I’m thrilled to continue my deep dive into this year’s “must-adapt” manga candidates for AnimeJapan 2025. In the past, the top-voted series have earned stellar anime adaptations, making me all the more excited for the upcoming announcement in mid-March. Until then, I’m enjoying the chance to introduce these diverse titles, ranging from earlier genres like romance and comedy to now focusing on heartfelt, sometimes edgy, BL and yuri stories in Part 5.
This article is part of a seven-installment series covering 47 manga in total. You’ll find links to other genre overviews at the end, so feel free to read along to the very last page! Also, I’ll include a reference to all 47 titles announced at AnimeJapan 2025 and a handy MangaDex link if you want to check them out immediately.
Spoiler Warning: This article discusses story details from various manga.
I Love Your Cruddy… きたない君がいちばんかわいい
- Author & Background: Manio, a mangaka specialized in yuri (girls’ love) themes. Known for stark depictions of raw emotions, adept in both comedy and serious drama.
- Serialization: Four volumes in print (ongoing as of February 2025) in Comic Yuri Hime.
- Genre: Yuri, high-school love story.
- Story in Detail:
Megumi Aikawa is a germophobic teenager who goes to extremes to avoid being seen as “dirty.” Shihori Nagase, on the other hand, is carefree about how she looks. When their worlds collide in the school’s PE storage room, these polar opposites strike up an unlikely connection. Over time, they navigate each other’s quirks—Megumi’s constant anxiety and Shihori’s casual habits—revealing a tender romance born from acceptance and mutual understanding. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Fans praise the contrasting theme of “dirty” vs. “cute” and the sincere portrayal of vulnerability. Each volume deepens the emotional core, earning consistent acclaim within the yuri community.
Kitayama and Minamiya 北山くんと南谷くん
- Author & Background: Sato Sugar, an artist excelling in BL and friendship-centered narratives, known for a gentle, comforting style.
- Serialization: One collected volume so far, ongoing in the digital label Splush (as of January 2025).
- Genre: Youthful BL, everyday life.
- Story in Detail:
Sota Kitayama and Itsuki Minamiya are classmates whose surnames reflect “north” and “south,” yet both are timid, friendless types. A chance hallway collision sparks an awkward friendship that soon blossoms into something deeper. Complexity arises from hidden family situations and personal insecurities, giving emotional weight to this sweet high-school romance. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Social media posts highlighting their earnest interactions have prompted an outpouring of “These two are so pure!” comments from BL enthusiasts. Industry magazines have also taken note, featuring the manga and discussing its heartfelt vibe.
If It’s With You 君となら恋をしてみても
- Author & Background: Maru Kubota, a skilled romance writer equally adept at comedic beats and nuanced drama, serializing in Manga Park (Hakusensha).
- Serialization: Five volumes out, ongoing (as of January 2025).
- Genre: BL, coming-of-age romance.
- Story in Detail:
Reserved, bookish Naoto Koga is content with his solitude—until Takumi Hase, a charismatic classmate, keeps intruding on his space and even shows curiosity about Naoto’s favorite novels. Initially annoyed, Naoto soon finds himself opening up. As friendly conversations morph into gentle flirtations, Naoto confronts feelings he’s never experienced, leading to a tender exploration of honest affection. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The realistic progression of a teenage bond-turned-romance has resonated with many readers, who create fan art and share emotional reactions online. With each volume, the supporting cast’s stories further expand this sweet yet introspective BL world.
The Summer You Were There 君と綴るうたかた
- Author & Background: Yuama, a creator thriving in the yuri genre, applauded for ethereal storylines and delicate artwork.
- Serialization: Two volumes published, ongoing in Comic Yuri Hime (as of January 2025).
- Genre: Yuri, youth drama with a musical focus.
- Story in Detail:
Shizuku Saotome, a dedicated pianist at a high school affiliated with a prestigious music university, frets over her upcoming solo competition. Then the enigmatic violinist Koharu Asakura bursts into Shizuku’s life. Over shared practice sessions and intense recitals, they form a fragile connection. Yet beneath the harmonious duets, Koharu’s hidden background hints at unspoken struggles, making for an emotionally charged journey. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Beyond the gentle yuri romance, readers find the illustrations of musical performances particularly moving. Limited-edition collaboration merchandise, including sheet music and themed accessories, has already boosted this title’s popularity.
I Cannot Reach You 君には届かない。
- Author & Background: Mika, an illustrator who rose to fame on social media; known for capturing the pure essence of teenage crushes in both BL and yuri.
- Serialization: Three volumes out, ongoing, serialized on Pixiv Comic (as of February 2025).
- Genre: Friendship, subtle BL undertones.
- Story in Detail:
Childhood friends Hiroto and Koharu have literally grown up side by side. Unaware that Hiroto’s feelings exceed mere camaraderie, Koharu’s friendly interactions with others stir deep jealousy in Hiroto. Their story dwells on that heart-wrenching limbo between best friends and potential lovers—a tension both sweet and agonizing. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The series’ slow-burn approach and relatable portrayal of unrequited love fuel a robust fan community. Social media dialogues about the “if only they’d confess already!” factor have made it a viral talking point among BL fans.
Convenient Semi-Friend 好都合セミフレンド
- Author & Background: Minori Chigusa, celebrated in Manga Time Kirara for heartwarming four-panel slices of life with an adorable art style.
- Serialization: Convenient Semi-Friend released two tankōbon volumes by October 2024, and is set for an English-language debut under Yen Press in June 2025.
- Genre: lighthearted yuri romcom, the series blends comedic mischief with the tender exploration of same-gender relationships in a friendly four-panel format.
- Story in Detail:
Suuna Kuruma, a shy high-schooler, transfers to a new dorm and walks in on her roommate, Ruka Hamanasu, flirting with another girl. Taken aback, she questions whether they are dating. Ruka dismisses the idea, claiming the other girl is merely her “sefure”―short for “semi-friend.” With no other close companions, Suuna starts to rely on Ruka’s vivacious, “gyaru” support. Their evolving bond explores how a simple, lighthearted connection can alleviate Suuna’s loneliness, while also highlighting the complexities of youthful relationships. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Readers praise Convenient Semi-Friend for its breezy humor, as well as the tender dynamic between Suuna’s reserve and Ruka’s boldness. The series’ nomination for the 10th Next Manga Awards in 2024 attests to its growing popularity.
If That’s Love, Break It. ぜんぶ壊して地獄で愛して
Also published under the title “Destroy It All and Love Me in Hell!”
- Author & Background: Tamotsu Kuwabara, celebrated for dark yuri narratives that center on obsessive romance and psychological tension.
- Serialization: Three volumes so far, ongoing in Comic Yuri Hime (as of February 2025).
- Genre: Dark yuri, psychological love story.
- Story in Detail:
Sumi Shirakawa, the dazzling star of her high school, is secretly a dangerously possessive individual. When she turns her fixation onto the quiet Toko Majima, Sumi’s manipulative schemes escalate—and Toko’s own hidden nature begins to surface. This unflinching portrayal of a “love” powerful enough to consume everything around it challenges typical yuri tropes. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Its portrayal of obsession and unhealthy devotion has drawn a cult following. Some hail it as exhilaratingly bold, while others find the extremes unsettling. Either way, the manga ignites discussions on boundaries in love and what it truly means to “give your all” in a relationship.
Takane & Arashi 高音さんと嵐ちゃん
- Author & Background
Nowchi, known for lighthearted girls’ comedies often tinged with yuri subtext. Character banter and easygoing slice-of-life scenarios anchor the author’s style. - Serialization
One volume published, ongoing through KADOKAWA (as of January 2025). - Genre
High school comedy with yuri elements. - Story in Detail
Takane, a stoic vocalist, and Arashi, an energetic drummer, are part of their school’s light music club. Though their personalities clash—Takane is cool and reserved while Arashi is vibrant and unpredictable—they form a surprising bond. As they rehearse for an upcoming competition, their friendship begins shifting, hinting at something beyond mere camaraderie. - Focal Point & Buzz
Music-driven stories with subtle yuri vibes appeal to a niche yet devoted fandom. Fan illustrations frequently appear on social media, pointing to a growing grassroots following.
Nakahara-kun and Miyata Club Leader 中原くんと宮田部長
- Author & Background: Shigeru Yagiri, who excels at depicting workplace romance and everyday struggles in a friendly art style.
- Serialization: Currently compiled into four volumes in total, Nakahara-kun and Miyata Club Leader was first released in print by Fleur Comics, with digital editions also available on Amazon Kindle.
- Genre: A high-school BL romcom
- Story in Detail:
While visiting a school open day, the handsome yet love-clueless Nakahara is instantly smitten with Miyata, the talented and beautiful head of the cooking club. Changing his entire high school plan just to join her club, Nakahara struggles to convey his feelings—especially since he has never experienced one-sided love before. As misunderstandings pile up, a rival emerges, and Miyata’s own feelings complicate matters, leading to a series of endearing near-misses and slowly blossoming affection. - Focal Point & Buzz:
Fans adore the comedic tension rooted in Nakahara’s awkward pursuit, balanced by Miyata’s gentle yet captivating leadership. Readers praise the down-to-earth depiction of school life, the sweetly awkward love scenes, and the vibrant cooking club backdrop. This combination has earned the series warm reviews and a growing following.
Minato’s Coin Laundry みなと商事コインランドリー
- Author & Background: Art by Kan Tsumesawa, based on a novel by Natsue Shiomi. Tsumesawa is known for BL and TL (teens’ love) works.
- Serialization: Four volumes currently, ongoing on Pixiv Comic, published by KADOKAWA (as of January 2025).
- Genre: BL, age-gap romance.
- Story in Detail:
Office worker Akira Minato inherits his uncle’s coin laundry business, “Minato Shouji,” and encounters frequent customer Mai Kazuki, a cheerful high school student. Although initially wary, Minato soon warms to Mai’s openness, sparking a sweet relationship that tests boundaries of age and different stages in life. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The vivid contrast between an adult’s cautious perspective and a teenager’s unguarded optimism appeals to many BL fans. Calls for a live-action adaptation surface online, reflecting this manga’s broad appeal and gentle storytelling style.
Boys Gilding the Lily Shall Die!? 百合にはさまる男は死ねばいい！？
- Author & Background: Yomogi, a long-time creator of yuri-themed works within fan communities, renowned for comedic extremes and satirical undertones.
- Serialization: One volume in print, ongoing on LINE Manga (as of January 2025).
- Genre: Yuri comedy with tongue-in-cheek social commentary.
- Story in Detail:
Itsuki Aizawa’s fierce dedication to all things yuri belies a rather inflexible worldview: “Any guy who interrupts a yuri romance should just drop dead!” She’s quick to declare her war on intrusive men, but ironically struggles with her own emotional conflicts that surface whenever romance (of any variety) heads her way. Through humor and hijinks, the manga pokes fun at obsessive fandom and the complexity of romantic identity. - Focal Point & Buzz:
The title alone captured huge attention on social media, launching debates on depiction of gender, shipping, and comedic exaggeration. Despite a lighthearted tone, it weaves in deeper insights about acceptance and personal growth.
I find it fascinating how many diverse expressions of BL and yuri exist—some comedic and heartwarming, others deeply introspective or unsettlingly dark. Personally, I love seeing how these manga explore the complexities of love, identity, and trust. An Anime Adaptation could further amplify their emotional impact, bringing their subtle expressions and tense confrontations to life with motion and voice.
From pure-hearted schoolyard crushes to manipulative obsessions, these eight titles highlight the vast storytelling potential found in BL and yuri manga. Each brings a unique perspective on relationships and personal growth—elements that would undoubtedly resonate on screen.
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