The Josei Alphabet: L

“L” is for…

Well, it’s for “Love.” Duh.

Love Blog!!, written and illustrated by Akira Fujiwara, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, three volumes, published in German by Tokyopop. Frustrated with her love life, office lady Eriko takes to the web to blog about her search for romantic fulfillment. There’s a sequel, Love Blog!! Next, and Fujiwara has another “L” josei series, Lost Girl wa Koi o Suru, currently running in Petit Comic.

Love Cruise, written and illustrated by Tomu Ohmi, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Comic, one volume. This collection of smutty short stories is noteworthy mostly because it’s by the creator of the awesome-or-horrible-sounding Midnight Secretary, which I’ll almost certainly mention again next week.

Love My Life, written and illustrated by Ebine Yamaji, originally serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young, one volume, published in French by Asuka. Won’t someone please, please, please publish this by-all-accounts gorgeous and moving yuri romance? Please?


Love Vibes, written and illustrated by Erica Sakurazawa, originally serialized in Shueisha’s Young You, one volume. Mako is stuck in a love triangle with her unreliable ex-boyfriend, Shoji, and an alluring bisexual woman named Mika. Another Sakurazawa title in this corner of the alphabet is Lovely!, originally published by Shodensha.

Lovers’ Kiss, written and illustrated by Akimi Yoshida, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Flowers, two volumes. Everyone’s kissing everyone at this public high school, which promises both shônen- and shôjo-ai.

Licensed josei:

  • Loveless, written and illustrated by Yun Kouga, originally serialized in Ichijinsha’s Comic Zero-Sum, published in English by Tokyopop.

What starts with “L” in your josei alphabet?

Reader reminders and recommendations:

  • Love for Dessert, written and illustrated by Hana Aoi, originally published by Ohzora Shuppan, published in English by LuvLuv, published in French by Asuka.
  • Lady Rin!, written and illustrated by Youko Hanabusa, serialized in Shodensha’s Roma x Puri.