The Explosive Resurgence of Shojo Anime: Why Fans Can't Afford to Miss Out

With the upcoming adaptations of beloved shojo series like Suu Morishita's A Sign of Affection and Netflix's continuation of Kimi ni Todoke, shojo anime is set to make a powerful comeback. This is thrilling news for fans of this often overlooked demographic, as well as for general anime enthusiasts seeking fresh and underrated series to indulge in.

While shonen fans are constantly spoiled for choice with anime adaptations, shojo titles have long been in need of some love. In fact, some of the most iconic manga series, including Sailor Moon, Fruit Basket, and Maid Sama, fall under the category of shojo. However, after experiencing a surge in popularity during the early 2000s, fewer shojo manga works were being adapted into anime series. There are undoubtedly multiple reasons behind this decline, but one particularly significant explanation is that shonen series like Kaguya-Sama: Love is War and Don't Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro have assimilated key shojo elements into their storylines, blurring the lines between the two genres.

Shojo's Current Success Will Lead to More Opportunities

The resurgence of interest in shojo anime and manga signifies a return to the heyday of this demographic. With more successful shojo shows, the opportunities for future series will naturally increase. Apart from the aforementioned upcoming titles, 2023 has witnessed the release of several currently popular shojo titles, such as My Happy Marriage, My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv.999, and Sugar Apple Fairy Tale. Ultimately, the revival of shojo is a triumph for both fans of this demographic and anime enthusiasts in general.

Furthermore, the abundance of diversity in the new shojo anime series indicates that the demographic has expanded beyond its traditional conventions. An example of this is Netflix Anime's Kimi ni Todoke. While one common shojo trope involves an awkward girl supporting an equally awkward guy as his psychological muse, Kimi ni Todoke reverses this dynamic. In this series, the main character, Sawako Kuronuma, provides emotional support to her boyfriend, Shota Kazehaya, but it is Shota who primarily supports Sawako. He even patiently waits for her return after she goes off to college.

The Future Of Shojo Anime

Shojo anime is experiencing a revival, indicating a more profound examination of the challenges faced by young women. Although shojo anime has traditionally been associated with romance and magical girl themes, recent additions to this genre have ventured into more diverse subjects, breaking free from stereotypical conventions. A prime example is Netflix's show, Kimi ni Todoke, which not only expands the range of shojo content but also introduces anime to communities that may have previously overlooked its merits.