josei

Josei, in the context of Japanese publishing and media, refers to works aimed at adult women. The term comes from josei (女性), meaning woman. In manga and related media, josei works typically focus on the experiences, relationships, and everyday life of women in adulthood, and are distinguished from shōjo manga, which targets younger girls, and from seinen, aimed at adult men.

Content and themes in josei manga vary widely but commonly include romance, career, marriage and family, aging, and personal growth. The storytelling is often more grounded and character-driven than in shōjo, with realistic dialogue and situations. While many titles address mature topics such as sexuality and social pressures, the genre encompasses a broad range of tones, from drama and slice-of-life to literary and psychological realism.

History and publication: Josei as a distinct category began to take shape in the 1980s as publishers sought stories focused on adult women’s perspectives. It developed through magazines such as Feel Young (published by Shodensha), You (Shogakukan), and Cookie (Shogakukan) and expanded to other magazines and digital formats. The rise of online platforms and international translations has helped josei titles reach a global audience.

Notable works and authors: Ai Yazawa’s Nana and Paradise Kiss, and Moyoco Anno’s Happy Mania are widely cited examples illustrating the range from romance to contemporary life and career-focused stories. The genre continues to evolve, with new creators exploring diverse experiences of modern womanhood, and with adaptations into film, television, and online media.