting apartment.
Eri, who is thirty years old, works as a professional writer, while Wako, who is twenty years old, is focused on building her portfolio as a voice actor. Living and working together, these two women have created a beautiful life for themselves as roommates and partners. Join the delightful journey of this adorable couple as they navigate the ups and downs of life, bringing laughter, challenges, and happiness along the way.
Review: It’s a bummer that it’s over, but the way it wrapped up on that last page was just perfect for those two. Anyway, it was a pretty chill adult Yuri that I really liked.
14. Anemone is in Heat
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2020, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Sakuragi Ren
Synopsis: After her disappointing performance on the high school entrance exams, Nagisa Ootsuki decided to completely transform herself.
During her first day at her new high school, she unexpectedly crosses paths with the girl who was responsible for her failure! How can Nagisa effectively navigate through these complex emotions?
In English, the title is “Anemone is in Heat,” while in Japanese it is translated as “The Girl Doesn’t Know Her Heart.” This is quite fitting, as the manga revolves around the characters’ journey of self-discovery and understanding their true emotions.
The author discusses the symbolism behind the changing color of the anemone flower on each cover of the series, from white to red, as the story unfolds. This change signifies the deepening bond between Nagisa and Mashiro as they discover their love for each other.
The anemone flower beautifully captures the essence of the characters, as it transforms into a vibrant red, symbolizing the deepening of their emotions for one another.
Review: This manga is so adorable! It gives me such a warm and fuzzy feeling.
15. Asumi-chan is Interested in Lesbian Brothels!
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2020, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Itsuki Kuro
Synopsis: Asumi, a charming yet introverted college student, has harbored a childhood infatuation with her long-time friend Mai. She can’t help but cringe when she thinks back to their first kiss, which was an absolute disaster.
Upon learning that Mai may be employed at a nearby brothel, Asumi views this as an opportunity for redemption. It’s worth noting that the girls on the brothel’s website go by different names.
Inspired by a seasoned companion, Asumi embarks on a personal exploration of her sexuality, delving into new fetishes and seeking self-acceptance. Along her journey, she gradually seduces the women of the brothel, driven by her desire to find Mai.
Is it possible that Mai is also on the lookout for her? And once Asumi and Mai are finally back together, will Asumi become more confident and well-informed?
Review: I really enjoyed the fact that it was more toned down, and not as intense. Plus, since I hadn’t read any Yuri before, seeing two women getting intimate was quite an experience. Honestly, I mostly watch ecchi and prefer stories with a single female character. Reading or watching regular hentai manga, manhua, or anime can be a bit uncomfortable for me because I’m more interested in attractive female characters and their features, rather than focusing on male anatomy.
I’m a guy and I have to say, it’s pretty gross and a major turn-off for me. Sometimes, those “female features” can be a bit overwhelming, you know? I could go on and on about this, but let me just say that the storyline of this awesome manga actually makes more sense than your typical hentai. So, when it comes to porn that I can enjoy, Yuri seems to be a much better option than regular hentai. Even if it’s not, I honestly don’t care. I just want a good Yuri manga, manhua, or anime. It’s got some good porn, but what’s even better is that it’s got a good story too. Not the best story, but the porn was pretty good. Sure, I’ll grab it.
16. I Can’t Say No to the Lonely Girl
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2019, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Kashikaze
Synopsis: Ayaka Sakurai is an exceptional student, but she experiences nervousness during exams, which led her to attend a high school that wasn’t her initial preference.
Her teacher presented her with an interesting proposition: a chance to secure a recommendation letter for her dream school.
The catch? She had to find a way to convince the defiant Sora Honda to return to class. When Ayaka arrived at Sora’s place, Sora was unexpectedly enthusiastic about going back to schoolβunder one condition…
Review: A yuri that didn’t go on and on with unnecessary drama, didn’t get abruptly canceled, and didn’t just abruptly end as soon as the characters got together. It was way better than we could’ve hoped for, honestly. I gotta say, this yuri I found was refreshingly straightforward. None of that unnecessary drama dragged on forever, no sudden cancellation, and it didn’t just abruptly end right after they finally got together. It was a nice change of pace, I tell ya. Man, it was way better than we could’ve even hoped for. It’s a bummer that it’s over, but at least it ended on a high note. Adorable characters, cute artwork, warm and fuzzy feelings. It was a great read, really enjoyable.
17. She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2021, ONGOING
Story & Art By: Yuzaki Sakaomi
Synopsis: When it comes to unwinding, cooking is Nomoto’s preferred method. However, on this particular day, she finds herself preparing an excessive amount of food for just one person.
She decides to invite her neighbor Kasuga, who also happens to live alone. I wonder what surprising twists and turns await us with this impromptu dinner invitation…If you’re into manga, you should definitely check out the Japanese drama adaptation of the series βShe Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eatβ drama. It’s worth watching!
Review: So, I stumbled upon this manga a bunch of times while I was trying to find LGBTQ+ manga that wasn’t all about the naughty stuff. Aw, that thing is so darn adorable!
Check out this cool art by Sakaomi Yuzaki, the manga creator! She set up an online shop where all the money will go to support Gay Marriage For All Japan.
18. 2DK, G-pen, Alarm clock.
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Oosawa Yayoi
Synopsis: Two individuals, one a mangaka and the other a salary woman, begin to discover that their bond goes beyond mere friendship.
Review: I gotta say, I’ve been a fan of Ohsawa Yayoi’s work for a while now, and this one didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t perfect, to be honest. The middle part dragged a bit, especially with the initial Aoi and Mahiro arcs feeling oddly similar and happening one after the other. Aoi’s backstory arc, although intriguing, seemed somewhat disconnected from the overall story. I gotta say, I really liked how it all wrapped up in the end. And let me tell you, the chemistry between the main characters kept me entertained the whole time.
19. Happy Sugar Life
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Kagisora Tomiyaki
Synopsis: High-schooler Matsuzaka Satou has gained a reputation for her active dating life, but everything changes when she encounters a young child named Shio.
Satou believes she has finally found true love and is willing to go to great lengths to protect their life together. However, the origins of this young girl remain a mystery, and the longevity of their “Happy Sugar Life” is uncertain.
Review: It really sticks with me because it’s not a cut-and-dry situation, you know? It’s like this whole yin and yang thing, you know? Good and evil, they’re all mixed up together.
In a crime drama, you usually root for the kidnapper to be caught because that’s the clear villain, but there are other aspects to consider. For example, Shio’s family abandons her, Satou provides the love she craves, and Shio herself decides to stay with Satou instead of going back to her family.
Even if you know that what Satou is doing isn’t exactly healthy for Shio and that she’s a murderer and pedo, it’s tough to just label Satou as pure evil. You could say Shio has Stockholm syndrome, but honestly, going back to her own family isn’t much of an improvement for her. Man, it’s crazy how I’m actually cheering for the supposed bad guy in this story.
20. Still Sick
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2015, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Akashi
Synopsis: Shimizu Makoto, a successful R&D lead at an industrial firm, has a hidden talent that she pursues in her free timeβcreating and selling fanfiction centered around LGBTQ+ characters.
When Shimizu’s cheerful coworker Maekawa unexpectedly discovers her hidden community of like-minded girls, Shimizu is faced with some profound revelations… and must come to terms with Maekawa’s unique quirks!
Review: Man, I had a blast with this! The characters just click.
21. A Kiss and White Lily for Her
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2013, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Canno
Synopsis:
Discover the intertwined tales of different couples at the exclusive Seiran Academy for girls, as each volume delves into the lives of a new pair.
Join the captivating journey of Shiramine Ayaka, a model student whose world is turned upside down when she loses her coveted top spot to the effortlessly brilliant Kurosawa Yurine.
Little does she know, Ayaka’s life takes an unexpected twist when Yurine unexpectedly falls head over heels for her, much to Ayaka’s chagrin.
Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of Ayaka’s introverted cousin Mizuki and her unique partner Moe, who formed a deep connection through their shared passion for running.
Alternatively, you can get acquainted with Yukina and Towako, the enthusiastic members of the gardening club who enthusiastically convince Yurine to join their ranks, along with other intriguing characters.
Review: Bloom into You is like, all about that serious drama. It’s really focused on how the characters grow and deal with their emotional baggage. It’s all about overcoming those hang-ups. So, Kiss and White Lilly is all about growing up and moving on. It really hones in on the characters being on the verge of adulthood. Overall, they both kinda nail what you’re looking for, ya know? Bloom focuses on the whole emotional growth thing and moving on from past issues, while White Lily is more about growing up and figuring out who you really are.
22. Beauty and the Beast Girl
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2017, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Neji
Synopsis:
Immerse yourself in a heartwarming Yuri manga that tells the story of a lovable monster and the girl who captures her heart!
A lonesome creature, residing in isolation within the depths of the forest, envisions a life amidst humanity, despite her intimidating exterior. Her life takes a turn when she encounters a blind human girl who becomes captivated by the tales told by her enigmatic forest companion.
In the depths of their secret realm, the bond between the monster and the girl deepens, revealing the profound truth that true beauty is subjective.
Review: Anyway, though. This series was one of my absolute faves when it comes to ongoing Yuri series. And the one who first put me onto Neji’s stuff. Yeah, I’m really bummed to see it come to an end. It’s a bummer that they only managed to publish one volume of this. But that’s not really important. This series is definitely going to be one of my all-time favorites. It’s so heartwarming and touching, I can’t recommend it enough.
23. Fragtime
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2013, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Sato
Synopsis: If you had the power to freeze time, what would be your ultimate move?
As an observer, Moritani possesses a unique ability to pause time for three minutes every day, allowing her to discreetly study the people around her.
However, when she attempts to discreetly glance at class idol Murakami’s undergarments, she ends up in a difficult situation. Murakami is unaffected by her abilities and catches her in the act.
Review: The whole vibe of the writing is intentionally laid-back and obvious, but the emotions don’t seem to be fully developed and simmered over time to reach the core of the character’s inner thoughts. Maybe it’s because of the length, it would be nice to take it down a notch and pace it a bit slower.
Well, you’re wondering if the film is erotic, right? Yeah, it is. This film is all about the raw and unfiltered connection between these characters. It’s not just some sanitized version of Yuri, but a genuine exploration of their deep bond. The use of pornography adds an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the story, making it a standout feature.
24. Citrus
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2012, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Saburouta
Synopsis: Yuzuko Aihara, a high school girl with a passion for fashion, friends, and having a good time, is about to face a harsh dose of reality.
Yuzu finds herself enrolled in a new, all-girls school that has a reputation for being extremely strict, all because of her mom’s remarriage. She is about to embark on a journey of true learning.
Yuzu’s first day doesn’t go quite as planned as she manages to rub some people the wrong way, particularly Mei, the strict and stunning student council president.
Imagine Yuzu’s surprise when she arrives home feeling down, only to discover that Mei is now her new step-sister and has moved in with her!
Surprisingly, Mei catches Yuzu off-guard and plants an unexpected kiss on her. I wonder what the significance of it all could be.
The author delves into the emotional aspects with intricate descriptions, yet the overall narrative lacks polish. Apparently, this story started off as a short piece, but it gained such immense popularity that it ended up being expanded into ten volumes.
This episode is without a doubt the hottest yuri manga of 2012.
Review: What did you do?! Citrus is seriously like the most addictive thing ever! Now, I gotta tell you, once you start reading it, you won’t be able to put it down. And let me warn you, once you dive into Citrus+, you’ll be hooked and eagerly counting down the days till the next chapter drops…
25. Hana Ni Arashi
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2017, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Kobachi Ruka
Synopsis: In Hana ni Arashi, we were introduced to Nanoha and Chidori, a pair of high school students who are hiding a secret from their friends – they are in a relationship with each other.
As the story unfolds, the characters guard a hidden truth while their friends engage in conversations about their aspirations, relationships, and personal desires.
They generously share umbrellas during rainy days, and Chidori provides comfort to Nanoha whenever thunderstorms unsettle her. And they express their emotions to one another.
Review: I dig this series because the main characters’ personalities are fleshed out a bit more than your typical Story A leads. They come across as genuine individuals, not just clichΓ©s. Props for starting the story with the couple instead of ending it there or when they have their first smooch. The story is dragging on at a snail’s pace. It’s just so slow, it’s driving me nuts. This is way too slow. If you wanna see any real progress, you gotta hang in there until at least volume 4.
26. Octave
Our Rating: πππ
Publication: 2008, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Akiyama Haru
Synopsis: From a young age, I’ve always been fascinated by the glamorous world. I aspired to be one of those captivating stars. And indeed, I turned that dream into a reality.
But now… all I yearn for is to be cherished by someone. When Yukino Miyashita was young, she had a strong aspiration to become an idol. She accomplished her dream, but unfortunately, the idol group she belonged to didn’t achieve great success.
As a result, she had to return to school, feeling disconnected from her classmates. At the age of 18, Yukino finds herself living independently in Tokyo, attempting to embark on a new career as a talent manager.
However, she still struggles to completely let go of her past as an idol. She encounters Setsuko, a songwriter who was once part of an unsuccessful idol group. Meeting Setsuko sparks a romance that causes Yukino to reflect on her own life.
Review: Octave is hands down the best Yuri manga I’ve ever come across. The characters in this book have a lot of depth and there’s some solid development between the main characters.
27. Girl Friends
Our Rating: ππππ
Publication: 2006, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Morinaga Milk
Synopsis: Mari is an introverted, studious girl who currently doesn’t have a romantic partner or close companions. One day, seemingly out of the blue, Akikoβa girl known for her impeccable fashion sense and outgoing personalityβinitiates a conversation with her!
As time goes by, the two grow closer and closer, with Akiko frequently mentioning how their friendship blossomed effortlessly.
Mari is thoroughly enjoying her time with Akiko and her group, slowly gaining confidence and becoming more sociable, even though she still feels a little shy and awkward.
However, Mari is aware that she doesn’t want their relationship to stay platonic indefinitely.
Review: So, if you’re done with this awesome Yuri manga, then the next ones you gotta check out are Kase-San and Bloom into You. Trust me, they’re the top two Yuri manga out there right now.
28. Kase-San
Our Rating: πππππ
Publication: 2010, COMPLETED
Story & Art By: Takashima Hiromi
Synopsis: Yamada takes care of the school’s flower garden all by herself, like a dedicated gardener. She lacks any athletic ability and is rather clumsy.
Despite the circumstances, she can’t help but develop strong emotions for Kase-san, the star athlete in the neighboring class.
Yamada, who tends to be more reserved, is hesitant to express her emotions towards the exuberant Kase-san.
Gradually, the two are supporting one another in building their self-assurance and nurturing their developing bond, cherishing every blush and gentle touch along the way.
Review: There’s this manga I’ve been reading called Yamada to Kase-san. This book is a solid read. It’s all about their lives in college. If you just brush off all that unnecessary drama, this story is still pretty awesome.
The original series was so darn cute and pure, and I just adored the characters. I just can’t get enough of Yuri stories featuring adorable lesbian couples going about their everyday lives and being all lovey-dovey!
Yuri manga has been around for over 30 years, shedding light on the harsh realities that women of this era often face.
It’s interesting to note that many works centered around “lesbian sex” tend to have tragic endings. It would be great to see Yuri manga follow the same trend as BL manga or dramas and deliver higher-quality works in the future. Reading Yuri manga has also evolved as a modern solution to fill the emotional emptiness when we view GL movies or dramas. Moreover, there are numerous captivating Japanese Yuri manga that have been transformed into Japanese GL movies and Japanese GL dramas, which are definitely worth our attention and can provide us with great enjoyment.
