Manga Like Romance 101

At Shuchiin Academy, Miyuki Shirogane, a nationally renowned genius and student council president, shares the stage with Kaguya Shinomiya, the vice president who is both affluent and stunningly beautiful. Though they aren't in a relationship, students often view them as the ideal couple. Unbeknownst to most, their frequent interactions have sparked romantic feelings between them. Nevertheless, neither Miyuki nor Kaguya wishes to be the first to admit these feelings, as it would be perceived as a sign of vulnerability. Driven by their pride as top students, they engage in elaborate strategies aimed at making the other confess first, igniting a war of love and wits.

As a child, Raku Ichijou made a promise to a girl he met long ago that they would marry if they ever met again. Over time, he forgot her face, but still holds onto a locked pendant that only she can open with a key. He hopes to one day find her, even though he cannot recall her appearance. Now a first-year student at Bonyari High, Raku wants a peaceful school life and dreams of dating his crush, Kosaki Onodera. But as the son of a yakuza boss, his life is far from normal. When the American Bee Hive gang attacks his family's territory, a truce is forced between the two rival organizations. To maintain peace, Raku must pretend to be in a romantic relationship with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of the Bee Hive's leader. Despite their mutual dislike, they have to act like a loving couple to keep the gangs from clashing. Meanwhile, the search for the key to his pendant grows more complicated as other girls appear, each somehow connected to the lock. Raku must navigate his fake romance, preserve the fragile peace between the warring factions, and find out which girl holds the key to both his pendant and his heart.

In "Bakuman。", Moritaka Mashiro, a skilled middle school artist, feels uncertain about his future, expecting a dull life ahead. His outlook changes when Akito Takagi, an aspiring writer, finds one of Mashiro's drawings and suggests they team up to create a manga. Mashiro initially hesitates because his late uncle, a mangaka, died from overworking, but he is spurred on by his crush, Miho Azuki, who wants to become a seiyuu. Driven by a goal to craft a manga that could become an anime for Azuki to voice, Mashiro agrees. Azuki, who shares his feelings, promises to marry him once they both achieve their dreams. The story follows Mashiro and Takagi as they tackle the hurdles of getting their work published in Weekly Shounen Jump and striving to gain fame as mangakas. Their path balances between success and the risk of falling short like many other hopeful creators.

Fuutarou Uesugi is a top student who excels in his studies, but his dedication has left him without friends and struggling with his family's financial burdens. His isolated life changes when he encounters a new student, Itsuki Nakano, who challenges him over their usual lunch spot. After a minor clash where Fuutarou bests Itsuki with a remark about her eating habits, he learns that a wealthy family has hired him to tutor their underperforming daughters. To his surprise, the students are Itsuki and her four identical sisters: the reserved Miku, the energetic Yotsuba, the cunning Nino, and the composed Ichika. Fuutarou soon discovers that teaching these quintuplets is far more difficult than anticipated, as they show little interest in academics. He must now navigate the challenges of guiding five unique and beautiful young women through their studies.

The difficulties of adulthood and the harsh realities of office work often make people wish they could go back to their younger years and choose differently. This feeling leads 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki to consider an unusual offer. After returning home from his part-time job, Arata is contacted by Ryou Yoake, a representative from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents an experimental program designed to improve his job prospects. The ReLife project plans to change Arata's appearance to that of a 17-year-old, allowing him to experience high school again for one year. After this trial ends, he will receive a job offer, something he has had trouble getting since leaving his previous job. Despite his doubts, Arata agrees to the strange arrangement. But his adult way of thinking and his lack of recent school experience make handling everyday life in high school harder than he expected.

At Seika High School, a former all-boys school that recently became coeducational, Misaki Ayuzawa serves as the first female student council president. Earning the nickname "Demon President" for her Aikido skills and strict enforcement of rules, Misaki secretly works at a maid café to support her family financially. If this were discovered, it would destroy her reputation. Her secret is threatened when Takumi Usui, the most popular boy at school, finds out. The series Kaichou wa Maid-sama! follows their developing relationship and the discovery of each other's hidden sides. Also included is the one-shot "Toumei na Sekai" (Transparent World).

In "Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku," Narumi Momose, a petite and kawaii young woman deeply passionate about idols, video games, and anime and manga, particularly boys' love genres, finds herself labeled as a hidden otaku and fujoshi. After a breakup over her hobbies, Narumi quits her job and begins working at a new company. There, only a few colleagues know about her secret: Hirotaka Nifuji, a blunt gaming enthusiast and her childhood friend; Hanako Koyanagi, a mature and composed woman; and Tarou Kabakura, a handsome man with a fierce demeanor who frequently clashes with Hanako. Over drinks, Hirotaka encourages Narumi to find someone who can embrace her interests. Despite her reservations—given that otakus are often perceived as odd and their kindred spirits are usually fellow otakus—Narumi wonders if a relationship between two otakus might indeed be possible. As Narumi and Hirotaka embark on a romantic journey, the series offers a heartwarming exploration of balancing career, love, and personal passions.

After being dumped by his girlfriend, heartbroken college student Kazuya Kinoshita tries to fill the emptiness inside him by renting a girlfriend via a mobile app. Initially, Chizuru Mizuhara appears perfect—gorgeous, sweet, and caring. But after their first date, Kazuya reads mixed reviews on her profile and, still haunted by his ex, assumes Chizuru is just toying with men's emotions. He gives her a low rating. Furious at being disrespected by a client, Chizuru drops her act and shows her real personality: sharp-tongued and hot-tempered—the exact opposite of his first impression. Just then, Kazuya learns his grandmother has collapsed and is forced to bring Chizuru along to the hospital. Though it turns out to be nothing serious, his grandmother is overjoyed that Kazuya finally has a serious girlfriend—something she always hoped for. Unable to admit the truth, Kazuya and Chizuru are pushed into a fake relationship, pretending to be genuinely in love.

In the prestigious Ouran High School, a haven for the children of the wealthy and influential, the Host Club stands as the most popular club on campus. Inside their lavish clubroom, six charming, disinterested young men spend their time entertaining equally attractive, bored young women. Haruhi Fujioka, a scholarship student from a modest background, has no interest in the Host Club until she accidentally breaks an expensive vase in their room. Mistaken for a boy, Haruhi is forced by Kyouya Ootori to join the club to pay off her debt. Tamaki Suou, the club's flamboyant king, eagerly takes her under his wing to teach her the ways of hosting. However, life in the Host Club is never ordinary. Even routine events turn into over-the-top affairs thanks to the mischievous Hitachiin twins, Hikaru and Kaoru, the stoic Takashi Morinozuka, and the gentle Mitsukuni "Hunny" Haninozuka. As the Host Club embarks on a series of wild adventures, Haruhi must adapt to the dazzling, exaggerated world of the hosts. The final volume includes an extra chapter detailing their trip to Spain.

Tomo Aizawa and Junichirou "Jun" Kubota have an unbreakable bond, spending their days sparring and supporting each other through everything. However, Tomo has deep feelings for Jun that go beyond friendship. Since childhood, she has been mistaken for a boy because of her tomboyish nature, and her affection remains unrequited as Jun, focused entirely on his passion for combat training, fails to notice her romantic hints, including her direct confessions. Adding to the problem, Jun only recently realized Tomo was actually a girl. Will Tomo be able to show Jun she is more than just a close friend and escape the friend zone?

At Suzaku High, Ryuu Yamada is known as a troublemaker and delinquent. After getting a harsh scolding for his bad grades and behavior, he notices Urara Shiraishi, the top student in their year. As Shiraishi walks up the stairs, Yamada tries to provoke her but ends up tripping and pulling her down with him. When he wakes up in the infirmary, Yamada realizes he has swapped bodies with Shiraishi. Confronting her, he learns that their accidental kiss caused the swap. With this newfound power, Yamada's chaotic high school life is only beginning.

After losing her brother Souichirou, Teru Kurebayashi finds comfort in the messages she exchanges with Daisy through a cell phone he left behind. Though she has never met Daisy in person, she relies on the uplifting words from this unknown figure. At school, Teru is constantly tormented by the gruff janitor Tasuku Kurosaki, who forces her to work for him after she accidentally breaks a window. While Kurosaki appears to be a lazy troublemaker who enjoys causing her distress, his true nature may be more complex than it first seems. Additional one-shot: Volume 16: Hetakuso Cupid (The Hopeless Cupid)

In "My Little Monster," Shizuku Mizutani is a diligent student often called a "study bug," focusing mainly on her studies with the goal of following in her mother's professional footsteps. Her daily life changes when she agrees to bring class notes to Haru Yoshida, a delinquent who has been absent from school after a suspension for getting into a fight. Though he first seems rough, Haru unexpectedly connects with Shizuku, even openly telling her he likes her. As their relationship grows, Shizuku discovers a gentler side to Haru, showing a kind and sincere person underneath his tough exterior.

In the series "Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai," high school student Keima Katsuragi is known online as the "God of Conquest" for his unmatched success in dating simulation games. He finds real-life interactions with actual girls frustrating and inferior to his virtual experiences. One day during his break from cleaning duties, Keima encounters a peculiar challenge to win over a real girl. Curious, he accepts the offer, which unexpectedly summons Elucia "Elsie" de Lute Ima, a demon sent from hell to reclaim rogue spirits that have attached themselves to human females. Keima tries to escape, but Elsie tells him that breaking their newly established contract would result in his death. With no choice, Keima uses his gaming skills and knowledge of dating simulations to navigate the complex world of real relationships and capture the rogue spirits.

In "Last Game," Naoto Yanagi, the heir of the prestigious Yanagi family, was once celebrated for his outstanding physical prowess, intelligence, charm, and wealth. During his elementary school years, he enjoyed a life of luxury until the arrival of Mikoto Kujou, an apparently unremarkable and melancholic transfer student. Due to her humble background, Naoto initially ignored her. However, she soon surpassed him in every area, whether through top academic results or sports victories. A brief but impactful encounter with her left Naoto determined to defeat her at any cost. A decade later, they are now university students. Unable to overcome Mikoto during their secondary education, Naoto challenges her to a final contest: if he can win her affection and then break her heart, he will declare himself the winner. Unexpectedly, Naoto finds himself genuinely developing feelings for her instead. Included one-shots: Volume 1: Kimi to, Shiawase. (Happiness with You), Hidamari no Niwa (Garden of Sunlight) Volume 2: Wasureyuki (Forgotten Snow) Volume 4: Ninkoi

Following the destruction of Yi "Shioon" Shi-Woon's ki-center at the hands of Goomoonryong, which leaves him unable to practice martial arts, Shioon decides to leave the Murim world behind and focus on a normal life at school while spending time with his mother. However, the Murim world does not let him go so easily. Recognized as Goomoonryong's only true disciple and granted the Phoenix Medallion of the Sunwoo Clan by Lady Sosul, Shioon becomes the clan's provisional leader, drawing constant attention. New enemies continue to challenge him, especially the Soldiers Under Command, who aim to remove him in order to further their own plans. The key question remains: how can Shioon defend himself without his ki-center?

In the anime "Kamisama Kiss," high school student Nanami Momozono faces a string of hardships after her father runs off due to overwhelming gambling debts, resulting in her eviction by debt collectors. While pondering her bleak future, she encounters a man who has climbed a tree to escape a dog. After helping him, Nanami shares her troubles, and he offers her his residence, insisting she would make a better "Master" of the property than he. Accepting his proposal, she moves into what turns out to be a dilapidated shrine. Upon arriving, Nanami is stopped by a fox familiar named Tomoe and two shrine spirits, who initially mistake her for their previous master, Mikage, the shrine's land god. Once the misunderstanding is cleared, Tomoe leaves, refusing to serve Nanami. However, after a series of events that place Nanami in grave danger, she compels Tomoe to sign a contract, binding him to her service. As the new human land god, Nanami must now navigate her new responsibilities, face formidable foes, and deal with her enigmatic and fiery familiar.

In "Skip Beat!," 16-year-old Kyouko Mogami moves to Tokyo alongside her childhood friend and crush, Shoutarou "Shou" Fuwa, to help him achieve his goal of becoming a famous idol. When she discovers that Shou sees her only as a servant, Kyouko decides to enter the entertainment world herself and outdo him. Her path hits a snag when a talent agency rejects her application. However, the agency's president offers her another chance by placing her in the newly formed "Love Me" division. Kyouko then begins her determined quest for fame, honing her acting skills and building connections with new companions.

Nasa Yuzaki has endured endless mockery because of his unusual name but still hopes to make a meaningful difference in the world. He is an academic standout, topping national practice exams and on track to enroll at his dream high school. Yet everything shifts in an instant when he encounters a captivating young woman while walking home. Mesmerized by her beauty, Nasa falls in love at first sight. In his daze, he fails to notice an oncoming car until it nearly strikes him. The girl saves him, and Nasa blurts out his feelings, afraid she might disappear. She agrees to marry him, and he eagerly accepts, only to collapse shortly after. When he wakes up, she is gone. Abandoning his original ambitions, Nasa now dedicates himself to tracking down the woman who captured his heart, but his search yields nothing for years. Then one evening, an unexpected visitor at his door reintroduces him to the woman who would change his life forever: his wife.

In memory of his father's advice that a person should aim to be useful, third-year high school student Nariyuki Yuiga has dedicated himself to excelling academically, despite his previous struggles. His main objective is to secure a special VIP nomination, a distinguished scholarship that covers all university tuition fees, to provide a brighter future for his financially strained family. Although Nariyuki has a strong chance at winning the nomination, he finds himself consistently overshadowed by Rizu Ogata in math and Fumino Furuhashi in literature. Upon receiving the nomination, Nariyuki learns of its condition: he must tutor both Rizu and Fumino, who struggle with the very subjects they wish to pursue in their future careers. As university application deadlines approach, Nariyuki must devise a strategy to help his classmates improve in their weaker subjects before time expires.

In "Sankarea: Undying Love," Chihiro Furuya has an unusual fascination with the dead, especially female zombies. After his beloved cat Baabu dies accidentally, his obsession grows, and he begins experimenting with a potion meant to bring the dead back to life. Despite repeated failures, Chihiro nearly gives up on his goal to resurrect Baabu. Just before he abandons the effort, Chihiro meets Rea Sanka, a beautiful but deeply troubled girl, who inspires him to keep trying. By adding toxic hydrangea petals to his potion, Chihiro finally creates the elixir he has been seeking. Unbeknownst to him, Rea drinks the concoction, believing its poison will end her life. After a fatal accident, Rea dies, but the elixir works, bringing her back as a zombie. Freed from her oppressive past, Rea chooses to live with Chihiro, who now must use his knowledge of the undead to care for the teenage zombie girl.

In "Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun," Chiyo Sakura deals with the typical difficulty of confessing her feelings as a teenager. On her first day at Roman Academy, she is saved from being late by Umetaro Nozaki, which causes her to develop a crush on him. By their second year, Sakura finally gathers the courage to tell Nozaki how she feels in an empty classroom after school. However, Sakura is unaware that Nozaki is actually the famous shoujo manga artist Sakiko Yumeno, whose works are highly praised for their deep portrayal of female emotions, even though he himself has no personal experience with romance. Because of the gap between his art and real life, Nozaki misunderstands Sakura's confession as simply admiration from a fan and gives her an autograph. This series of misunderstandings eventually leads to Sakura becoming his manga assistant. The story continues as Sakura keeps trying to express her feelings to the oblivious Nozaki while helping him with his manga work. Along the way, she interacts with his unusual assistants, who also happen to be students at Roman Academy.

Smiling slyly, Nishikata devises a clever strategy to get back at Takagi for the constant teasing she directs at him from her seat beside him in class. However, right before he can put his plan into action, Takagi effortlessly neutralizes it with a single remark, leaving Nishikata bewildered. Once more, she has come out on top. From their first meeting in middle school, an unspoken rule governed their interactions: "the first to blush loses." Despite many attempts to make Takagi blush, Nishikata always ends up losing instead, enduring even more teasing. Will their relationship ever progress past this endless cycle of trying to outdo one another?

Junta Shiraishi longs for an exciting high school life, but his quiet demeanor makes him virtually invisible to those around him. His classmates often mistake his seat for empty and assume he is frequently absent from class. There is even a superstition among them that catching sight of Shiraishi brings good luck for the rest of the day. The only person who consistently notices his presence is Nagisa Kubo, the girl who sits next to him. However, Kubo takes pleasure in teasing him daily, putting him in awkward and stressful situations. As she continues to drag the reluctant Shiraishi into her playful antics, he might begin to realize that his youth is not as uneventful as he once thought. Also includes a one-shot: Volume 6: Kubo-san wa Mob wo Yurusanai (pilot).