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Shōjo manga facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Shōjo (pronounced "show-joe") is a special type of manga, which are Japanese comics. These comics are created mainly for young girls, usually between the ages of 7 and 19. One of the most famous shōjo manga series you might know is Sailor Moon. Many shōjo stories focus on themes like friendship, romance, and growing up. However, some shōjo manga also feature exciting action or more serious adventures. Most characters in shōjo manga are girls, often around middle school or high school age.

The History of Shōjo Manga

Shōjo manga first appeared in Japan. It was made specifically for young female readers, much like shōnen manga is made for young male readers. These comics started to become popular in the early 1900s. Back then, most shōjo stories were about funny everyday life or family at home.

After World War II, manga artists began creating more exciting and fast-paced stories. This change helped create the "magical girl" genre, which features girls with special powers. This new style helped make manga popular all around the world.

Shōjo Manga Comes to the West

In the 1990s and early 2000s, more and more manga and anime, including shōjo, started to arrive in Western countries. Companies like VIZ and Dark Horse Comics began releasing English versions of these Japanese comics. This made it much easier for readers outside Japan to enjoy shōjo stories. Before this time, many manga were only available in Japan.

Age Groups for Shōjo

Shōjo manga is often divided into different age groups. These groups suggest who the manga is best suited for. The main age recommendations are:

  • All ages: For readers aged five and up.
  • Teen: For readers aged 13 and up.
  • Older Teen / Adult: For readers aged 17 and up.

Popular Shōjo Manga Series

Here is a list of some well-known shōjo manga series:

  • Angel Sanctuary
  • Sailor Moon
  • Shugo Chara
  • Kirarin Revolution
  • Cardcaptor Sakura
  • Chibi Devi
  • Tokyo Mew Mew
  • Ouran High School Host Club
  • Kaichou wa Maid-sama!
  • Ao Haru Ride
  • Kamisama Hajimemashita
  • Sukitte Ii na yo
  • Oresama Teacher
  • Kimi ni Todoke
  • Fruits Basket
  • Lovely Complex
  • Gakuen Alice

Images for kids

  • Japan Bookstore

    Shelves of shōjo manga under the Margaret Comics imprint at a bookstore in Tokyo in 2004

  • Hideko Takamine in Hana tsumi nikki, 1939 (cropped)

    Actress Hideko Takamine, portraying an archetypal shōjo wearing a sailor fuku in the 1939 film Hana Tsumi Nikki [ja]

  • Shōjokai first issue

    Cover of the first issue of Shōjo-kai, 1902

  • Princess Knight from Takarazuka, Hyogo (8678411614) (cropped)

    An ambassador for the city of Takarazuka dressed as the titular character from Princess Knight in 2012

  • Sabrina (1954 film poster)

    Shōjo manga of the 1960s was influenced by American romantic comedy films, such as Sabrina (1954), which was adapted into a manga in 1963.

  • Hagio Moto in 2008

    Moto Hagio, a major figure associated with the Year 24 Group, in 2008

  • Top kourei don1

    Cover illustration to the josei manga series Kōrei Shussan Don to Koi!! [ja] by Motoko Fujita, an autobiography chronicling the author's pregnancy at the age of 43.

  • Shojo gaho 1926 09

    Cover of the September 1926 issue of Shōjo Gahō, with art by the lyrical painter Kashō Takabatake.

  • Sueko Takigawa Scan10001 160913

    Shōjo war fiction emerged in tandem with the militarization of Japan in the 1930s, while an emphasis on cross-dressing came from the popularity of the cross-dressing actresses of the Takarazuka Revue (actress Sueko Takigawa pictured).

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Shōjo para niños

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Shōjo manga Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.