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The allure of yuri, the genre of manga focusing on romantic relationships between female characters, is capturing the attention of publishers. “The category is truly expanding now,” observes Mark de Vera, marketing director at Yen Press.
Manga historian Erica Friedman notes that yuri enthusiasts have become “more vibrant and vocal.” Their dedication is evident; while other manga genres frequently depend on anime adaptations for success, yuri thrives primarily on the genuine enthusiasm of its readers. Nonetheless, recent titles like The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All and This Monster Wants to Eat Me are set to receive their own anime adaptations.
To highlight this growing trend, here are five upcoming yuri releases, each offering a unique blend of narrative styles.
Common Sense Monster
Authored by Warugi Wanai and Shinobu Shinotsuki, translated by John Neal. Yen, releasing August.
This horror-romance crossover tells the story of a socially awkward girl who develops an infatuation with a classmate, only to learn that she is a flesh-eating entity. Yen Press is optimistic about this series, hoping it captures as much intrigue as their ongoing title, This Monster Wants to Eat Me.
Convenient Semi-Friend
Created by Minori Chigusa, translated by Giuseppe di Martino. Yen, releasing June.
This comedic tale features a shy girl and her bold dorm mate who find themselves in a ‘friends with benefits’ arrangement, conveyed through a collection of traditional four-panel comic strips.
The Lying Bride and the Same-Sex Marriage Debate
By Kodama Naoko, translated by Sarah Burch. Seven Seas, coming in October.
This narrative follows an openly lesbian woman who rekindles her feelings for an old friend while aiding her escape from a troubled marriage. In a manner similar to I Married My Best Friend to Shut My Parents Up, Kodama engages with the contentious subject of same-sex marriage, which remains unrecognized in Japan.
Not So Shoujo Love Story
By Curryuku. Viz, releasing in May.
A teenage girl, enamored with manga, yearns for a romantic escapade reminiscent of her favorite stories. However, her quest leads to unexpected feelings for a girl she presumed was her rival. This series is published on Webtoon and has garnered a readership exceeding one million in English.
Pink Candy Kiss
Written by Ami Uozumi, translated by Jan Mitsuko Cash. Viz, arriving in April.
This josei manga explores the rekindling of a crush between two women, one of whom is now married, highlighting the nuances of LGBTQ+ romance among older characters.
Reincarnation
By Yuri Eury, translated by Kristjan Rohde. Glacier Bay, expected in October.
In this experimental debut, two women find themselves mysteriously connected across various lifetimes—past, present, and future. The story will be released in two omnibus editions.
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A version of this article appeared in the 04/28/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Girls’ Love Rising.
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