I’m writing this because past first-place manga in AnimeJapan polls have often seen big success once adapted. With the 2025 rankings coming soon—likely around mid-March—I’m excited to see what new titles are making waves. Until the official announcement, let’s enjoy exploring these standout romance and comedy contenders.
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses story details from various manga.
Below are four manga recommended for a potential 2025 anime adaptation in the category of Romance and Comedy.
(The numbering preceding each manga title reflects the official ranking from the AnimeJapan 2025 “Most Anticipated Manga” list.)
No.7. Otaku ni Yasashii Gal ni Watashi wa Naru!
Title & Background
- English Title (AnimeJapan 2025): Otaku ni Yasashii Gal ni Watashi wa Naru! (Sometimes shortened to “Ota-Gal”, meaning “I will be kind gal to otaku”)
- Author: sugar.
- Serialization: “Tsui 4,” 1 volume out so far (as of January 2025)
Story Overview
- Genre: School romance comedy featuring an “otaku × gal” pairing.
- Main Characters:
- Ran Tachibana: A flashy, sociable high school girl who secretly loves anime, manga, and gaming.
- Souta Fujikawa: A quiet classmate whose passionate “otaku talk” sparks Ran’s interest.
- Story: In Volume 1, Chapter 3, we see Ran fumbling to hide her geeky side, only for Souta to unknowingly discuss that very series she’s obsessed with. This sets the stage for a sweet friendship and a budding romance. The story appeals to fans who love contrasting personalities finding common ground, and social media has played a big role in boosting its popularity.
No.14. Kyou kara Hajimeru Osananajimi
Title & Background
- English Title (AnimeJapan 2025): Starting Today, We’re Childhood Friends
- Author: Obiya Midori
- Serialization: “Kurage Bunch,” with 2 volumes available (as of February 2025)
Story Overview
- Genre: Romance, focusing on reunited childhood friends.
- Main Characters:
- Mao Saeki & Takuma Tanigawa: Best friends since childhood, separated when Takuma moved away.
- Story: Their reunion in Volume 1, Chapter 2, is wonderfully awkward—years have passed, and both have grown in different ways. The series explores how familiar bonds can be rekindled, providing an authentic look at navigating old memories and new feelings.
No.20. Shitsurenshitanode Vtuber hajimetara toshiuenooneesanni motemashita
Title & Background
- English Title (AnimeJapan 2025): I Was Heartbroken, So I Became A VTuber, But Then I Became Popular with the Older Ladies
- Authors: Story by Ni-To Rin, Manga by Rin Ai
- Serialization: “Dokodemo Young Champion,” 1 volume so far (as of January 2025)
Story Overview
- Genre: VTuber-themed romantic comedy.
- Main Characters:
- Haruto Aoi: A high schooler recovering from a bad breakup, urged by a friend to try VTuber streaming.
- Story: In Volume 1, Chapter 5, Haruto’s masked online persona takes off when a famous older VTuber invites him to collaborate. The plot highlights real-world streaming trends and the comedic tension of mixing anonymous internet life with real-life connections—especially when Haruto discovers his collaborator lives right next door.
No.32. Noa-senpai wa Tomodachi.
Title & Background
- English Title (AnimeJapan 2025): NOA IS MY SENIOR, AND MY FRIEND.
- Author: Akiyama Enma
- Serialization: “Weekly Young Jump,” 1 volume available (as of January 2025)
Story Overview
- Genre: School romance and senior-junior friendship.
- Main Characters:
- Ryou Kimura: A diligent first-year who admires his seemingly perfect senior, Noa Hatori.
- Story: From Volume 1, Chapter 4 onward, we see that Noa’s polished exterior masks her loneliness. Ryou’s journey to become her friend reveals the emotional barriers she faces. The endearing dynamic between an unassuming new student and an idolized upperclassman has drawn both male and female fans, with social media buzzing about Noa’s hidden fragility.
Each of these four manga offers a unique approach to romance and comedy. From reunion-based stories to otaku twists and even VTuber antics, there’s something for every fan.
Below are articles related to this topic in different categories. If you’re interested, feel free to explore! Thank you!
