High school is a popular setting for many shoujo manga, as it is a time of life that is often full of drama, romance, and self-discovery. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top shoujo manga that are based and centered around high schools.
1. Ouran High School Host Club
Ouran High School Host Club is a popular shoujo manga that follows the story of Haruhi Fujioka, a student at the prestigious Ouran Academy. When Haruhi accidentally breaks an expensive vase, she is forced to join the school's Host Club, a group of boys who entertain female students. As Haruhi becomes more involved with the club, she finds herself falling in love with one of its members. Ouran High School Host Club is known for its hilarious and heartwarming storylines, as well as its diverse and lovable cast of characters.
2. Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Tohru Honda, a high school student who finds herself living with a group of boys from her school. Tohru soon discovers that these boys are cursed, and when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex, they transform into animals from the Chinese zodiac. As Tohru becomes more involved with the group, she begins to learn more about their pasts and helps them overcome their curses. Fruits Basket is known for its heartwarming and emotional storylines, as well as its complex and well-developed characters.
3. Kimi ni Todoke
Kimi ni Todoke is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Sawako Kuronuma, a high school student who is often mistaken for a ghost because of her resemblance to the horror movie character Sadako. Sawako is shy and introverted, but when she befriends the popular and outgoing Kazehaya, she begins to come out of her shell. As Sawako navigates the complexities of high school life, she finds herself falling in love with Kazehaya. Kimi ni Todoke is known for its sweet and romantic storyline, as well as its charming and relatable characters.
4. Maid Sama!
Maid Sama! is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president at a formerly all-boys high school. To help support her family, Misaki works at a maid cafe after school, but she keeps her job a secret from her classmates. When the popular and handsome Usui Takumi discovers her secret, he becomes determined to get closer to her. Maid Sama! is known for its hilarious and romantic storyline, as well as its strong and independent female protagonist.
5. Ao Haru Ride
Ao Haru Ride is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Futaba Yoshioka, a high school student who is determined to have a fresh start in her new school. She reunites with her childhood crush Kou Tanaka, who is now a different person. As they begin to rekindle their relationship, they both navigate the ups and downs of high school life, making new friends and discovering more about themselves.
6. Toradora!
Toradora! is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Ryuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka, two high school students who are known for being troublemakers. They make a deal to help each other confess their love to their respective crushes. As they spend more time together, Ryuji and Taiga develop feelings for each other, but they face many obstacles and complications along the way.
7. Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions
Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Yuta Togashi, a high school student who wants to forget about his "embarrassing" middle school past. He meets Rikka Takanashi, a girl who suffers from "chunibyo," a condition that makes her believe she has special powers. Yuta helps Rikka navigate through high school and cope with her condition, while they both develop romantic feelings for each other.
8. Kamisama Kiss
Kamisama Kiss is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Nanami Momozono, a high school student who becomes a goddess after she saves a man from a dog. She is given the role of the land god and must take care of a shrine with the help of a fox familiar named Tomoe. As Nanami navigates through high school life and the challenges of being a land god, she and Tomoe begin to develop romantic feelings for each other.
9. Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Sakura Kinomoto, a fourth-grade student who discovers a book of magical cards. She accidentally releases the cards, and it is up to her to capture them before they cause chaos. As Sakura becomes more involved in the magical world of the cards, she navigates through the challenges of school life and the complications of her relationships with her friends and family.
10. Special A
Special A is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Hikari Hanazono, a high school student who is determined to be the best at everything. She competes against Kei Takishima, her childhood friend and rival, who is also the top student in their school. As Hikari and Kei compete against each other in academics and sports, they also develop romantic feelings for each other.
11. Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun
Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Shizuku Mizutani, a high school student who is focused on her studies and has no interest in socializing. She meets Haru Yoshida, a delinquent who has been suspended from school. As Shizuku and Haru spend more time together, they develop feelings for each other, but they also face many challenges in their personal lives.
12. Hana-Kimi
Hana-Kimi is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Mizuki Ashiya, a high school student who is determined to attend an all-boys school to be closer to her crush, high jumper Izumi Sano. To accomplish this, Mizuki disguises herself as a boy and enrolls in the school. As she gets closer to Sano and becomes more involved in the school's activities, she faces many challenges and complications, including keeping her true identity a secret.
13. Kimi ga Kirai na Koi no Hanashi
Kimi ga Kirai na Koi no Hanashi is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Chihiro, a high school student who has a crush on her classmate, Manabu-kun. As she navigates through the challenges of high school life, she tries to overcome her insecurities and confess her feelings to Manabu-kun.
14. My Boyfriend in Orange
My Boyfriend in Orange is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Naho Takamiya, a high school student who receives a letter from her future self. The letter tells her that a new student, Kakeru Naruse, will join their class, and he will be important to her future. Naho tries to change her actions in the present to prevent future regrets and complications.
15. Akagami no Shirayukihime
Akagami no Shirayukihime is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Shirayuki, a herbalist who escapes from her country after being pursued by the prince. She ends up in a neighboring country and meets a young prince named Zen, who offers to help her. As Shirayuki becomes more involved in Zen's life and the politics of the kingdom, she and Zen develop romantic feelings for each other.
16. Sukitte Ii na yo
Sukitte Ii na yo is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Mei Tachibana, a high school student who has never had a boyfriend or close friends. She meets Yamato Kurosawa, a popular and charming boy who takes an interest in her. As Mei and Yamato become closer, they navigate through the challenges of high school life and the complications of their personal relationships.
17. High School Debut
High School Debut is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Haruna Nagashima, a high school student who is determined to find a boyfriend. She enlists the help of Yoh Komiyama, a popular and handsome boy who agrees to help her transform her appearance and personality. As Haruna and Yoh work together, they begin to develop feelings for each other.
18. Bokura ga Ita
Bokura ga Ita is a shoujo manga that follows the story of Nanami Takahashi, a high school student who falls in love with Yano Motoharu, a popular and handsome boy. As Nanami and Yano navigate through the ups and downs of their relationship, they face many challenges and complications, including secrets from Yano's past and the jealousy of other girls.
In conclusion, high school is a popular setting for many shoujo manga, as it is a time of life that is often full of drama, romance, and self-discovery. Whether you're a fan of Ouran High School Host Club, Fruits Basket, Nana, Kimi ni Todoke, Maid Sama!, or any other high school shoujo manga, there is no shortage of captivating stories to choose from.
