Beauty in History: Shoujo and Josei Manga with Historical Settings

There are few things better in life than a good historical fiction book—and one of them is a historical fiction manga! And if that manga is also shoujo or josei? Then into our never-ending TBR pile it goes, no questions asked.

But what should you pick up this May? After all, there are only so many books you can fit into the day. Well, we have done the research for you and grouped some of our latest and upcoming releases that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on if you call yourself a shoujo-josei reader!

A Witch’s Life in Mongol

By Tomato Soup

The time: the thirteenth century. The place: Yeke Mongol Ulus, the greatest empire the world has ever known. The woman: Fatima, hailing from Persia, where medical techniques and scientific knowledge have been perfected beyond all precedent. Fatima’s desire for a stage where she can put her knowledge to work has brought her to the palace of the Mongols, where she falls under the wing of Töregene—the sixth wife of Ögedei, the second Great Khan—a mighty woman with complicated feelings about the direction of the empire. These two women are the axel upon which the politics of the palace, and soon the very world, will turn…

Have you ever wanted to lose yourself to the sands of time? What about becoming a main character in an ancient medieval manuscript? If the answers to both was ever “yes,” then you ought to pick up A Witch’s Life in Mongol. This incredible series offers not only unique art that would fit right in a museum’s archival collection but also a compelling storyline that speaks of women’s struggles and power in the Mongol empire. Marry that with a love for science and culture, and you have in your hands one of our most interesting releases to date. 

Tamaki & Amane

By Fumi Yoshinaga

Family, romance, friendship—love takes many shapes. Modern-day Tamaki is shocked to see her only daughter kissing a female classmate. But as it turns out, her husband, Amane, once had a crush on a boy in middle school… Meiji period’s Tamaki and Amane, two students at an all-girls school, become close friends. But when Amane gets engaged, the pair are separated… 1970s Tamaki’s illness has left her without much longer to live. As she tries to make the most of the days she has left, she meets a little boy who seems to be having a rough time, too… Postwar Amane, a discharged soldier, reunites with Tamaki, his former squad leader, and joins in on his black market operations. However, Tamaki has a secret… Edo period’s Tamaki has slain his childhood friend Amane’s husband. When she seeks him out to take her revenge, the wheel of fate begins to turn in a new direction…

Fumi Yoshinaga has already established herself as a reigning queen of historical manga with Ōoku: The Inner Chambers. And with Tamaki & Amane, she comes back to remind us that yes, her title was not earned without just cause. From the Edo period to our modern times, Tamaki & Amane reads like a family album, tracing the titular characters’ steps as they inevitably fall for the other all over again. This josei manga is a jewel in Fumi Yoshinaga’s immense treasure chest.

The 31st Consort

By Tsubasa Nanaki, (Original Story) Momotomoe, (Art) Nanao Yamashita

Becoming a consort is every lady’s dream…as long as she’s not the 31st! Being ranked lowest means living in the shabbiest residence, having the fewest maids—and worst of all, only getting to meet the king when the 31st day of a month rolls around. It’s perfect for Felia, though. Uninterested in marriage, she’d much rather get her hands dirty tending her cherished herb garden than fighting for favor. But when the king finally visits, Felia realizes vying for His Majesty’s full attention might just be worth it...

For our shoujo romance readers, this spring you can dive into a new series with The 31st Consort, a manga that screams comfort read. If “Cinderella” was your favorite bedtime story and homesteading is your true calling, then don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this rags-to-riches shoujo manga. The 31st Consort is a very laid-back series where kings are handsome, tomatoes are ripe, and rival consorts are mostly kind. And don’t be fooled by the semi-harem set-up: His majesty is not Henry VIII and only has eyes for our dear Felia.

To Sir, Without Love: I’m Divorcing You

By Iroto Tsumugi, (Original Story) Kori Hisakawa, (Character Design) Airumu

Daughter of a viscount, talented with a sword, and possessing a shrewd business sense, Byletta neither needs nor wants an arranged marriage. But on the day she’s supposed to meet her future groom…he’s gone off to war?! Why, a spouseless life with no man to keep her down is a dream come true! Skip to eight wonderful years later when she receives news that her stranger of a husband is set to return. Determined to keep her freedom, Byletta sends him a letter requesting a separation…only for him to respond with an outrageous wager: He’ll agree to a divorce only if they sleep together for a month…and she doesn’t conceive?! The audacity of this man!!

But then again, if you prefer your romance with an edge, you might be more interested in checking out To Sir, Without Love: I’m Divorcing You, a manga where having a child (or not) is the key to a (un)successful marriage. Certainly, the idea of being a military wife might have lost its appeal in recent ages, but a noble military wife to a very handsome man who needs to be put in his place? We’re afraid we cannot deny this call.

While A Witch’s Life in Mongol will be out this May, you can already pick up your copies of To Sir, Without Love: I’m Divorcing You, The 31st Consort, and Tamaki & Amane! Spend your days falling into another world, and don’t let anyone tell you that shoujo and josei manga lack imagination—because these titles are clearly proving them wrong!