Maddies Manga

Today I want to explain exactly what a “shoujo” manga is! For those of us already rather immersed in the manga community this may be common knowledge. However, for those of us who are new to reading manga, I want to explain just what it is!

Categorizing manga

When it comes to manga, they tend to be more or less categorized into four different groups: shoujo, shonen, josei, and seinen. Each of these groups targets a certain demographic, and then within each group, manga are categorized even further. Let me briefly explain each of these four groups:

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Shonen manga

“Shonen” literally translates to “young man” and so it’s hopefully obvious who this grouping of manga is targeted towards! Shonen manga is probably one of the most popular types of manga.

The most common readers of shonen manga are listed as:

• boys from elementary to high school
• boys and girls in their teens
• men from 20 ~ 34

Common genres found in shonen manga include:

• action
• coming-of-age
• sports

Some currently popular shonen manga include:

• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Blue Lock
• Dan Da Dan

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Shoujo Manga

“Shoujo” translates to “young girl”, so again, you can guess who this type of manga is targeted towards! Shoujo manga is one of the most popular manga amongst young women.

The most common readers of shoujo manga are listed as:

• girls in elementary, middle, and high school
• women in their 20s and 30s

…notice how men aren’t included in this list, while women were included in the above list?

Common genres found in shoujo manga include:

• drama
• romance
• fantasy

Some currently popular shoujo manga include:

• A Sign of Affection
• Honey Lemon Soda
• Megane, Tokidoki Yankee-kun

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Seinen Manga

“Seinen”, or “adult man” manga, is the type that I read by far the least. These manga tend to have a darker, deeper plot than those of the other 3 categories! Because they are tailored to adults, they can get away with having more mature themes.

The most common readers of seinen manga are listed as:

• men in their 20’s – 50’s
• office workers

Common genres found in seinen manga include:

• action
• drama
• dark fantasy

Some currently popular seinen manga include:

• Vinland Saga
• Vagabond
• Oyasumi Punpun

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Josei manga

The last of the four categories is for “josei”, or, “adult women”! I don’t tend to read all that many josei manga, but there are definitely a few that I really love! Compared to shoujo, josei manga tend to follow more realistic stories.

The most common readers of josei manga are listed as:

• 18 ~ 40 year old women
• women in the workforce

Common genres found in josei manga include:

• drama
• romance

Some currently popular josei manga include:

• Nana
• Wotakoi
• Princess Jellyfish

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When it comes to demographics…

When I say a demographic, I mean the targeted audience of something! For example, the target demographic for Barbie dolls is probably young girls aged 3-13. That just means that they were created with these young girls in mind, not that only young girls of this age can use them. Many boys also enjoy playing with Barbies, and older women may too – that’s perfectly okay! A demographic isn’t a set rule for who is allowed to enjoy something. It’s just who was in mind when something was being created/tailored.

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So, why do I love shoujo manga so much?

The main reason I talk about shoujo manga so much is because I believe it deserves more love as a whole!

When it comes to reading manga outside of ones own demographic, shonen (young boy) manga are by far the most popular. To the degree that a popular manga magazine, Shonen Jump, puts out a poll to see who their manga are most popular with. A number of manga are actually more popular with young women than with their intended audience of young men (Haikyuu, Gintama, and One Piece to name a few)!

On the contrary, I haven’t been able to find any statistics of young men commonly reading shoujo manga! I’ve heard quite a few stories of men, and even women being made fun of for enjoying this category of manga, as it’s seen as childish. I find that terrible! I don’t think anyone should be made fun of for enjoying a story, especially just because it’s “girly”.

I want to promote shoujo manga as something more than just “girly” or “childish” stories, but as stories with value that anyone can enjoy. Just like with the other three categories, there are just too many different types of manga to be found that it’s (in my opinion) impossible to be able to claim you hate everything from one single category.

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Do you read shoujo manga?

Do you have a favourite shoujo manga that you’re currently reading? Let me know! 🙂