In Japanese anime, there are various female characters to get inspired from. Some might be villains while others will be innocent little girls. Many anime fans aren’t aware of these classic words that describe the entire genre. Just like Shoujo. Here I have well researched the details about the Shoujo meaning and everything related to it. If you are a fan of Japanese anime and manga, then come along to learn about this anime genre.
Shoujo Meaning in Detail
Shoujo or 少女 is a Japanese word for “little girl” or “maiden” as its translated into English. This is a like of age group of females that lies from the age of 7 to 18 years old. In other words, the girls from the last years of middle school to the end years of high school lie in this genre. This is the authentic meaning of the shoujo in Japanese.
Shoujo in anime is the genre that consists of characters that lie under the above-specified age group. The shoujo anime is about middle age characters and their interests. The story mainly revolves around their viewpoint about life and the objects or characters that they are focused on.
The most common ideas of these stories are their first love, finding their passion, friendship bonds, their bonds with male friends and etc. The story is very plain like a slice of life. The anime shows their school activities and their normal daily life. The story climax always added flavors with different elements like action punches, magical moments, and mystery.
These female young characters are the main lead with normal and a lot going around them. These characters are also known as a magical girls. These girls try to balance their life in anime to make the story more interesting. I guess it’s very clear what shoujo meaning is and what is it in the anime genre.
History of Shoujo
Shoujo anime started as a manga in 1903 with Shoujo Kai. These series were followed up by Shojo Sekai in 1906 and Shōjo no Tomo in 1908. The amazing fact about it is that these sketches were created by interns that were trying to sharpen their skills. They were actually trying to create political satire for newspapers. The 1900s era was considered the Golden Time of Shoujo Anime.
Many shoujo anime made their start as manga because their long pages keep the readers stuck to it. This genre storyline is around women because these anime were created by women who pinned their focus around me with versatile personalities and focus of attraction.
In 1955, Ribon and Nakayoshi were published monthly by two main publishers – Shūeisha Publishing House and Kōdansha Publishing House. Later on, Attack No. 1 (1968–1971), The Roses of Versailles (1972–1973), Thomas no Shinzō (1973-1975), and Chibi Maruko-chan (since 1987) made a long way to success. And if you’re interested in other anime, check the Anime section of Retrology.
Later, the modern shoujo meaning anime like Sailor Moon (1992-1997) by Naoko Takeuchi was recognized internationally and it was marked as the beginning of a new era. There are many fans who get confused about shoujo anime and shoujo manga. Here is the comparison and difference I found so far.
Shoujo Anime V/S Shoujo Manga
The main difference is that the manga is very detailed with dialogues and expressions of the characters. And when it’s converted to anime, it doesn’t result to be a good output. This is the main reason for conflicts between fans of shoujo anime and shoujo manga.
Best Shoujo Meaning Anime
Kokomo no Omocha
This classic 90s shoujo meaning anime is the best example for you to understand it. The storyline is about a sixth-grader named Sana Kurata who is a screen star in a TV show known as Kodomo no Omocha, or Kodocha. Her life was perfectly fine. Until she clashes with a troublemaker called Akito Hayama. As the story progresses, Sana is against him presenting the class with his gang boys, and stupidly challenges him. She falls for him as they get closer.
Lovely Complex
Even after 15 years of release, Lovely Complex’s rating is quite good. The different love stories of Risa Koizumi (a girl with a height of 172cm ) and Atsushi Otani (a boy with a height of 156cm). This pair is pure comics as friends. Their friendship turns into love when they get closer and the difference in height does overcome their mutual love.
Glass Mask
The never-ending boring life of Maya Kitajima who’s always supporting her restaurant with her mother. One day, the cinematic diva Chigusa Tsukikage caught the glimpse of Maya’s acting skills. On the other hand, Ayumi Himekawa belongs to a rich wealthy family who is waiting for her talents to be noticed. Both of them collide as they need to fight for the role of The Crimson Goddess in the play.
Skip Beat
Kyoko Mogami supports her childhood friend and crush, Shotaro Fuwa. She did many part-time jobs to support but he in return, treats her like her servant. On her realization, she decides to step into the music industry. And face whatever it takes.
Cardcaptor
This magical shoujo anime is another great example. A fourth-grader known as Sakura Kinomoto discovers an ancient manuscript that contains a set of cards that are blown up by a gust of wind to give unbelievable superpowers. Now it’s up to Sakura to control the power of Cardcaptor and then all of them back.
Revolutionary Girl Utena
This anime is classic-themed and surrealist imagery where Antena Tenjo, a girl who is dead set on becoming a prince. She ends up at Ohtori Academy where she has to face violent and brutal challenges to reach the qualification to win the Rose Bride Anthy Himemiya. It ends up releasing her and revealing the dark secrets of the academy.
Nana
This is Nana’s story of Nana Komatsu, and Nana Osaki with different personalities like fire and water. Their path crosses a train in Tokyo which leads them to share an apartment and build a strong friendship bond. They have trials and challenges waiting for them.
Fruits Basket
This show is the topper of this list where an ill-fated girl Tohru Honda is struggling to live in a tent that belongs to the Sohma family. She ends up living with them where she discovers that the members of the family can transform into Chinese Zodiac animals when they are hugged by animals. Finally, a supernatural romance begins.
In the end, I’m certain that you are now fully aware of Shoujo meaning, its anime genre, history and some of its best anime examples. Give a solid try.
