Top 10 Best Josei Anime of All Time: A Detailed Review

The mature evolution of shoujo and josei anime is characterized by the subjects they explore and how they approach them. These anime delve into adult themes such as relationships, financial struggles, childcare, and personal growth over time.

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Romance, emotional depth, and the challenges of adulthood are central to many of these anime series. They strike a balance between idealism and realism, appealing to a wide audience beyond just older women. The top 10 best Josei anime of all time in this post offer complex characters dealing with profound issues for anyone looking for a rich viewing experience.

So, what are the best Josei anime? Let’s check out the list provided in the following section.

1/ Gokusen

It is often said that every child possesses potential, and stories in both films and anime depicting teachers striving to unlock their students’ potential are quite popular. Gokusen takes a unique approach to this familiar theme by featuring a teacher who happens to be the granddaughter of a Yakuza leader. The animation style may not be the most impressive, and the character designs could be considered somewhat generic, but this anime still manages to shine despite its visual shortcomings. One of the show’s strongest points is its main character, a woman who is equally skilled at taking down criminals and managing a classroom full of unruly teenagers.

2/ Kakuriyo: Bed And Breakfast For Spirits

Josei is well-acquainted with gripping drama and high-stakes situations, however, not every narrative needs to follow that path. Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits offers precisely what its title promises: a welcoming retreat for supernatural beings. Burdened by significant debt, Aoi decides to utilize her ability to see spirits by establishing a tranquil getaway tailored for them. As a human, she faces skepticism from her otherworldly guests, but a comforting bowl of ramen can easily mend any doubts.

Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits serves as a comforting escape in the realm of anime. The majority of episodes present supernatural slice-of-life tales devoid of tension, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the show’s inviting ambiance.

3/ Pet Shop of Horrors

While josei can be categorized and analyzed as a genre, it also embodies a distinct style, as evidenced by this particular anime. In contrast to other anime that may be good but lack originality, Petshop of Horrors stands out due to its clear horror elements. This tale of a mysterious Petshop delves into profound themes concerning human nature and the shadows that lurk within us all. Fans of josei should not overlook this series simply because of its dark undertones. Admittedly, the show is not for everyone, especially those averse to horror. However, those willing to give it a chance will discover a complex, intricate, and unsettling josei experience.

4/ Polar Bear Cafe

Anime should produce more workplace comedies, and if they happen to include anthropomorphic animals, then that’s a plus. Polar Bear’s Cafe revolves around the owner of a cafeteria, Shirokuma, and the diverse and lively customers that frequent its tables. This anime, created by Pierrot, is full of heartwarming moments and is a true slice of life, with no hint of cruelty. The characters are all quite endearing, especially the main trio of Shirokuma, Panda, and Penguin.

Polar Bear’s Cafe is a series that has the ability to bring a smile to the face of its viewers. The anime also boasts an impressive 50 episodes, which is much longer than the average slice of life or josei anime.

5/ Paradise Kiss

Paradise Kiss, is one of the top 10 best Josei anime of all time, delves into the world of the fashion industry through the eyes of Yukari, a student who becomes a model. While the initial setup of the main characters and relationships may be a bit shaky, the series picks up once the groundwork is laid. The characters, though slightly exaggerated, are grounded considering the environment they inhabit. The emotional weight of the show is carried by Yukari and George’s relationship, which takes an intriguing path.

6/ Kids On The Slope

Set in 1966, Kids on the Slope depicts the story of three students bonding over their love for music and experiencing teenage crushes. This anime portrays a classic coming-of-age narrative, which is executed well. The success of such shows depends on the depth of characters and the authenticity of their relationships, both of which Kids on the Slope excels in.

Helmed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the anime boasts impressive production values. The animation is visually appealing, and the soundtrack is on par with the director’s renowned works such as Cowboy Bebop.

7/ Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju delves into the theme of friendship within the context of rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art form that may be unfamiliar to many in the West. Rakugo involves a performer narrating and acting out a story while seated, showcasing a unique form of entertainment.

For those who may find the idea of watching a seated storyteller uninteresting, Shouwa Genroku Era Comic Storytelling challenges this perception. This anime sheds light on the richness of rakugo as a cultural gem that is often overlooked. Unlike other anime that merely touch on artistic themes, this series delves deeply into the intricacies of rakugo.

8/ Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru remains a beloved josei classic, maintaining its excellence since the English sub debut in 2013. The focus on the Japanese card game “karuta” adds an element of excitement comparable to popular shonen battles. Chihaya Ayase’s passion for the game is shared by those around her, creating a captivating dynamic. The animation style perfectly complements Chihaya’s character, and while the plot may be straightforward, the exceptional character development elevates the series to one of the top 10 best Josei anime of all time.

9/ My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead To Doom!

The majority of villainess isekai anime are typically adapted from light novels, with most of them also having manga versions. It is common for these adaptations to be featured in either shojo or josei magazines. For instance, Villainess Level 99 and The Most Heretical Last Boss Queen have josei manga adaptations, both of which are quite enjoyable. Those seeking an overpowered isekai story may find Villainess Level 99 to be a good choice, as it showcases one of the most formidable female leads in the genre.

“My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!” is widely recognized as one of the top 10 best Josei anime of all time and serves as a great introduction to this unique subgenre. The story follows Catarina, who is reincarnated as the villain of an otome game and must navigate her relationships to avoid a tragic fate. Filled with humor and a charming protagonist who relies on her cleverness to overcome challenges, “My Next Life as a Villainess” is a delightful watch, especially the first season.

10/ Mr. Osomatsu

This particular josei recommendation may seem a bit unconventional. Mr. Osomatsu is actually based on Fujio Akatsuka’s Osomatsu-kun manga, which is a shonen series centered around six identical brothers. The sequel first aired as an anime in 2015, followed by a manga adaptation in a josei magazine a year later. By 2018, the manga had transitioned to a shojo magazine called Cookie.

As a result, Mr. Osomatsu is an original anime sequel to a shonen classic, with adaptations in both josei and shojo genres. So, who is the target audience for this series? In all honesty, it caters to everyone and no one in particular. Mr. Osomatsu is a boldly exaggerated parody that transforms the seemingly “cute” sextuplets into chaotic monsters. The humor in the anime is somewhat reminiscent of Gintama, but with a generally darker and more hit-or-miss tone.