Must-Read Manga for Women: Recommendations from Chainsaw Man Mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto

Chainsaw Man mangaka and creator Tatsuki Fujimoto is a strong advocate for women-centric manga in the contemporary industry. He is praised for his portrayal of women in his series, with high school girl Asa Mitaka being seen as the true protagonist of the second part of his series, rather than Denji.

Additionally, fans of Fujimoto are eager to know which women-centric manga he personally enjoys and would recommend to readers of his own series. Fortunately, Fujimoto has shared recommendations for seven such series in interviews and other formats.

Disclaimer: Some of the below series depict violent and extremely sensitive s*xual content. Reader's discretion and research is advised.

Chainsaw Man mangaka’s recommendations for women-centric manga series include Claymore, Yotsuba, and more

1) My Broken Mariko

The cover of the women-centric manga My Broken Mariko (Image via Kadokawa)

My Broken Mariko by Waka Hirako is a lesser-known, women-centric manga that tells the gripping story of Tomoyo Shiino. The series begins with Shiino discovering that her lifelong best friend, Mariko, has tragically taken her own life. Many fans describe the series as both painful and beautiful, as it fearlessly examines the harsh realities of life.

It's important to note that the series tackles some difficult subject matter, so it may not be suitable for everyone. However, readers who are comfortable with the content will find a moving and memorable story. Those who persevere through the series' intense and challenging moments will be rewarded with a satisfying conclusion at the end of the journey.

2) Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Alpha, the protagonist of the women-centric Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou manga, as seen in the series' official artwork (Image via Kodansha)

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou, by Hitoshi Ashinano, is a unique post-apocalyptic manga that offers a refreshing take on the genre. Set in a peaceful world that has recovered from a devastating event, the series explores the bittersweet reality of humanity slowly declining. At the center of the story is Alpha Hatsuseno, an android who operates a tranquil coffee shop on the serene coast of Japan’s Miura Peninsula. The episodic narrative offers a gentle and enjoyable slice-of-life experience, despite containing some sensitive content. Overall, it is a pleasant and easy read that stands out in its genre.

3) School Back

Fujimoto, the mangaka behind Chainsaw Man, has recently recommended the women-centric manga series School Back. This unique and youthful recommendation adds to the distinctiveness of Fujimoto's work. (Image via Shogakukan)

School Back is a new manga series written and illustrated by Kokoro Onodera, which is currently being published in Shogakukan's Sunday Webry magazine. The story follows Fushimi, a janitor at a high school who becomes a source of help for the students when they are in need.

The manga is focused on the daily life of Fushimi and delivers a message about the significance of seeking assistance from others when facing challenges. While the series touches on sensitive topics, it remains relatively mild based on the content released so far.

4) Claymore

The women-centric manga Claymore's recognizability and popularity stems from its associated anime adaptation (Image via Shueisha)

One of the most well-known manga series centered on women, Claymore is a dark fantasy manga created by Norihiro Yagi. The story follows Clare, a half-human, half-Yoma hybrid trained by The Organization to eliminate full Yoma, humanoid shape-shifters that prey on humans. These warriors, known as Claymores, are also called "Silver-eyed Witches" due to their silver eyes.

Typical of dark fantasy manga, the series presents a compelling fantasy narrative set in a kill-or-be-killed world. While the action, gore, and some themes may be intense, the series is lauded for its storytelling, earning praise from Chainsaw Man mangaka Fujimoto.

5) Yotsuba

The titular protagonist of the women-centric manga series Yotsuba as seen in the series' official artwork (Image via ASCII Media Works)

Yotsuba, created by Kiyohiko Azuma, is one of the most well-known women-centric manga series. Debuting in January 2003, the series continues to be serialized today. The story revolves around the energetic and quirky five-year-old protagonist, Yotsuba Koiwai, as she navigates through everyday life with her cheerful and curious nature. It has been described as iconic and charming, with Chainsaw Man mangaka Fujimoto recommending it as a wonderful experience. Fans praise it as a nostalgic and humorous slice-of-life series that is sure to bring laughter and childhood memories to anyone who picks it up.

6) Majo

The women-centric manga Majo is linked not by narratives but by themes (Image via Shogakukan)

Majo is a unique addition to this list as it is a women-centric manga series both written and illustrated by Daisuke Igarashi. In English, the series is known as Witches, featuring a collection of short stories all set in the same universe centered around witches. Instead of a continuous plot or narrative, the stories are thematically connected.

Often described as an anthology of dark and disturbing fairy tales, it is also highly recommended for fans of this narrative style. The series does contain graphic content, but for those who can handle it, it is definitely worth a read.

7) Nausicaa

The main character of the female-focused manga series Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is the titular princess, as depicted in the official artwork of the manga (Image via Tokuma Shoten)

Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, a popular manga series known for its focus on women, was the inspiration behind a highly praised Studio Ghibli film. The series, often referred to as Nausicaa, was written and illustrated by Miyazaki and ran from February 1982 to March 1994, centering around the adventures of the teenage princess from the title.

Set in a world devastated by environmental catastrophes, fans of the film will find familiarity with the setting of the manga. The beginning of the manga series was even adapted into the movie. Despite the presence of some sensitive material, the recommendation from the mangaka of Chainsaw Man is one that nearly everyone can appreciate.

Be sure to keep up with all anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to discover these women-centric manga recommendations from Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creative genius behind Chainsaw Man. Fujimoto's own works have captivated me with their strong and complex female characters, and I am eager to explore the diverse range of stories he suggests.

The themes of friendship, self-discovery, and resilience in these manga resonate deeply with me. I appreciate how these stories celebrate the strength and complexity of female characters, offering a refreshing perspective in a genre often dominated by male protagonists. The emotional depth and thought-provoking narratives of these manga align perfectly with my generation's desire for meaningful and relatable content.