While there are certainly critiques that can be applied to Japan and its treatment of various LGBTQ+ groups, stories inspired by their lives and struggles have always thrived in the creative medium. The history of these stories can be traced back to the 1920s wherein the work of novelist Yoshiya Nobuko's exploration of female same-sex relationships influenced the development of both shojo and yuri manga in the decades that followed. The genre would continue to grow to what it is today thanks to seminal works like “The Heart of Thomas” and “Claudine“. While titles like these were trailblazers and worthy of note, the growth of the industry in better understanding various relationships still continues.
While there are classics worthy of checking out, from the previously mentioned “The Heart of Thomas” and “Claudine” to Naoko Takeuchi's “Pretty Sailor Moon” favorable portrayal and acceptance of queer characters such as Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune, there is no shortage of titles to discover. So, in celebration of Pride 2023, we will take a look at both lesser-known and popular works (in no specific order) that cover a diverse range of LGBTQ+ subjects.
12. My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Kabi Nagata
Synopsis: “My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness offers readers an honest and heartfelt look at one young woman's exploration of her sexuality, mental well-being, and growing up in our modern age.”
With an upcoming hardcover/anniversary edition on the horizon, there is no better time to discover or rediscover “My Lesbian Experience with Romance”. This book made quite an impact on release, and deservedly so, thanks to the unabashed and honest portrayal of Nagata's own struggles with depression and finding her own sexuality. The follow-up books in the series are also noteworthy, but the original release is something special and certainly deserved a hardcover anniversary re-release.
11. Silkscreen (2021) by Isaki Uta
Synopsis: “A girl falls in love and devotes herself to them, but they don't conform to her expectations, perhaps because she looks at them through a blurry curtain.” Telling the story of highschool sweethearts turned strangers as their identities see them take different path, “Silkscreen” explores the complexities of love and loss.
The romantic and crisp visuals of Uta reflect a universal sense of beauty that can exist within everyone, regardless of gender or orientation. In addition, the work is wonderfully expressive in conveying emotions to evoke a cathartic reaction around the themes of love and loss. “Silkscreen” is a beautiful story backed by stunning visuals, a true treat for manga fans, even those not used to titles with an LGBTQ+ focus. Ultimately, the book captures beauty and tragedy with a universal appeal to create an unforgettable experience – don't miss out on this one!
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10. Assorted Entanglements by Mikanuji
Synopsis: “Discover a variety of stories about women's love, starting with Iori: twenty-eight-year-old office worker who sets out to drown her love and job sorrows in booze. When she wakes up next to someone, she can't believe her partner was Minami, a worker at the bar who doesn't want to forget what they have!”
“Assorted Entanglements” is a sharp and witty series that fills that ever-desired role of exploring mature relationships. Furthermore, Mikanuji does not shy away from complex subject material to give a layer of realism that conveys the potential complexities surrounding both relationships with previous baggage and the societal problems lesbian couples face in Japan. Ultimately, readers will come away with respect for the mangaka's ability to navigate the complexities of adulthood romance–a worthwhile pickup for readers looking for just that.
9. Dick Fight Island by Reibun Ike
Synopsis: “The tournament to choose the next king of the islands is about to begin. The rules are simple—whoever comes first loses! Participating warriors protect their mighty swords with armor that grows larger and more elaborate with each tournament. But one warrior has returned from studying abroad with a technique certain to force a pleasurable eruption!”
Many manga fans will be familiar with this title due to it going viral and topping the sales charts on Amazon. That aside, “Dick Fight Island” is a well-constructed mature manga series that will certainly tickle the fancy of many looking for something a bit silly, a bit romantic, and packed with a whole lot of cock.
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8. Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare by Yuhki Kamatani
Synopsis: “Not only is high schooler Tasuku Kaname the new kid in town, he is also terrified that he has been outed as gay. Just as he's contemplating doing the unthinkable, Tasuku meets a mysterious woman who leads him to a group of people dealing with problems not so different from his own.”
“Our Dreams at Dusk” is a prime example of the prowess of manga in dealing with diverse subject matters in a way that speaks to a broad audience by focusing on every person's heartfelt desire to just feel like they belong. A deep and moving read that navigates the emotions of its character with a considered elegance–highlighted by a sharp visual direction.
7. Yuri Espoir by Mai Naoi
Synopsis: After finding out she's to be forced into a marriage of convenience as soon as she graduates high school, Kokoro sees her life ending before her eyes at her father's wishes. And so, in her final year of high school, she decides to indulge in her love of other women — and create an incredible sketchbook of lesbian romance to leave behind as her legacy.
Yuri Espoir offers brief glances into the lives of various women and their love lives. The book works as a sort of anthology, weaving both fantasy and the reality of several different women together, around Kokoro's own life. The series is ideal for a quick dose of sincere love stories revolving around lesbian couples.
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