With 11 series on this list, Summer 2026 might actually mark the highest number of shojo series premiering in one season since the site began—as long as we think of it in raw numbers and not percentages. With historical fiction, adaptations of classic manga, rom-coms, isekai, and pretty much every popular genre in the medium is represented here.
We’ve put together this guide ahead of the upcoming season to help our readers stay abreast of what’s coming out. While most of the series are new to the staff, I’ve cobbled together some notes about what catches our eye about each one based on trailers, summaries, reviews of the source material, and discussion between existing fans. In short, it’s all preliminary judgments and educated guesses, designed to help audiences find the right show for them.
A note about ambiguity: with the rise of web manga and light novels as source material, the lines between marketing demographics have gotten blurrier and blurrier over the last decade or so. For example, the webtoon that the spring 2026 series The Ramparts of Ice was based on has won awards as a shojo, josei, and seinen. If you feel like we’ve missed something, feel free to drop a comment!
Hana-Kimi Season 2
Source: Manga by Nakajo Hisayo, Hana to Yume magazine, 1996-2004
Airdate: July 1, 2026
What’s it about? Japanese-American track-and-field star Mizuki has transferred to a high school in Japan…but not just any school! To be close to her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano, she’s going to an all-guys’ high school…and disguising herself as a boy! But as fate would have it, they’re more than classmates…they’re roommates! Now, Mizuki must keep her secret in the classroom, the locker room, and her own bedroom. And her classmates—and the school nurse—must cope with a new transfer student who may make them question their own orientation… (From the Viz website)
Why we’re excited for it: It’s not just an anime adaptation of a classic shojo, it’s a second season! More Dr. Umeda, yaaaaay!
What gives us pause: I watched all of the first season of Hana-Kimi out of professional obligation, and woof, it was rough going. The potent mix of outdated plotting, storylines that were new and interesting in their time but have become hackneyed, and bottom-barrel production values made this rough to get through. Something tells me that beyond the first episode, I won’t be back.
Please Excuse My Younger Brothers
Source: Manga by Akira Ozaki, Bessatsu Margaret magazine, 2020-present
Airdate: July 3, 2026
What’s it about? Ito is a second-year high school student and an only child who has to move to a different city; her mother remarried and begins her new life as an older sister of 4 siblings! The start of a family-love-comedy with four step-brothers! (Source: Moviefone)
Why we’re excited for it: It’s so nice to see that getting a drama adaptation isn’t the end of the line for a potential anime adaptation! Please Excuse My Younger Brothers was adapted into a live-action drama in 2024. I cannot speak for its quality, but I’m always a little frustrated to see shojo manga being mined for live-action adaptations instead of getting adapted in a way that’s faithful to their visual and storytelling style.
What gives us pause: Oh, is that tall handsome boy her stepbrother? And oh, he’s acting all annoyed at her? So it’s a step-sibling romance where she has to get through his hard shell, I suppose. From the outside, it seems like it’ll be great for people into that specific set of tropes, but there’s not a lot leaping out beyond that, y’know?
Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia
Source: Manga by Tomato Soup, Souffle magazine 2021-2025, Mystery Bonita 2025-present
Airdate: July 4, 2026
What’s it about? There was once a young girl in the 13th century slave markets of Iran.
This is the tale of a witch who toyed with a vast continent.
After losing her mother and being torn far from her homeland, Sitara found herself utterly alone, with no ability to survive on her own, and no hope for the future. Taken in by a family of scholars, the power of “knowledge” is imparted on her within the calm of her new life. (Source: Crunchyroll News)
Why we’re excited for it: Oh boy, why wouldn’t anyone be excited for this? First of all, the animation by Science Saru, faithfully recreating Tomato Soup’s artstyle, is outright jawdropping. From what limited footage we’ve seen, there’s a breathtaking level of detail and attention to the architecture, fashion, and accoutrements of everyday life in the Middle East during the age of the Mongol Empire. The story, focusing on how education empowers a young enslaved woman and the damage of colonialism, has powerful feminist potential.
This looks to be the best kind of historical fiction: one that finds humanity amongst all the archaeological and historical records, and the ways that life back then can resonate with life today.
What gives us pause: There’s not a lot, to be frank, but any story that features slavery and colonialism at its center runs the risk of romanticizing good slave owners, or the supposed benefits of colonial powers. I hope against hope that won’t be the case (and there’s been a lot of positive buzz about the manga), but it’s always worth noting the risk.
The Ogre’s Bride
Source: Novels by Kureha, 2019-present
Airdate: July 4, 2026
What’s it about? The ayakashi and humans coexist in harmony. The ayakashi, having superior abilities and beautiful appearances, sometimes find their partner among human women, making them their “bride”. The bride, in exchange for bringing prosperity, receives absolute love from the ayakashi. Yuzu is constantly compared to her sister, a bride of a demon fox, and is resented by her family every day.
One day, when Yuzu just couldn’t take things anymore, a man appeared before her on a bridge. This man is the most beautiful man Yuzu has ever seen… and he’s calling her his wife?! The most powerful, “cold-hearted” ayakashi is pouring his heart out for Yuzu?! (source: Crunchyroll)
Why we’re excited for it: Something tells me this is going to be in much the same vein as My Happy Marriage, a series I very much enjoyed. It seems to be a trend, Beauty and the Beast-esque romances where the main character has been mistreated by her family, then finds herself in the arms of a supposed brute who treats her kindly. The heroines still tend to be a bit passive, but that’s fine in a story about healing and recovery. If you’re analyzing it from the lens of shojo teaching young girls how to love, at least it teaches them to be treasured and not to put up with a jerk. I’ve also read the first manga volume of The White Cat’s Revenge as Plotted from the Dragon King’s Lap by the same author, and it was a lot of fun.
What gives us pause: As with any concept that we’ve seen done before with beautiful execution, we must ask what it’s going to do to set itself apart. I don’t have a great feeling about The Ogre’s Bride in that regard. The production certainly doesn’t do much to inspire faith; it comes from the Japanese subsidiary of a donghua studio, and the trailer is a bit on the jank side. The staff doesn’t have an exciting name among itself. While these certainly aren’t deal-breakers, they keep The Ogre’s Bride pretty low on my list of anticipated series.
The Duke’s Son Claims He Won’t Love Me Yet Showers Me with Adoration
Source: Manga by Kei Misawa and Natsu Mizuno, Comic Arc and Comic Polaris, 2021-present
Airdate: July 4, 2026
What’s it about? Elsa, the daughter of a fallen aristocrat, receives news. It was a marriage proposal from Julius, a very elite nobleman. Elsa is wondering, “Why would such a distinguished man marry me?” But after the wedding, Julius, who had been kind and gentle up to that point, changed completely! In a cold voice, he tells her, “I have no intention of loving you.” (Source: MangaPlaza)
Why we’re excited for it: This one is actually relatively popular for the genre space, which means it must be good, right? At the very least, with a veteran director and a pretty-looking trailer, it has some degree of backing from the studio. The series composer, Tomoko Konparu, has a lengthy resume as well, and has been writing for shojo anime for decades. Plus, despite the summary, it looks to be another gentle trauma-recovery series, but this time the fantasy is from the perspective of the young woman helping her partner instead of vice-versa.
What gives us pause: It also kind of looks like wealth porn, doesn’t it? A young woman, growing up in poverty despite her noble status, is swept up into the life of one of the richest men in the kingdom. The trailer features beautiful dresses, accessories, ballrooms, carriage rides, and, of course, gorgeous young men and women at every turn. Because money fixes everything, right? If it seems like I’m nitpicking, you are absolutely correct; what information I have here just doesn’t excite me enough to come up with stronger issues, and that in and of itself is a reason to pause.
The Forsaken Saintess and Her Foodie Road Trip in Another World
Source: Novels by Yoneori, Shosetsuka ni Narou, 2019-present
Airdate: July 6, 2026
What’s it about? Late 20’s caregiver Rin Takanashi has been summoned as a saint, only to then be dumped alone in another world. Equipped with just her ridiculously overpowered god-like skills, Motor Home aka “Mochan” and Survival, she decides to indulge her love of solo camping and cooking in this strange new place. Thus begins Rin’s journey: one filled with gourmet cuisine and an array of wonderful companions along the way. Now, hop aboard Mochan and enjoy this fantasy world to its fullest! (source: HiDive)
Why we’re excited for it: Hey, adult women deserve our self-indulgent, frictionless power fantasies too! The format is exactly like pretty much every chill isekai ever; only this time, the protagonist is an adult woman instead of a man or teenage boy. As of this writing, I just got back from a camping trip in the Olympic Peninsula two days ago, and the group member charged with cooking made curry with homemade roux, marinated chicken and vegetable skewers, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and turkey bacon. They were an invaluable member of the team, so this premise is highly relatable.
What gives us pause: EMT Squared, you are my eternal enemy, because this looks like hot ass. Food anime needs to have appealing food, and the trailer does not deliver. Plus, low-friction chill hangout isekai is not my bag, regardless of who the protagonist is. And the term “saintess” needs to die—immediately.
I Want to Love You Till Your Dying Day
Source: Manga by Aono Nachi, Comic Yuri Hime magazine, 2018-present
Airdate: July 7, 2026
What’s it about? Death lurks behind a mysterious orphanage where children train to become magical weapons of war. Among them is Sheena, who longs to stop the fighting and end the conflict. On one gruesome night, Sheena meets a strange girl covered in blood, with a smile on her face. The mysterious girl turns out to be a secret weapon—an immortal child soldier named Mimi. When the two become roommates, there is growing tension and attraction. How will the peace-loving Sheena live with someone who welcomes death? (source: Kodansha)
Why we’re excited for it: They were roommates!
Hooray for more fantasy shojo yuri, and this one sounds delicious. We have a mysterious conflict, an orphan-killing machine, the push and pull of the pacifist who falls in love with the otherworldly, violent creature. This is going to be an exercise in contrasts, the kind that adds texture to romance and makes things interesting. While I know little about the original manga, the trailer is gorgeous. Director Takudai Kakuchi may not have many credits under his belt, series composer Jukki Hanada is an industry treasure, having led the writing for such staff favorites as Princess Jellyfish, A Place Further than the Universe, and Girls Band Cry. Music composer Yukari Hashimoto worked on series like Sarazanmai and Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun.
What gives us pause: So Kakuchi’s sole credit is In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki, a series about a boy-crazy young ninja girl that was not well received and had some suspect camera work in the first episode. It was an adapted work, as is I Want to Love You Tell Your Dying Day, but when you don’t have a lot to go on, things like this jump out.
Victoria of Many Faces
Source: Novel series by Syuu, Shosetsuka ni Narou, 2021-present
Airdate: July 7, 2026
What’s it about? In an age when spies act behind the scenes in every land, Chloe spends her days successfully carrying out even the most difficult missions due to her unparalleled disguise skills and martial arts abilities. However, after the betrayal of her boss, she suddenly disappears-as Chloe plans to redo her life as the ordinary citizen Victoria in the neighboring kingdom of Ashberry, striving for a “normal” life. However, Victoria’s peaceful life is abruptly cut short as she begins to get involved with many people. In this new land, her experiences and abilities from her days as a spy come in far more useful than she ever expected!! On the other hand, the second prince and the pursuer of the organization amongst others take an interest in Victoria’s strength, and many shadows close in on the one with all the cards in her hand…! (Source: Yen Press)
Why we’re excited for it: I didn’t watch Secrets of the Silent Witch, but it was one of our staff picks for best of 2025 and its reputation for thoughtful character writing and deliberate plotting precedes it. Victoria of Many Faces comes to us from the same author. Although it has a similar premise to many, many, many other anime these days, including others coming out this very season, the trailer promises something more of a character drama than a slow-life chill out show. The vibes in the trailer are impeccable, and the summary hints that there may be some actual tension to the proceedings, instead of a frictionless iyashikei.
What gives us pause: I cringe a bit every time I see a character seeking normalcy and “ordinary happiness.” I have ordinary happiness; I want fiction to excite and intrigue me! There’s some gender norms tied up in a skilled spy finding contentment in a life of domestic bliss, complete with a handsome husband and an adorable adopted daughter. It can still do interesting things, but it also could just…not.
Red River
Source: Manga by Chie Shinohara, Shojo Comic, 1995-2002
Airdate: July 7, 2026
What’s it about? Yuri, a teen of the 21st century, has been transported to ancient Anatolia as part of a scheme by the evil Nakia, Queen of the Hittites. Only the intervention of Nakia’s stepson, Prince Kail, saved Yuri from the Queen’s bloodthirsty intentions. As an unintended consequence, the people of the kingdoms of Anatolia have embraced Yuri as the incarnation of the great war-goddess Ishtar. (Source: Viz)
Why we’re excited for it: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Sorry, sorry. I couldn’t contain my excitement there. Red River is an AniFem staff favorite, and has been one of my top wished-for anime adaptations for a long time. It’s exemplary of what fantasy shojo from the 90’s is to me: a rollicking adventure, a steamy romance, and a powerful coming-of-age story. Yuri grows from an ordinary teenage girl to a smart, resourceful, empathetic young woman who rises to the occasion over and over again, no matter what situation she’s thrown into. The manga art is absolutely stunning, written and drawn with real love for the Bronze Age Middle Eastern history and a careful attention to historical detail.
What gives us pause: Hooooooooooooooo boy. Listen, I love this series with all my heart, but there’s a lot to it that modern-day audiences may not take well. While Anatolia was a diverse region, the curiously fair-skinned and/or blond-haired Hittite, Mitanni, and Egyptian royal families have been justifiably criticized as whitewashing real historical figures. People will also take issue with Kail’s entitlement to Yuri early on, though he eases up and comes to respect her boundaries. Yuri’s cleverness and empathy also makes her an attractive marriage candidate to the various princes throughout the series, and she ends up spending a lot of time being kidnapped by men who try to force themselves on her.
Audience reactions aside, I’m also not sure how well Red River will adapt to modern Japanese broadcast standards. This manga is steamy, y’all: much of the early volumes is devoted to Yuri moving toward feeling ready for sex with Prince Kail, and the rape attempts are fairly graphic. It’s a classic bodice ripper, and even though there would be plenty to work with even if they cut out all the sex, I can’t help but feel that would be like taking out its soul.
My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked
Source: Manga by Otsuji, Comic Pool, 2020-present
Airdate: July 8, 2026
What’s it about? Miya is the illegitimate child of a certain prominent family. When her mother dies, she’s convinced she knows what awaits her in her new home: a life of servitude and misery at the hands of her wicked stepmother and stepsisters! Yet when she finally meets the women she expects to treat her like dirt, they actually end up being…sweet?! (source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Why we’re excited for it: OH FUCK YEAH KUJIRA IS PLAYING THE STEPMOTHER! I knew I recognized her voice from the trailer! How could I not?
While the shojo offerings this season are heavy with varying flavors of drama, there are precious few comedies on offer, and they’re primarily rom-coms, which is more a genre of its own. My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked, while not exactly slapstick, at least looks like it’ll have jokes. The manga is quite well-regarded, making several best-of lists the year it began its publication online. Hopefully, in a world brimming with fractured fairy tales, this one will find ways to stand out.
What gives us pause: In the course of writing this guide, I’ve gotten tired of series about an abused young woman who finds healing. Get a new concept!! Give us a more interesting goal for the heroine!!!
After the Gaina jumpscare last season, I’m always extremely suspicious of new studios, and NEWON has virtually no credits to its name. Plus, while director Keisuke Inoue did a solid job adapting Level One Demon Lord and One Room Hero and My Next Life as a Villainess, The Case Book of Arne had an almost laughably awful premiere.
Though I Am an Inept Villainess
Source: Novels by Satsuki Nakamura, Shosetsuka ni Narou, 2020-present
Airdate: July 12, 2026
What’s it about? As maidens from the Five Clans battle for the Crown Prince’s heart, jealous Keigetsu uses forbidden magic to swap bodies with the beloved Reirin. Switching places does not guarantee happiness for Keigetsu with her new body’s ill health leaving her hanging on the verge of death. Meanwhile, Reirin, now wearing the face of a scorned outcast, must answer for Keigetsu’s crimes in a dangerous trial.
The unlikely pair become increasingly entangled in each other’s lives and they will need to work together to survive after discovering the dark conspiracies brewing beneath the palace’s genial surface. To confront the deadly threats lurking in the shadows, Reirin must embrace her new identity and defy their expectations of the court’s inept villainess. (source: Crunchyroll)
Why we’re excited for it: Two words: Mitsue Yamazaki. The GOAT herself, director of Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, and ZENSHU, has come back to Doga Kobo to direct a lavishly-animated pseudo-Chinese court harem romance. I could not be more here for this.
I wish I could remember just where I first heard of Though I Am an Inept Villainess. Maybe someone recommended it as a light novel that’s actually well-written? And that fans of The Apothecary Diaries might enjoy it? I don’t know. Either way, this series has been on my radar for quite some time. Inner court settings are rich ground for stories about women and their relationships with one another, and the body-swapping twist has a lot of potential to explore gender roles and what makes a woman a “villainess” versus what makes a woman worthy of love.
What gives us pause: …orrrrr, it could turn out to reinforce those exact gender roles. Once again, no matter how excited I am for a series, I cannot help but look at anything with Shousetsuka ni Narou as the source material with skepticism. It’s not an automatic death sentence, since some truly excellent series have come out of it, but 99.9% of series that come out of it are plagued with amateurish writing that, for some reason, anime writers are afraid to improve upon. Am I grasping at straws? Yeah. Though I Am an Inept Villainess is one of my most-anticipated series of the season.
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