Shojo animeis made with the ladies in mind, pulling directly at the heartstrings with all the dramatic elements, kawaii factors, and intense character developments. While the shonen lineup had a better run in 2022 with countless contributions to the industry, the girly side of anime has opted against “more is better,” preferring to create waves with a smaller selection of sensational content instead.
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There are also numerous romantic comedies available for female viewers in 2022, such asRent-A-Girlfriend,More Than a Married Couple, But Not Lovers,Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out, and more. However, these showstoppers emphasize their male leads and miss the mark in terms of Shojo qualifications, and therefore won’t be featured here.
7Magic Girl Cooking Mastery: Delicious Party Pretty Cure
CooKingdom’s treasured Recipe-Bon book has gone missing, and the livelihoods of the adorable Recipeippis (and everyone’s tastebuds) are in grave danger, in every realm! The Phantom Bonduro Gang are rounding up all the straggling Fairies and tainting their goodness, subsequently destroying the corresponding food’s flavor in the process.
It is up to three unsuspecting girls to save the day and reinstate the “food brings smiles” mantra, with the help of the lovable Marie, his cuddly companions, and their Pretty Cure powers.The Magic Girl transformationsare more entertaining than most typical scenarios, and efficiently provide the expected cuteness overload and sensational style, too.
6Highlighting History: Raven Of The Inner Palace
AlthoughRaven of the Inner Palacehas cut a niche into the Historical Fantasy Mystery Supernatural genre, the overall plot portrayssome significant shojo elements,emphasizing the beauty and drama involved in a Chinese-inspired Consort’s life. Unlike most others in her position, Liu Shouxue is not expected to perform the usual sensual duties for her Emporer, as this sorceress' skills are much more useful elsewhere.
Shouxue (or Ryuu Jusetsu in Japanese) has lived a rather sheltered life; however, she is lured into the big, bright world by Xia Gaojun and his irresistible red bean and lotus seed buns. With the spiritual forces harassing his people, Gaojun can use all the help he can get, regardless of how feisty Shouxue may be.
5Outstanding Otome: I’m A Villainess So I’m Taming The Final Boss
Being reincarnated is surely a disorientating sensation that muddles the senses; however, for Aileen Dautriche, the experience intensifies when she fails toland the Otome heroine role.After getting publically dumped by her royal fiance and swiftly replaced by another paramour, the blonde bombshell dusts herself off and sets her sights on a more lucrative arrangement; with her ex’s brother.
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Now that the Villainess has a more fitting suitor in the Demon King, she can continue her quest to conquer the world, although Claude’s charm is more distracting than she anticipated and the lines of their business relationship begin to get blurred. Will Aileen manage to avoid her pre-destined death, or will all her efforts be for naught in the end?
4Classic Comedy: Komi Can’t Communicate (Season 2)
Komi is back and (not quite) ready for action, as her social anxiety is still a predominant and crippling issue; however, thanks to Hitohito Tadano’s efforts, her communication techniques have improved significantly. While Komi continues to work towards her goal of making one hundred friends, Tadano is adding a few new members to his own peer group,resulting in some entertaining bromance developments(and a jealous Komi too, how cute).
The constant close proximity between the pair has put their friendship to the test, as the romantic component of their relationship is becoming impossible to ignore; however, are either brave enough to make the first move?
3Subverting Stereotypes: Romantic Killer
As most components of the Shojo genre suggests, girls are supposed to focus on cultivating their love lives, not their video game wins, and choose real-life hunks over digital ones. Anzu Hoshino couldn’t disagree more; however, considering Japan’s rapid birth-rate decline, this redhead’s romantic adventures may be the key to saving the country.
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Anzu is deprived of all her favorite vices and transported to an alternate Otome-inspired world by an intrusive Wizard, where she does her best to avoid the drop-dead gorgeous thirsty traps set for her around every corner. Despite her best efforts, Anzu eventually getssurrounded by a handsome harem, all hilariously competing for her (unreciprocated) attention.
2Breaking Boundaries: My Dress-Up Darling
This high school romance is unlike any seen before, as the fresh mash-up of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary Otaku cosplay results in jaw-dropping imagery and a sensational storyline. Both Marin Kitagawa and Wakana Gojorefuse to conform to gender stereotypes,choosing to pursue their passions regardless of societal expectations and, once their paths become intermingled, the pair are inseparable.
The sewing-savvy Gojo tries to maintain firm boundaries while assisting the flirtatious Marin with her cosplay ensembles, which gets harder by the day as the sexual tension intensifies (and the outfits become more risque!). The strong ecchi element does not overpower the plot or character developments according to most fans, who deem Marin and Gojo as the “It-Couple” of Winter 2022.
1Past, Present, And Future: Fruits Basket Prelude (Movie)
This fan-favorite series ended its final chapter with Season 3 in 2021 and gifted fans with a movie the next year to tie off some loose ends. The tale of Toru’s parents (who never featured in the original series due to their untimely demise) eloquently fills in the gaps for die-hardFruits Basketfans who love a good backstory but does not affect the overall cannon of the supernatural-romance storyline.
Toru and Kyo also get some well-deserved screentime, set after the events of the final episode, “You Fought Well,” giving some sensational sneak peeks into how their relationship has progressed so far. The perfectFruits Basketquick-fix to cure those Sohma cravings, or a great starting point for those interested in the series but unsure if it’s worth the investment.
Season 2 ofMy Dress-Up Darlingis expected to join theCrunchyrollFall 2023 lineup.
