The Josei Alphabet: N

“N” is for…

Natsuyuki Rendez-vous, written and illustrated by Haruka Kawachi, currently serialized in Shodensha’s Feel Young. This supernatural romance introduces us to a flower-shop employee who’s competing with a ghost for the love of his boss. I love that cover.

Nejimaki no Niwa, written and illustrated by Shiki Kayase, originally serialized in Ichijinsha’s Comic Zero-Sum and Zero-Sum Ward, two volumes. I’ve gotten kind of picky about titles from Comic Zero-Sum, because a lot of them seem to blur together when described, but this one looks neat. It’s about a bunch of kids who explore the mysterious legends of their secluded school.

Neko no Okorumino, written and illustrated by Naomi Akimoto, originally serialized in Kodansha’s Kiss, one volume. There are several series about cats that start with the letter “N.” This one had my favorite cover of the litter.

Nemureru Mori no Binan, written and illustrated by Wakuni Akisato, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Petit Flower, one volume. Okay, want. A young Japanese doctor moves to New York City so he can live more freely as a gay man. He meets another gay doctor and falls in love. Their mothers must be so proud!

Nurse Station, written and illustrated by Kyoko Shimazu, originally published by Shueisha, 20 volumes. A look at the working and personal lives of nurses, which is one of the professions I’d really like to see explored in manga.

Licensed josei:

  • Nodame Cantabile, written and illustrated by Tomoko Ninomiya, originally serialized in Kodansha’s Kiss, partially published in English by Del Rey and in French by Pika.

What starts with “N” in your josei alphabet?

Reader recommendations and reminders:

  • NUDE, written and illustrated by Fumiko Nozaki, originally serialized in Shogakukan’s Judy, three volumes.