10 Entertaining Yaoi Anime Series for Fujoshi
Yaoi, commonly known as Boys Love, centers on romantic relationships between two men. This term emerged in the 1970s, initially used to describe fan-made works (doujinshi) that offered a satirical take on romantic narratives. Over time, the meaning of yaoi evolved, now representing a distinct genre.
Predominantly found in manga and anime, yaoi often includes male-male sexual relationships with erotic content. However, some yaoi works focus solely on the romantic aspects of these relationships. For those interested in exploring yaoi anime, Showpoiler has compiled a list of top recommendations, perfect for diving into this genre.
1. Given
Year | 2019 |
Genre | Drama, Romance, Slice of Life |
Director | Hikaru Yamaguchi |
Cast | Shōgo Yano Yuma Uchida |
Mafuyu Satou was napping on the steps of the school gym with his beloved Gibson guitar when a student, Ritsuka Uenoyama, woke him up with a scolding. Ritsuka couldn't help but express his frustration at the sight of Mafuyu's neglected guitar, its strings rusty and worn.
Mafuyu, impressed by Ritsuka's guitar expertise, asked him to teach him how to play properly. Ritsuka agreed and even invited Mafuyu to join him and his bandmates, bass player Haruki Nakayama and drummer Akihiko Kaji, in making music.
To everyone's surprise, Mafuyu revealed a stunning singing voice. This discovery convinced Ritsuka that Mafuyu was destined to be the lead singer of his band.
At first, Mafuyu was hesitant, but he eventually agreed to join. This marked the start of his journey to not only become a band member but also to bring color back into his life after a dark past. With the support of Ritsuka and the band Given, Mafuyu began to find his way again.
2. Sasaki to Miyano
Year | 2022 |
Genre | Romance, Youth |
Director | Shinji Ishihira |
Cast | Soma Saito Yusuke Shirai |
"Sasaki to Miyano" is a beautifully crafted BL anime that tastefully explores the romance between its two main characters, Sasaki and Miyano, without relying on explicit content. This realistic and heartwarming show is a must-see for fans of the genre.
The story begins when Sasaki Shuumei heroically rescues his classmate, Miyano Yoshikazu, from bullies. This act of kindness captures Miyano's attention, and he finds himself increasingly drawn to Sasaki. To his surprise, Sasaki starts playfully teasing him.
Miyano is not only strikingly handsome but also harbors a secret passion: he loves reading Boys' Love (BL) manga. He's always been careful to keep this a secret, but one day, he accidentally reveals it to Sasaki.
Miyano is shocked and nervous about Sasaki's reaction, only to find that he's actually curious about BL manga. Sasaki even asks to borrow some from Miyano. This shared interest brings them closer, laying the foundation for a friendship that gradually turns into love.
3. Junjou Romantica
Year | 2008 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Director | Chiaki Kon |
Cast | Takahiro Sakurai Hikaru Hanada Kōsuke Toriumi Kisho Taniyama Isshin Chiba |
"Junjou Romantica" is an engaging anime that brings to life the stories of three different couples. Produced by Studio Deen, this anime is an adaptation of Shungiku Nakamura's manga, which first appeared in Asuka Ciel magazine and later continued in Emerald magazine in 2014.
The first storyline follows a high school student, Misaki Takahashi, and his new tutor, Akihiko Usami. Akihiko is not only a famous novelist but also the best friend of Misaki's older brother. Misaki becomes wary of Akihiko when he discovers he writes novels about male romance.
In another story, we meet Hiroki Kamijou, a literature teacher who is trying to move on from a failed romance. His life sudeenly changes when he meets Nowaki Kusama, a student who seeks his help for an exam. Their teacher-student relationship soon evolves into a romantic one.
The final tale revolves around Shinobu Takatsuki and his former brother-in-law, You Miyagi. After You saves Shinobu from a robbery, they start dating, although You initially doesn't feel strongly for Shinobu. However, Shinobu is convinced they are meant to be together, setting the stage for a complex and intriguing relationship.
4. Dakaichi
Year | 2018 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Director | Naoyuki Tatsuwa |
Cast | Hiroki Takahashi Yūki Ono Takuya Sato Yuma Uchida |
5. Hitorijime My Hero
Year | 2017 |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Director | Yukina Hiiro |
Cast | Tomoaki Maeno Toshiki Masuda |
6. Love Stage!! (Anime)
Year | 2014 |
Genre | Comedy, Romance |
Director | Kenichi Kasai |
Cast | Tsubasa Yonaga Takuya Eguchi |
Izumi Sena grew up in a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. With his mother as an actress, his father a producer, and his older brother a rock star, Izumi was inspired to make his own mark in the same world. But instead of following in their footsteps, he chose a different path: becoming a manga artist. This was a shift from his childhood days when he briefly shone as a star in a magazine advertisement.
As a teenager, Izumi gets a chance to revisit his past. The magazine celebrates its 10th anniversary by inviting its former child actors to participate in a special project. It's here that Izumi reconnects with Ryouma Ichijou, who has since become a well-known actor.
But Izumi's feminine looks lead Ryouma to mistakenly believe he's a girl, and Ryouma starts to have feelings for Izumi. Even after Izumi reveals his true gender, Ryouma's feelings don't change, and he continues to pursue a romantic relationship with Izumi.
The anime "Love Stage!!!", which first aired in 2014, is an adaptation of 15 chapters from the manga series written by Eiki Eiki. Its popularity led to the creation of an OVA (Original Video Animation) sequel in the same year, titled "Love Stage!!!: Chotto ja Nakutte."
7. Super Lovers
Year | 2016 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Director | Shinji Ishihira |
Cast | Toshiyuki Morikawa Hiroshi Kamiya Jun Fukuyama Daisuke Ono |
8. Loveless
Year | 2004 |
Genre | Drama, Mystery, Supernatural |
Director | Yuu Kou |
Cast | Junko Minagawa Katsuyuki Konishi |
In the Loveless universe, where the theme of Boy Love meets mystery and the supernatural, it is believed that everyone is born with cat ears and tails. These characteristics will disappear once they have sex.
Ritsuka Aoyagi is a 12-year-old boy who suffers from amnesia. All he remembers is the death of his brother Seimei, who died mysteriously two years ago. On his first day of school, Ritsuka is visited by Agatsuma Soubi, who claims to know his brother.
Agatsuma explains that he and Seimei used to be a fighting couple who could use spells in battle. However, only one of them can use spells, while the other charges up power through lip contact.
Knowing that Seimei's death is linked to the Seven Moons organization, Ritsuka asks for Agatsuma's help to uncover the truth.
9. Gakuen Heaven
Year | 2005 |
Genre | Comedy, Drama |
Director | Takahashi Natsuko, Yukina Hiiro |
Cast | Jun Fukuyama Takahiro Sakurai |
"Gakuen Heaven," a popular BL game, grabbed the attention of directors Yukina Hiiro and Takahashi Natsuko, who decided to adapt it into an anime series. True to its name, the story is set in a school environment.
The anime kicks off with Itou Keita, an average young man, unexpectedly getting accepted into Bell Liberty Academy, also known as BL Academy. Keita, who comes from a modest background and doesn't boast of any remarkable achievements, is puzzled about why the prestigious school chose him.
Feeling out of place, Keita tries to keep a low profile amidst his classmates, who are not only handsome but also incredibly talented.
As time goes by, Keita starts forming close connections with several students. He finds himself particularly drawn to Kazuki Endou, a caring and kind classmate who shows him special attention.
10. World's Greatest First Love
Year | 2011 |
Genre | Drama, Romance |
Director | Chiaki Kon |
Cast | Takashi Kondô Katsuyuki Konishi Yukari Tamura Shinnosuke Tachibana Yûichi Nakamura |