The Best Josei Anime of 2025

The year 2025 has arrived with a significant wave of anime adaptations catering to adult female audiences and fans of sophisticated storytelling. These titles range from high stakes historical dramas to intricate modern romances that explore the complexities of professional life and personal growth. Many beloved series have returned for second seasons while highly anticipated manga adaptations have finally made their screen debuts. The variety in genres showcases the expanding reach of the josei demographic in the global market. This list highlights the premier releases and continuations that have defined the medium over the past year.

‘Pass the Monster Meat, Milady!’ (2025)

A noblewoman with a refined palate discovers a passion for cooking and consuming dangerous monsters from the local wilderness. She ventures into the woods to find rare ingredients while maintaining her appearance as a proper lady of the court. Her culinary skills eventually attract the curiosity of a rugged adventurer who joins her on her food focused quests. The series blends gourmet themes with fantasy adventure and a touch of romance. Each episode features detailed descriptions of the fictional dishes and the techniques used to prepare them.

‘Cocoon: Aru Natsu no Shoujo-tachi yori’ (2025)

This historical drama set during the final days of the Pacific War follows a group of young girls who are mobilized as a nursing unit. They must navigate the horrors of the conflict while trying to maintain their humanity and support one another. The series provides a somber and realistic portrayal of the impact of war on civilians and the resilience of the human spirit. Its art style is delicate which creates a poignant contrast with the harsh reality of the setting. It serves as a powerful tribute to those who lived through the era and the bonds they formed.

‘Anyway, I’m Falling in Love with You.’ (2025)

Four childhood friends find their lives changing when a girl they all knew returns to their town after a long absence. The story explores the shifting dynamics of their group and the emergence of romantic feelings that threaten to disrupt their bond. It captures the nostalgia of youth and the uncertainty of transitioning into adulthood with a grounded and emotional approach. The narrative emphasizes the importance of communication and the courage required to express one’s true feelings. Each character is given a distinct voice and a relatable struggle within the ensemble cast.

‘A Star Brighter than the Sun’ (2025)

This slice of life series follows a young girl who has always been taller and stronger than her peers and the boy she has admired since childhood. As they enter high school their relationship begins to evolve in ways that force them to confront their insecurities. The art style is soft and expressive which heightens the emotional resonance of their everyday interactions. It provides a gentle exploration of first love and the beauty found in small quiet moments. The series is celebrated for its relatable characters and its realistic depiction of teenage emotions.

‘Mechanical Marie’ (2025)

A young woman takes a job as a live in maid for a wealthy recluse but must pretend to be a humanoid robot to keep her position. She struggles to maintain her mechanical persona while dealing with her employer’s eccentricities and her own growing feelings for him. The series is a romantic comedy that relies on physical humor and the tension of her secret identity. It explores themes of connection and the masks people wear to interact with the world. The interactions between the leads are filled with both comedic misunderstandings and genuine tenderness.

‘Tasokare Hotel’ (2025)

This mystery series takes place in a hotel that exists between the world of the living and the dead where guests arrive to resolve their final regrets. A young woman who finds herself working there must help the spirits find peace before they move on to the afterlife. Each episode features a new guest with a unique story and a puzzle that must be solved to unlock their memories. The atmospheric setting and supernatural premise provide a compelling backdrop for deep character exploration. It touches on themes of life death and the importance of finding closure.

‘Cute High Earth Defense Club Eternal Love!’ (2025)

The members of the Earth Defense Club return in this movie to face a new threat to world peace using the power of love and magical transformations. They must balance their duties as guardians of the planet with their everyday lives as high school students. The film continues the series tradition of parodying the magical girl genre with a focus on male protagonists and absurd humor. It features vibrant transformation sequences and a lighthearted tone that celebrates friendship. This final chapter provides a satisfying conclusion to the adventures of the club.

‘Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Movie: Taboo Night Kisses’ (2025)

The idols of the popular franchise return for a cinematic experience that features new musical performances and behind the scenes drama. The movie focuses on the preparations for a major concert and the individual growth of the group members. It utilizes advanced animation techniques to bring the stage shows to life with impressive choreography and lighting effects. The narrative emphasizes the bond between the idols and their dedication to their fans. This entry is a treat for long time followers of the series who want to see their favorite characters on the big screen.

‘Senpai Is an Otokonoko Movie: Sunshine After the Rain’ (2025)

This movie follows the complicated relationships between three students after the events of the first season as they navigate their identities and feelings for one another. It provides a sensitive exploration of gender expression and the challenges of being true to oneself in a traditional school environment. The story focuses on the emotional growth of the characters as they learn to support each other through difficult times. It features a beautiful art style that complements the quiet and reflective tone of the narrative. The film offers a heartfelt conclusion to the journey of the main trio.

‘Mononoke the Movie: Chapter II – The Ashes of Rage’ (2025)

The enigmatic Medicine Seller returns to investigate a new supernatural occurrence involving a vengeful spirit in a large imperial palace. He must uncover the truth behind the spirit’s form and its motivation before he can use his powerful sword to banish it. The film is characterized by its avant garde art style and unique approach to traditional Japanese folklore. It explores themes of human nature and the dark secrets that individuals hide from society. The visual presentation is a major highlight which creates a dreamlike and sometimes unsettling experience for the viewer.

‘Hyakusho Kizoku-the farmer’s days’ (2023–2025)

The third season of this autobiographical series continues to explore the author’s experiences working on a farm in Hokkaido before becoming a famous manga creator. It provides a humorous and educational look at the challenges of agricultural life including dealing with livestock and unpredictable weather. The short episode format allows for quick and engaging stories that highlight the absurdity of daily life on the farm. It celebrates the hard work of farmers while offering insights into the inspiration behind the author’s other famous works. The simple art style and witty narration make it accessible to a wide audience.

‘I Have a Crush at Work’ (2025)

This adult romance focuses on two colleagues who try to keep their relationship a secret from their coworkers while managing their professional responsibilities. They must navigate the nuances of office politics and the anxiety of being discovered during their daily interactions. The story provides a realistic look at the challenges of dating in a professional environment and the importance of healthy communication. It features relatable scenarios and a mature approach to romantic tension. The series emphasizes the balance between personal happiness and career stability.

‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ (2025)

Two office workers discover they share a common hobby that they both keep hidden to maintain their professional reputations. Their shared secret leads to a unique bond that eventually blossoms into a romantic connection. The narrative focuses on the double lives people lead and the relief of finding someone who truly understands them. It uses a lighthearted and comedic tone to explore the social pressures of fitting into the corporate world. The chemistry between the leads is built through their shared experiences and mutual support.

‘I Want to Escape from Princess Lessons’ (2025)

Leticia is a noblewoman who has been betrothed to a prince since childhood but wants nothing more than to live a quiet and free life. She spends her days trying to fail her princess training in hopes that the engagement will be called off. However her antics only seem to attract the interest of the prince who is fascinated by her independent spirit. The series is a romantic comedy that subverts the traditional fairy tale narrative with a strong willed protagonist. It explores themes of autonomy and the pressure of societal expectations.

‘The Dark History of the Reincarnated Villainess’ (2025)

A young woman is reincarnated into a story she wrote herself during her middle school years as the villainess who is destined for a tragic end. She must use her knowledge of the cringe inducing plot to change her fate and avoid the various traps she set for the character. The narrative is filled with humor as she confronts the embarrassing tropes and dialogue she created in her youth. It provides a meta commentary on the genre while offering a compelling story of redemption. Her efforts to improve the lives of the other characters lead to unexpected developments.

‘May I Ask For One Final Thing?’ (2025)

Scarlet is a noblewoman who responds to the public annulment of her engagement by physically confronting the corrupt individuals responsible. She uses her martial arts skills and noble standing to expose the hypocrisy of the elite and protect the innocent. The series combines action with political drama and a strong sense of moral justice. Scarlet is a powerful lead who refuses to be a victim of courtly intrigue and stands up for her principles. The narrative explores the consequences of challenging the status quo in a rigid social hierarchy.

‘Anne Shirley’ (2025)

This new adaptation of the classic novel follows the life of a spirited orphan who is sent to live on a farm in a small rural community. Her imagination and talkative nature initially clash with the residents but eventually bring joy and life to the town. The series captures the beauty of the countryside and the emotional journey of growing up in a close knit society. It focuses on the friendships and rivalries that shape her character over the years. This version provides a fresh visual style while staying true to the themes of the original story.

‘Medalist’ (2025)

A young girl with a deep passion for figure skating finds an unlikely mentor in a former professional skater who has given up on his own dreams. Together they work to overcome the technical and financial hurdles required to compete at the highest level of the sport. The series is known for its intense and accurate depiction of the physical demands and artistry of ice skating. It emphasizes the bond between the coach and the student as they support each other through failures and triumphs. The narrative is both inspiring and emotionally grounded in the reality of competitive athletics.

‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity’ (2025)

A student from a tough all boys school and a girl from a prestigious all girls academy meet and form a bond that bridges the gap between their different worlds. They must deal with the prejudices of their classmates and the expectations of their families while nurturing their growing relationship. The series is praised for its wholesome approach to romance and its focus on character development and communication. It explores themes of self worth and the importance of looking past external appearances. The art style is vibrant and soft which enhances the gentle tone of the story.

‘Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc’ (2024–2025)

Ciel Phantomhive and his demonic butler Sebastian travel to a mysterious forest in Germany to investigate reports of a legendary witch and her supernatural protectors. They must uncover the truth behind the village’s isolation and the nature of the emerald curse that plagues the area. The series continues its signature blend of gothic horror and dark comedy with high stakes action sequences. This arc features new characters and complex puzzles that test Ciel’s tactical mind and Sebastian’s unique abilities. It provides a deep dive into the folklore of the region while advancing the overarching plot of the franchise.

‘Skip and Loafer’ (2023–2025)

The second season follows Mitsumi Iwakura as she continues to navigate high school life in Tokyo with her optimistic and earnest personality. She deepens her friendships with her classmates and faces new challenges that push her out of her comfort zone. The series is a celebrated slice of life drama that focuses on realistic social interactions and the importance of empathy. It provides a comforting and insightful look at the anxieties of youth and the value of being true to oneself. The character driven narrative remains a highlight with its nuanced portrayal of teenage growth.

‘Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits-‘ (2018–2025)

Aoi returns in the second season as she continues to run a restaurant in the spirit world to pay off her grandfather’s massive debt. She must navigate the complex social structures of the supernatural realm and win over powerful spirits with her traditional human cooking. Her relationship with the Ogre God and other high ranking spirits evolves as she becomes a vital part of the hidden world’s community. The series combines culinary themes with Japanese mythology and a touch of romance. This season expands on the lore of the spirit world and the personal history of its protagonist.

‘Honey Lemon Soda’ (2025)

Uka is a shy girl who was bullied in middle school and hopes to reinvent herself as she starts her new life in high school. She is inspired by a popular boy with lemon colored hair who encourages her to stand up for herself and make new friends. The series focuses on her gradual growth and the developing romance between the two very different leads. It provides a sensitive look at social anxiety and the power of supportive relationships. The bright and airy art style reflects the hopeful and transformative tone of the story.

‘Kowloon Generic Romance’ (2025)

The story takes place in a highly detailed and atmospheric recreation of the Kowloon Walled City where a woman works at a real estate agency. She begins to notice strange anomalies in her environment and her own memories as she develops a relationship with her senior colleague. The series is a blend of romance and science fiction with a focus on nostalgia and identity. It features breathtaking backgrounds and a mature narrative that explores the meaning of love in a changing world. The mystery of the city’s nature is slowly unraveled through the daily lives of the characters.

‘Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii’ (2024–2025)

Yoshino is the granddaughter of a powerful yakuza boss who is forced into an arranged engagement with the grandson of another crime family. She must navigate the dangerous world of organized crime while dealing with her unpredictable and potentially dangerous fiancé. The series features a strong and clever protagonist who refuses to be intimidated by the violent world around her. It provides a dark and psychological take on romance with intense power dynamics and complex characters. The art style is sharp and expressive which heightens the tension of the criminal underworld setting.

‘The Rose of Versailles’ (2025)

This movie remake brings the classic story of Oscar Francois de Jarjayes and the events leading up to the French Revolution to a modern audience. Oscar is a woman raised as a man to lead the Royal Guard and protect Marie Antoinette within the opulent walls of Versailles. The film features updated animation and a dramatic orchestral score that heightens the epic scale of the historical tragedy. It explores themes of gender identity class struggle and the inevitable cost of revolutionary change. This adaptation preserves the emotional intensity and political intrigue that made the original series a masterpiece.

‘My Happy Marriage’ (2023–2025)

The second season follows Miyo Saimori as she continues her new life with the powerful soldier Kiyoka Kudo after escaping her abusive family. She must learn to control her hidden magical abilities while navigating the social expectations of the elite supernatural community. Their relationship is tested by new political threats and the emergence of enemies who want to exploit Miyo’s unique power. The series is a beautiful blend of historical romance and fantasy with a focus on emotional healing and self discovery. The atmospheric animation and soft character designs create a world that is both elegant and dangerous.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–2025)

Maomao returns to solve more medical mysteries and political scandals within the imperial palace during the highly anticipated second season. She continues to use her extensive knowledge of toxins and herbal medicine to navigate the dangerous rivalries of the inner court. Her unique dynamic with the influential official Jinshi deepens as they uncover secrets that reach the highest levels of the government. The series is praised for its historical accuracy and its sharp witted protagonist who values logic over social conventions. This latest chapter offers a compelling mix of scientific investigation and grand political drama that defines the current era of the genre.

Which of these incredible titles from the past year was your favorite to watch in the comments?