Japanese manga often features LGBTQ topics. However, there’s a wide range of genres within LGBTQ, so readers may struggle to find the titles they want to read. Readers often confuse lesbian manga with yuri manga and vice versa.
Here, we’ll explain the difference between the two and mention some of the titles you must read.
The difference between lesbian and yuri manga
Before discussing the differences between the two genres, let’s first define manga. Manga represents graphic novels originating from Japan. Although manga are originally written in Japanese, you can find translations in many languages, including English, Spanish, French, Dutch, etc.
If you want to start reading LGBT and LGBTQ manga featuring same-sex relationships between women, you may be surprised to learn there are lesbian and yuri manga.
Let’s start with lesbian manga, as it may be easier to define. Lesbian manga describes homosexual relationships between women. In these manga, we notice clear lesbian identity labels. Many lesbian manga contain the word “lesbian” in the title.
Yuri manga could be defined as a sub-type of lesbian manga. These novels depict an intense emotional connection, physical desire, or romantic love between women. In this case, there’s no confinement in terms of gender or age of the audience. It’s all about the reader’s perception.
According to Erica Friedman, the founder of the Okazu Yuri website, manga belonging to the yuri genre feature lesbian content and subtext without the actual lesbian identity. This makes the genre somewhat abstract, allowing readers to interpret the content as they please. The genre often features transgender characters, adult women, schoolgirls, etc.
Many popular lesbian (shojo-ai) and yuri manga have been turned into anime series. Manga artists (mangaka) tackle numerous interesting topics, including love stories or relationships between childhood friends or best friends.
The opposite of lesbian and yuri manga is shounen-ai (boys’ love) manga, i.e., manga featuring a romance or sexual relationship between males. Gay men are also a common topic in many manga and short stories.
You can find numerous manga focusing on lesbian and yuri stories in Comic Yuri Hime, a popular manga magazine.
Lesbian and yuri manga must-reads
Here’s a list of lesbian and yuri manga recommendations:
‘Bloom Into You’ by Nakatani Nio
This manga series follows two main characters: Yuu Koito and Touko Nanami. Yuu is a shoujo manga fan and can’t wait for someone to confess their love for her. When a high school classmate does it, she feels nothing. After seeing a beautiful student council president named Nanami turn down a suitor, she can’t help but ask for advice. Little does she know Nanami will be the next one to confess her love.
‘Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana)’ by Takako Shimura
This manga focuses on Fumi Manjome, a lesbian high school student, and Akira Okudaira, her childhood friend. The two friends were apart for a long time because Fumi and her family moved away after elementary school. Soon, they realize their relationship can’t be the same as it was years ago.
‘Citrus’ by Saburo Uta
When Aihara Yuzu’s mother remarries, she’s forced to transfer to a very strict all-girls school. On day one, Yuzu gains an enemy: the student council president named Mei. When she goes home, Yuzu is shocked to learn that Mei is her new step-sister. She’s even more shocked after Mei kisses her.
‘Girl Friends’ by Milk Morinaga
This manga follows the story of Mari Kumakura, a girl who, at first glance, has no noticeable qualities except her excellent grades. After a super-cute and popular girl named Akiko Oohashi notices her and wants to become her friend, Mari’s transformation begins. “Girl Friends” has been licensed in the U.S. by Seven Seas Entertainment.
‘Kase-san and Morning Glories’ by Hiromi Takashima
Yui Yamada is a shy high school student who doesn’t have a lot of friends. One day, she starts talking to Tomoka Kase, the popular track star. They begin their romance during the last year of school and try to deal with their relationship’s consequences.
‘After Hours’ by Yuhta Nishio
Emi Asahina is a young, unemployed girl with no idea what she wants to do in life. A friend invites her to a nightclub, and Emi accepts the invitation, not expecting much. After her friend ditches her to flirt with a boy, Emi starts talking to DJ Kei and feels a connection.
Find excellent LGBTQ titles with Speechify
If you want to explore LGBTQ audiobook titles, Speechify Audiobooks is a great option. This platform features a wide selection of titles from different genres, including LGBTQ.
The platform offers many options that make your user experience even better. You can choose the playback speed, jump forward, return to a section you’ve already listened to, etc. One of the best things about Speechify Audiobooks is its accessibility. This platform is available on Android and iOS devices. If you’re using multiple devices, you’ll be happy to know the platform syncs your progress automatically.
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FAQ
What’s the best lesbian manga?
“My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness” by Kabi Nagata, “I Married My Best Friend To Shut My Parents Up” by Kodama Naoko, “Our Dreams at Dusk” by Yuhki Kamatani, etc.
What are some good yuri mangas?
“Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon” by Naoko Takeuchi, “Revolutionary Girl Utena” by Chiho Saito, “The Rose of Versailles” by Riyoko Ikeda, “Sakura no Sono” by Akimi Yoshida, “Hanjuku Joshi” by Akiko Morishima, etc. Many of these mangas have been turned into yuri anime.
What is the difference between yuri and girls’ love?
Girls’ love is used to describe sexually explicit yuri.
