Josei anime and manga usually deal with more adult and serious topics, such as the complexities of interpersonal relationships, the quest for professional advancement, and societal difficulties. In contrast to the younger demographics of Shonen and Shojo, the target audience for Josei's works comprises more experienced female readers.
Issues such as mental health, family dynamics, and workplace dynamics are just a few of the issues that can be explored in Josei-themed anime and manga. They are not limited to lighter topics and may tackle more serious issues such as domestic abuse, addiction, and death. These deep and intricate subjects are critical to the realism and authenticity that characterize the Josei literary form.
8 Nana
Due to its focus on heavy topics like heartbreak, addiction, and loss, Nana fits the profile of a Josei anime from the darker end of the spectrum. The narrative focuses on two young ladies, Nana Osaki, and Nana Komatsu, as they navigate adulthood and their romantic relationships.
The entire mood of Nana suggests that it is a dark anime. The overall tone of the series is sad and melancholy, despite the fact that there are humorous and cheerful moments. Characters go through a lot of hardships, and the story doesn't always end happily.
7 Junji Ito: Tomie
The adaptation of Tomie would fit well into a dark josei anime due to the series' horror elements and themes that revolve around the psychological effects of the titular character's manipulation. Tomie is a stunningly attractive young woman who can easily influence the men in her life. The show frequently examines the psychological ramifications of Tomie's manipulation of her victims, as well as the unpleasant repercussions of her deeds.
The complicated ties between Tomie and her victims would provide fertile ground for the anime to explore themes of trauma, obsession, and the darker sides of human nature. The unsettling, dark imagery plays on the fears and anxieties of its adult female audience.
6 Petshop Of Horrors
A supernatural horror series that follows the enigmatic Count D, who owns a pet shop in Chinatown that sells clients strange and rare animals in human form. The animals, however, are not what they appear to be, and consumers quickly realize that the pets come with severe restrictions that must be obeyed or else they would face horrific repercussions.
The unusual environment of Chinatown, as well as the exotic pets, contribute to the series' dark and enigmatic mood, which will appeal to the audience. The series' examination of difficult psychological concepts, as well as its emphasis on the consequences of actions, would resonate with themes common in Josei anime.
5 Paradise Kiss
The theme of this anime creates a platform for Caroline, the protagonist of this anime, as she works for a group of fashion designers in the colleges. Paradise Kiss uses a darker theme to reflect the complicated nature of her relationship with the group’s leader and the numerous heartbreaks that result from it.
Due to the anime's gloomy backdrops and pallid color schemes, it is more challenging for the characters to shine. The anime's theme, which concentrates on fashion and color choices, calls for a stronger tone of lighting, even though the black background enhances the impact of the animation.
4 xxxHolic
Watanuki, the anime's main character and a high school student with the ability to see spirits, embodies the anime's melancholy tone. He was offered a position by a fortune-teller so that he could use his supernatural talent to aid her clients in resolving their spiritual issues.
While sinister forces are present in the xxxHOLiC series, the level of gloominess in the environments and the clothing worn by the characters is taken to an extreme. However, the background lighting needs to be relatively basic so that the characters blend while they are standing alone.
3 Perfect Blue
The character Mima creates the concept of a perfect illusion or facade as she attempts to remake herself as an actress. Mima is a pop idol known for her innocent and bubbly appearance at the start of the series, but as she moves into acting, she develops a darker and more sophisticated identity for herself.
As Mima grapples with the implications of her decisions and the toll they take on her mental health, themes of identity, dissociation, and trauma emerge. This persona is similar to a Perfect Blue mask she wears to conceal her true identity and protect herself from the harsh realities of the entertainment world.
2 Sarazanmai
Three middle school guys named Kazuki, Toi, and Enta are converted into Kappa and assigned the task of fighting zombies and retrieving the mythical ball known as the shirikodama. Before they can embark on their quest to stop the zombies, the guys must work together to fulfill the task.
The show's premise may sound amusing at first, but it quickly devolves into more serious subjects, such as the characters' struggles with their own identities and prior traumas. Kappa serves as a metaphor for these notions, lending the story a weird aspect.
1 Gokusen
Gokusen is an anime that does not shy away from confronting difficult issues such as gang violence, poverty, and the challenges of disadvantaged youth. It demonstrates the hardships children encounter when categorized as delinquents, as well as the social pressures they must overcome in order to succeed.
The animated series is recognized for its funny lines and pleasant moments, but it also addresses some serious issues. Though Gokusen addresses some serious issues, it is ultimately a narrative about the power of knowledge and the victory of the human spirit over adversity.