Romance (1792)

Falling in love and struggling to progress towards—or maintain—a romantic relationship take priority, while other subplots either take backseat or are designed to develop the main love story. The narrative focuses on the thoughts and emotions of the characters, illustrating the connections between them and explaining their reactions to events or conflict. Almost always, the story ends happily and the couple is rewarded for their efforts with lasting love. Romance stories require significant romantic development leading to some kind of conclusion: either to begin the relationship, continue it, or end it. Open-ended romantic endings are only acceptable when the work is an incomplete adaptation of a Romance source. "Teasing" stories which do not narrate significant romantic development but have a conclusion should be tagged Romantic Subplot. A story can be simply Romance. Since they are plot-driven stories showing humans experiencing romantic struggle, most Romance has some Drama inherently. For both tags, the drama should be focused not only on the relationship but also on the side storylines; for example, one character overcoming the death of a loved one or a drug addiction. Comedy requires Romance narratives to be focused on eliciting laughter, not only using comedy for lightheartedness. Slice of Life and Romance are incompatible by definition.

Kobato.
Kobato.
CLAMP 2024
In a certain city in Japan, one's naive heart faintly shimmers above the rest—a seemingly odd and naive brunette named Kobato Hanato. Despite appearing to wander around, the pure-hearted girl aspires to fulfill one precious wish: to reach a particular place. But for it to be granted, she must learn how to heal the wounded hearts of the people and collect them in a magic bottle.

However, the world can be confusing for such an innocent girl. Her companion Ioryogi can be quite rough in teaching her common sense, especially for a talking blue dog plushie! Luckily for Kobato, a certain quaint place with a troubled history seems to be—and may be looking for—a glimmer of hope.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Dec 18, 2004 to Jul 8, 2011 | 40 chp | Publishing
Adventure Fantasy Romance

Archlord
Archlord
Park, Jin-Hwan 2024
The great warrior Leon Manas, son of the legendary Nathan Manas, now carries the powerful sword Brumhart. Though this blade is coveted by many, only the heirs to the House of Manas can wield it. But that doesn’t stop the sinister from trying. Ernan, once trusted knight of the House of Manas, murders his commander, robs him Brumhart and orders the death of Leon’s only son, Zian. But the men sent to perform this infanticide come up against a mysterious figure in a dark cloak who defeats them only to disappear with child into the thick of the Tass Forest. Sixteen years later, Ernan has become a feared tyrant, but still has not been able to unsheathe Brumhart. Thus begins the tale of this desperate king and the young boy who would be one.

(Source: Tokyopop)
Sep 30, 2005 to 2008 | 46 chp | Publishing
Action Adventure Fantasy Romance

Rekka no HonooFlame of Recca
Rekka no HonooFlame of Recca
Anzai, Nobuyuki 2024
Often considered untrustworthy, Japanese ninja were in fact unwaveringly loyal to their masters. But in modern-day Japan, high school student and self-proclaimed ninja Rekka Hanabishi finds it difficult to carry on their legacy, that is, until he saves a cute girl named Yanagi Sakoshita from a group of delinquents.

In the aftermath of the event, Rekka deems Yanagi worthy of being his master, swearing to protect her. As a sign of their trust, the two reveal their most valuable secrets to each other: Yanagi can quickly heal wounds, while Rekka can create fire with just a snap of his fingers. However, their dazzling exchange does not go unnoticed as a mysterious woman called Kage Houshi appears. She somehow knows about their powers and threatens them, claiming Rekka must be returned, for he is the only one who can kill her.

The pair hold their ground, but before things can escalate any further, Kage Houshi calmly leaves. Thinking the crisis is over, Rekka and Yanagi continue their daily lives, unaware that they are about to be dragged into a centuries-long ninja conspiracy with the lives of their friends and their own on the line.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Mar 22, 1995 to Oct 30, 2002 | 330 chp | Publishing
Action Adventure Comedy Fantasy Romance

Beck (BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad)
Beck (BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad)
Sakuishi, Harold 2024
Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka wasted away his middle school days listening to Japanese pop music and apathetically trudging through life—until a casual run-in with the enigmatic guitarist Ryuusuke "Ray" Minami. Through this encounter, Koyuki realizes what he has been missing all this time as Ray introduces him to western rock music and jumpstarts his desire to play guitar.

Although various struggles plague his path to rock fame, Koyuki refuses to abandon the passion that gave his life purpose, balancing it together with school, work, and friends. Beck tells the story of the love and trial that accompanies pursuing a professional career in music as Koyuki and Ray work toward realizing the guitarist's dream of the ultimate band.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Feb 17, 2000 to Jun 5, 2008 | 103 chp | Publishing
Award Winning Comedy Drama Romance Slice of Life

Bird Kiss
Bird Kiss
Park, Eun Ah 2024
Remember the story of the Frog Prince? A little girl kisses a frog to get back her ball, and ends up with a frog for a husband! Only after she’s completely ignored and abused him does she realize the frog has changed into a handsome prince! Miyoul is a feisty high schooler whose only thoughts are of the hottest boy in school, Guelin. But her childhood friend, Heerack, who acts as her personal lackey, is deeply in love with her. Will Miyoul be able to see which is the frog and which is her true prince? (Source: Tokyopop)
2002 to ? | 30 chp | Publishing
Comedy Romance

Boys Be...
Boys Be...
Tamakoshi, HiroyukiItabashi, M 2024
An anthology of stories about ordinary high school guys and their relationships...or lack thereof. Boys Be... takes a look at the trials of love and loss from a refreshing point of view and often adds interesting insight into what a relationship is like from an average guys point of view!

(Source: Tokyopop)
Jul 24, 1991 to Oct 30, 1996 | 255 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance

Imadoki!Nowadays
Imadoki!Nowadays
Watase, Yuu 2024
For Tanpopo Yamazaki, life at the elitist Meio Academy seems way out of her league. The daughters of wealthy families snub her, other students make light of the fact that she actually tested into Meio instead of relying on family connections, and the cute boy she saw tending a dandelion the day before wouldn't even acknowledge her existence. Hoping to make friends and have some fun, Tanpopo starts up a gardening committee, but will this help her survive in a school where superficiality and nepotism reign supreme?
(Source: Viz)
May 2000 to Jul 2001 | 26 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance

School Rumble
School Rumble
Kobayashi, Jin 2024
She...is a second-year high school student with a single all-consuming question: Will the boy she likes ever really notice her? He...is the school's most notorious juvenile delinquent and he's suddenly come to a shocking realization: He's got a huge crush, and now he must tell her how he feels. Life-changing obsessions, colossal foul-ups, grand schemes, deep-seated anxieties, and raging hormones—School Rumble portrays high school as it really is: over-the-top comedy!

(Source: Kodansha USA)
Oct 23, 2002 to Jul 23, 2008 | 345 chp | Publishing
Comedy Romance

Sennen no YukiMillennium Snow
Sennen no YukiMillennium Snow
Hatori, Bisco 2024
Chiyuki Matsuoka's given name literally means "thousand snow," and it embodies her parents' wish for her to witness the first snowfall of the year perennially. This wish is exceedingly optimistic due to Chiyuki's heart condition, which increases the risk of seizures and decreases her life expectancy. The doctor who presided over her birth said she would be lucky to live 15 years.

Chiyuki is 17 years old when she meets the unlikely vampire Touya Kanou. He claims to hate blood, and he refuses to find a human partner with whom to share the rest of his life. Touya is 18 now, but if he took blood continually from a partner, then they both might live to be a thousand years old.

Chiyuki immediately volunteers to be Touya's partner, but he shoves her away in disgust, inadvertently learning of her poor health when she starts to spasm. Touya treats Chiyuki more kindly after that, but still refuses to drink her blood. She begins to suspect that there is a different reason why he keeps turning her down, but will she live long enough to discover the truth?

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Included one-shot:
Volume 1: Isshunkan no Romance (A Romance of One Moment)
Nov 24, 2000 to Dec 10, 2013 | 18 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance Supernatural

Ghost Hunt
Ghost Hunt
Inada, ShihoOno, Fuyumi 2024
The decrepit building was condemned long ago, but every time the owners try to tear it down, "accidents" start to happen-people get hurt, sometimes even killed. Mai Taniyama and her classmates have heard the rumors that the creepy old high school is haunted-possibly by ghosts from the Second World War. So one rainy day they gather at the told school to tell ghost stories, hoping to attract one of the suspected spirits.

No ghosts materialize, but Mai and her friends do meet Kazuya Shibuya, the handsome young owner of Shibuya Psychic Research, who's been hired to investigate paranormal activity at the school. Also at the scene are an exorcist, a Buddhist monk, a woman who can speak with the dead, and an outspoken Shinto priestess. Surely one of them will have the talents to solve this mystery!

(Source: Del Rey Manga)
Dec 6, 1997 to Sep 30, 2010 | 43 chp | Publishing
Drama Horror Mystery Romance Supernatural

Nousatsu Junkie (Nosatsu Junkie)
Nousatsu Junkie (Nosatsu Junkie)
Fukuyama, Ryoco 2024
Naka is an aspiring young model with a problem: her face tenses up into a terrifying spectacle whenever she gets nervous on photo shoots! Naka's rival is Umi, the hottest model at their agency. But Naka soon discovers Umi's secret—and hilarity ensues behind the cameras!

(Source: TokyoPop)
Included one-shots:
Volume 6: Nozoite Mitakute Shikatanai (Peeping)
Volume 11: Kaeru ga Iku Taiwan na Hibi
Oct 4, 2003 to Nov 20, 2008 | 96 chp | Publishing
Comedy Romance

Cherry Juice
Cherry Juice
Fukushima, Haruka 2024
In this awkward love-triangle between two step- siblings, -Otome and Minami- and a best friend, Amane, the three are trapped in a web of love. After getting along for five years, Otome and Minami's peaceful relationship takes a turn in the wrong direction when Amane confesses his love to Otome. What will Otome do?

(Source: TokyoPop)
Jun 3, 2004 to Mar 17, 2006 | 21 chp | Publishing
Comedy Romance

Mondaiteiki SakuhinshuConfidential Confessions
Mondaiteiki SakuhinshuConfidential Confessions
Momochi, Reiko 2024
Confidential Confessions is a shocking new manga series that deals with many of the hard-hitting issues that teens face today. Using emotionally moving story lines and multi-dimensional characters, each groundbreaking volume tackles such topics as teen prostitution, rape, HIV, stalkers, suicide, and sexual harassment.
(Source: Tokyopop)
2000 to 2002 | 23 chp | Publishing
Drama Romance

Chocotto Sister
Chocotto Sister
Zappa, GouTakeuchi, Sakura 2024
Haruma Kawagoe is an only child. A long time ago, at Christmastime, his mother miscarried the child that was to have been his baby sister. That night, young Haruma knelt down and offered up an earnest prayer: "Please make my mother well again, and please give me a little sister." Years have passed, and Haruma has nearly forgotten his prayer. But Santa hasn't.... one Christmas, when Haruma is least expecting it, he gets an unusual present - his sister. (Source:ANN)
Dec 19, 2003 to Apr 27, 2007 | 71 chp | Publishing
Comedy Romance Slice of Life

Tsuiteru Kanojo
Tsuiteru Kanojo
Zappa, GouFujima, Takuya 2024
Have you ever lost anything that was so precious to you, that if it were gone you wouldn't know what to do? For Otokawa Natsuru, that item is a keychain. Hearing from Kazama Miori, a fellow student with renowned psychic powers, that taking something precious can help with relationships, Natsuru takes her keychain on a date with childhood friend Yanagi Eitaro. But somewhere along the date, her precious keychain is lost...

(Source: MU)
Aug 9, 2004 to Jun 9, 2005 | 9 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance Supernatural

Zoku - Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou
Zoku - Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou
Ohmi, Tomu 2024
A manga about werewolves and the continued adventures of Hisako and Yato. This volume falls between the prequel volume, Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou, and the longer main series, Kindan no Koi de Ikou.

(Source: MU)
2001 | 4 chp | Publishing
Fantasy Romance

Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou
Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou
Ohmi, Tomu 2024
Hisako was saved from a drunkard by a wolf. She decides to adopt the beautiful, and entrancing creature, but Hisako's new pet turns into a fine-looking guy! Somehow his entrancing eyes remain in her mind...

One-Shot: A Request to the Vampire
Ryouko is targeted as an anorexic, or shall we say, unappetizing, girl. But when her want to die overflows when she meets a vampire, he turns her world around.

(Source: MU)
2000 | 5 chp | Publishing
Drama Fantasy Romance

Kindan no Koi de Ikou
Kindan no Koi de Ikou
Ohmi, Tomu 2024
Hisako is saved by a beautiful wolf that turns into an even more beautiful man...but can a relationship like this work!? The continuation of the story of Hisako and Yato seen in Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou and Zoku Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou!
(Source: ShojoMagic)
2001 to 2005 | 50 chp | Publishing
Drama Fantasy Romance

Zig☆Zag
Zig☆Zag
Nakaji, Yuki 2024
Freshly enrolled in Seifuu Academy, Takaaki Asakura (aka. Taiyou*-kun) is now living in a boys' dormitory. He has a strange and incomprehensible roommate named Sonoh Kirihara. Furthermore, his neighbor is Tatsuki Suwa, whom he hasn't seen since elementary school!? Meanwhile, he becomes friends with his classmates, Saho and Mei, and has high hopes for his new school life!

(Source: Maboroshi Scanlation)
Included one-shot:
Volume 4: Heaven Company
Sep 24, 2004 to Sep 24, 2008 | 44 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance

Ai no Chikara de Koi wo Suru no daCrushing Love
Ai no Chikara de Koi wo Suru no daCrushing Love
Natsumizu, Ritsu 2024
When rich, gorgeous and heartbroken Keiichiro Kuroda’s ex-lover asks for a loan, he makes a bet with the man: he’ll leave 5 million yen in a park with a sign that reads “Please Use Freely,” and if it gets turned into the police, his ex can borrow the money; if someone takes the money, Keiichiro can finally turn away the man who broke his heart.  But when the first person to spot the money ends up being a handsome young man in trouble, can Keiichiro give up on his quest for revenge and fall in love once more?

(Source: Juné Manga)
2006 | 8 chp | Publishing
Boys Love Drama Romance

Bokutachi wa Asu ni Mukatte Ikiru no daLiving for Tomorrow
Bokutachi wa Asu ni Mukatte Ikiru no daLiving for Tomorrow
Tsuda, Mikiyo 2024
High school student Tasuku Mizuochi has a secret he knows and a secret he doesn't. Even though he punches, kicks, and otherwise abuses fellow karate team member, Ryouta, on a daily basis, Tasuku has hidden feelings for his childhood friend. When Tasuku's mother died, Ryouta was always there to comfort him, and these emotions grew over time to become something else. Confused and embarrassed by his secret crush, Tasuku takes his frustrations out on Ryouta to keep him from ever knowing the truth. When Tasuku learns that his late mother may have been an "ageman" (ah-gay-man)--a woman who brings men good fortune—he starts to believe he's inherited these powers, too. Can having the ability to influence luck give Tasuku and Ryouta a future together? Or will all the people crawling out of the woodwork wanting to use Tasuku's power cause him to run screaming for the hills?!

(Source: DokiDoki)
Jan 31, 2005 | 7 chp | Publishing
Boys Love Drama Romance

Shishunki Miman Okotowari
Shishunki Miman Okotowari
Watase, Yuu 2024
Higuchi Asuka's mother dies shortly after she tells her teenage daughter who her father is. Only knowing the family name "Sudou," Asuka goes in search to find her absent father.

On her journey, she finds a guy being rather rough with a younger girl. Unable to resist, Asuka steps in by battering the guy with her motorcycle. When she discovers it was a big misunderstanding (Manato was just trying to get his sister Kazusa to go home), she drives them back to their house.

Once there, Asuka finds out that Manato and Kazusa are the Sudou family she's been looking for, but the father isn't there, not to mention their mother also being dead since long ago. With no other leads, Asuka decides to move in as the big sister until their father shows up. Things get tricky when love builds within the complex family relationship...

(Source: MU)
Included one-shot:
Volume 3: Otome no Jijou
Dec 20, 1990 to 1991 | 18 chp | Publishing
Comedy Drama Romance

Juunikyuu de TsukamaeteZodiac P.I.
Juunikyuu de TsukamaeteZodiac P.I.
Ando, Natsumi 2024
In recent times, a mysterious private investigator under the name of "Spica" has been solving crimes before the police arrive, leaving only a star mark nearby to indicate her involvement. The true identity of this rising star is Lili Hoshizawa, an energetic 13-year-old girl who enjoys solving mysteries, athletic activities, and running her mother's fortune-telling business, "Fortune Teller Spica." Using her knowledge of astrology, Lili reads clients' horoscopes by day and catches criminals by night!

But Lili soon finds that her carefree, crime-solving adventures will need some more caution when her childhood friend Hiromi Oikawa returns from America and is suspicious of her and Spica. His extensive studies in criminal psychology seems to have helped him in solving mysteries—rivaling Lili's astrology and crime-solving skills. But this zodiac detective has no time to worry about a possible rival, for there are many cases and mysteries out there that she must solve in the name of the star!

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Mar 3, 2001 to Dec 3, 2002 | 20 chp | Publishing
Action Fantasy Mystery Romance Supernatural

Ningyo Series
Ningyo Series
Takahashi, Rumiko 2024
There is a legend that says if someone eats the flesh of a mermaid, they will attain immortality; but this myth contains a darker side, in that the devourer may die or become a monster.

The youthful Yuta has been wandering Japan in search of mermaids not to become immortal, but to break his curse of eternal life. Over five hundred years ago, he ate a mermaid; now, Yuta is in search of a cure, hoping the mermaids know the secret. When he stumbles upon a hidden village, he quickly learns that it is full of mermaids that live in an underground society centered around the murder and cultivation of young human women to maintain their own youth and immortality.

Their most recent victim, Mana, is given the flesh of a mermaid to eat in order to fulfill the recipe toward being a perfect candidate to be eaten. Yuta helps her escape, and they find themselves on a journey to live their lives as normal as they can.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Aug 1984 to Feb 1994 | 16 chp | Publishing
Horror Romance Supernatural