Key Takeaways
- BL manga genre offers diverse sub-genres, catering to varying preferences.
- Best BL manga blend emotional depth, complex themes, and captivating art.
- BL manga selection ranges from pure romance to deeper societal issues.
As I delve deeper into the captivating world of boys’ love manga, I find myself utterly enchanted by two series that resonate profoundly with my heart – “Sasaki and Miyano” and “What Did You Eat Yesterday?
The “Boy’s Love” manga is a distinctive category of stories that explore same-gender relationships. Within this category, you’ll find numerous sub-genres such as action, fantasy, everyday life, and pure romance. Contrary to some perceptions, the BL genre encompasses a wide variety of narratives, many of which are not sexually explicit or do not focus on adult themes.
In this particular genre, you’ll find a diverse blend of various sub-genres and maturity levels, catering to a wide array of tastes. However, it’s challenging to single out the absolute best, as favorites may vary. For fans of BL (Boys’ Love), this list encompasses some enduring classics, along with fresh, promising newcomers.
20 Links
Independent Stories Of Varied Gay Experiences
Mangaka | Natsuki Kizu |
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English Publisher | SuBLime |
Age Rating | 18+ |
No. Of English Volumes | 1 |
As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my excitement about diving into yet another captivating BL manga by Natsuki Kizu: “Links.” This intriguing narrative weaves together the lives of various romantic pairs, all connected in some mysterious and beautiful way. The story unfolds through a unique narrative device – the phrase, “Would you like to hear my story?” triggers poignant flashbacks that reveal the threads of connection tying each couple’s past, while also illustrating their interactions in the present moment. It’s a truly compelling exploration of love, relationships, and the intricate web that binds us all.
This manga combines various sub-genres and topics such as music, the underworld (yakuza), everyday school life, and domestic situations. It offers a moving narrative that is perfect for readers seeking an engaging read in a short span of time.
19 Only the Flower Knows
Straight Man’s BL Story Blooms In Lab
Mangaka | Rihito Takarai |
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English Publisher | Digital Manga Publishing |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volumes | 3 |
Japanese Title |
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At university, Youichi Arikawa enjoys a fulfilling life. His academic performance is satisfactory, his circle of friends is lively and vibrant, and Minami, his girlfriend, seems to be a positive influence on him. However, unexpected meetings with Shouta Misaki stir romantic feelings within Arikawa, despite the fact that he wouldn’t recognize Misaki without glasses.
In Only the Flower Knows, Arikawa finds himself becoming more acquainted with Misaki, uncovering feelings deeper than friendship as he acknowledges his affection for him. The narrative does incorporate certain BL (Boys’ Love) stereotypes, such as Misaki being subjected to unwanted physical attention due to his feminine appearance. Nevertheless, it’s a heartwarming tale about two individuals helping each other blossom and grow closer.
18 My Summer Of You
Cinephiles Spark Conflicted Summer Love
Mangaka | Nagisa Furuya |
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English Publisher | Kodansha Comics |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 3 |
Japanese Title |
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Chiharu Saeki and Wataru Toda have a deep affection for movies, often visiting the cinema almost every weekend to watch films together. Their shared love of cinema is so strong that it helps them navigate through life’s challenges, such as when Chiharu confessed her feelings for Wataru. Despite his response, Wataru emphasized that their summer trip to explore filming locations would still take place, regardless of whether or not he reciprocated her feelings.
Titled either “Your Summer with Me” or “The Blissful Summer Together“, this heartwarming tale follows the emotional journey of two boys as they grapple with their shifting feelings towards each other. The narrative unfolds across summers, from high school to college, and weaves together their travels through Japan, their deepening bond, and their shared love for cinema, creating a soothing reading experience.
17 I Think I Turned My Childhood Friend Into A Girl
Rom-Com’d By Teen Boy Interest In Make-Up
Mangaka | Azusa Banjou |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume |
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Japanese Title |
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Kenshiro Mido is an adolescent boy with a passion for makeup, and fortunately, he has sisters who serve as his canvas. Whenever he feels the need to experiment on someone else, his longtime companion, Hiura Mihate, willingly steps in to be his makeup model. This shared experience leads to some unexpected outcomes: Hiura develops an affinity for cross-dressing, while Kenshiro starts to see him as something more than just a friend.
The debut of “I Think I Turned My Childhood Friend Into A Girl” stirred up controversy. Initially, the character Hiura was incorrectly portrayed as a trans woman by Seven Seas Entertainment’s translator, despite Hiura himself stating that he is a man. Later editions rectified this error, with the next volume set for release in 2025.
16 Our Dining Table
Learning To Connect With Others Through Shared Meals
Mangaka | Ori Mita |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 1 |
Japanese Title |
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For Yutaka Hozumi, meal times can be quite tricky. By himself, everything’s smooth sailing, but in the company of others, he becomes uneasy and distinctly uncomfortable. Unaware of Yutaka’s discomfort, four-year-old Tane Ueda casually overlooks him when he spots the businessman eating alone at the park.
In a twist of fate, I, the gamer, was gifted an unforgettable rice ball by Yutaka – the best one I’ve ever tasted. This magical onigiri sparked curiosity in Tane and his brother, Minoru, leading them to ask Yutaka for cooking lessons. As we learned together, Yutaka began to heal childhood wounds tied to mealtime and found a bond with Minoru over shared feelings of loneliness.
15 I Cannot Reach You
Gay Boy Confesses To Straight Best Friend
Mangaka | Mika |
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English Publisher | Yen Press |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 7 |
Japanese Title |
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Many LGBTQIA+ individuals have experienced hiding their feelings for a friend to preserve their friendship. The anime “Kimi ni wa Todokanai” (or “I Cannot Reach You”) takes a slightly different approach, as it tells the story of Kakeru discovering that his childhood best friend Yamato might be deeply in love with him.
As Kakeru approaches a girl at school, it appears that Yamato’s suspicion might be correct when Yamato comes close to confessing his feelings to Kakeru. However, Yamato retreats due to fear, leaving Kakeru to ponder over their friendship and whether he shares the same feelings for Yamato.
14 Crossplay Love: Otaku x Punk
Cozy Romcom BL Full Of Misunderstandings & Gender Bending
Mangaka | Toru |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume |
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Japanese Title |
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Title Translation: Troublesome Crossplay Love – Otaku Meets Punk
At a unique café where cross-dressing is common, shy and melancholic youth named Yuuma works. There, the bold and punkish individual, Shuumei, notices Yuuma and develops feelings for him. Overwhelmed by fear to directly express his affection towards Yuuma, who he assumes is a woman, Shuumei chooses to disguise himself as a girl to socialize in the café. Unaware of Shuumei’s true gender, Yuuma reciprocates these feelings, mistakenly believing that Shuumei is also a woman.
Since 2018, Yuuma and Shuumei have been grappling with maintaining their public images. This ongoing saga, filled with comical misunderstandings, has shown some advancement in their relationship as well as for supporting characters. However, they haven’t reached the point where they become a couple yet.
13 Minato’s Laundromat
Tired 30 Y.O. Finds Self-Love & Young Love
Mangaka |
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English Publisher | Yen Press |
Age Rating | 18+ |
No. Of English Volumes |
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Japanese Title |
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Akira Minato was tired of urban living, so he left his position in Tokyo and returned to his small hometown. Now the owner of his grandfather’s coin laundry, he encounters various new townsfolk. Among them is Shintaro Katsuki, a persistent young man who approaches Minato after an unintentional disclosure of his sexuality.
In simpler terms, “Minato’s Laundromat” or “Minato’s Coin Laundry” is a manga that explores a romantic relationship between two men, Minato and Katsuki, who have an age difference. The story delves into their emotional introspection and personal struggles rather than immediately focusing on their romance. It also highlights the challenges each character faces individually.
This production lacks explicit sexual content but carries mature themes related to LGBT experiences, making it more suitable for adult viewers who can grapple with these complexities. Moreover, it has garnered positive reviews in its live-action format, spanning over two seasons.
12 My Boyfriend Is A Dog
Cute Furry Gag Comic About a Sweet Adult Couple
Mangaka | Kadiro |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volumes | 2 |
Japanese Title |
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Kentarou appears to be a man-like dog with a face that might frighten children at first glance. However, his regular human boyfriend, Inukai, perceives past Kentarou’s stoicism due to his communicative tail. This adorable duo is as endearing as could be, despite Inukai’s clumsiness and Kentarou’s sensitivity.
Their cute dynamic and sweet daily life form the basis of My Boyfriend is a Dog or Inukei no Kareshi, a manga where human and Beastars-like animals co-exist. Kentarou and Inukai are a perfectly sweet adult couple, while Inukai’s workmates, the human Nekomiya and tiger Shimada, are adorably argumentative.
11 Welcome Home
Fluffy ABO Parenthood
Mangaka | Ichikawa Ichi |
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English Publisher | Medibang |
Age Rating | 18+ |
No. Of English Volumes | 1 |
Japanese Title |
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Originally conceived as a means for authors to create eternal romantic pairings among characters, the omegaverse trope has matured over time, allowing writers to incorporate healthcare issues and real-life challenges. One example is the BL titled “Welcome Home” or “Tadaima, Okaeri,” where the protagonists Hiromu and Masaki Fujiyoshi grapple with the harsh realities of discrimination in their lives.
Hiromu (or Hiro) and Masaki are classified as an alpha and omega respectively, but they choose to break the norm by establishing a unique relationship due to the birth of their son, Hikari. However, in a world that tends to favor such categorizations, they encounter obstacles stemming from prejudices against their unconventional bond and secondary traits. Their new beginning is not without its imperfections.
Regrettably, only a single volume of the series is available in English, and it appears that Medibang may have ceased production on this title. However, luckily for enthusiasts, Crunchyroll offers an English-subtitled version of the anime that’s currently circulating.
10 Given
Amateur Rock Band BL About Teens Struggling With Feelings
Mangaka | Natsuki Kizu |
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English Publisher | SuBLime |
Age Rating | 18+ |
No. Of English Volumes | 8 |
The story revolves around “Given,” a renowned work by Natsuki Kizu, which focuses on the lives and connections among the members of a band. An encounter between Ritsuko Uenoyama and Mafuyu Sato, who was holding a broken Gibson guitar, sets off the narrative. Although their bond doesn’t form instantly, Ritsuko eventually takes Mafuyu under his wing to teach him the guitar. As the tale unfolds, we meet Akihiko and Haruki, Ritsuko’s bandmates, who significantly contribute to the overall plot.
This work seamlessly blends school-related themes and various music styles to produce a remarkable piece, ideal for new followers of the Boys’ Love genre. It has been transformed into an anime and live-action series, both of which can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
9 Until I Meet My Husband
Memoir Of IRL Gay Activist & Japan’s First Religiously-Recognized Gay Marriage
Mangaka |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 1 |
Japanese Title |
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Until I Meet My Husband stands out among BL mangas due to its roots in the real-life story of Ryousuke Nanasaki, a well-known gay activist who wrote his own memoir. While some parts have been compacted, the manga remains faithful to Nanasaki’s personal experiences as a gay man living in Japan.
The story “Until I Meet My Husband” fearlessly delves into Nanasaki’s journey, from his unawareness of being gay as a child, to his exploration of the gay community in Tokyo, experiencing heartache, self-hatred, and everything in between. Furthermore, it portrays his tumultuous, emotionally abusive relationship, followed by his healing process, eventually leading to a marriage with the man who became his husband.
8 Seaside Stranger (Series)
Spontaneous Couple Confronts Reality Of Familial Estrangement
Mangaka | Kanna Kii |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 6 |
Japanese Title |
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Title Option 1: Beachside Outsider
In the continuation of the series titled “Seaside Stranger“, Shun embraces love through Mio and challenges his family’s prejudice against homosexuality. The characters, including Shun, are portrayed with depth, avoiding simplistic stereotypes. The series fearlessly tackles emotional conflicts related to LGBTQIA+ matters as well as practical discussions on sexual limits.
7 I Hear the Sunspot
Deaf Boy & Starving College Kid Builds Friendship, Falls In Love
Mangaka | Yuki Fumino |
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English Publisher | One Peace Books |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume | 7 |
Japanese Title |
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Despite Kohei Sugihara’s sincere efforts, his deafness sometimes leads others to perceive him as aloof or arrogant. However, extroverted Taichi Sagawa, unaffected by Kohei’s undeserved reputation, graciously offers to take notes for him. This budding friendship encourages Kohei to reevaluate his college experience and Taichi to reflect on the feelings he harbors towards his new companion.
In my gaming world, Kohei and Taichi’s heartwarming tale unfolds gradually, as they each grapple with their individual challenges. Their journey to love is marked by poignant and vibrant conflicts, spanning multiple chapters. The manga I Hear the Sunspot continues in I Hear the Sunspot: Theory of Happiness, Limit, and Four Seasons, with new installments still being released. To top it off, this captivating story has been brought to life on both the big screen (a live-action film) and the small screen (a TV drama).
6 Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?!
Japanese Urban Legend Of 30 Y.O. Virgins Becoming Wizards In BL Form
Mangaka | Yuu Toyota |
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English Publisher | Square Enix |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume |
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Japanese Title |
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As per a popular Japanese tale set in urban folklore, individuals who remain virgins past the age of thirty are said to gain magical powers. Unfortunately for Kiyoshi Adachi, this legend manifests itself and bestows upon him the ability to read minds through touch. Regrettably, rather than this newfound power leading him to a romantic interest, he learns that Yuuichi Kurosawa, a charismatic figure in his office, is already deeply infatuated with him.
Cherry Magic has become a highly sought-after BL manga, anime, radio show, and live series, captivating not just niche audiences but also mainstream viewers as well. The intriguing dynamic between Kiyoshi’s bewilderment towards Yuuichi’s affection and Yuuichi’s endearing ‘gap moe’ combined with their charming beta couple dynamics, along with a strong supporting female character, have made it an undeniable success.
5 Classmates
Pure High School Romance
Mangaka | Asumiko Nakamura |
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English Publisher | Seven Seas Entertainment |
Age Rating | Older Teen |
No. Of English Volumes | 9 |
Japanese Name |
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Doukyuusei, or Classmates in English, is a heartwarming high school romance penned by mangaka Asumiko Nakamura. The narrative unfolds around Rihito Sajo and Hikaru Kusakabe as they navigate their friendship, fall in love, and eventually graduate from high school. Their bond, despite their differences, blossoms into a wholesome relationship characterized by mutual understanding, shared confidences, and unwavering support during significant life transitions.
As a longtime fan of Boys’ Love (BL) genre, I must say that this particular story is truly enjoyable for both newcomers and dedicated fans alike. With its sweet and tender slice-of-life narrative, it offers a refreshing take on wholesome romances that resonates deeply with me, having spent countless hours immersed in the world of BL. The hour-long film adaptation of this story is an excellent addition to the genre, capturing the essence of the original work while providing a concise and engaging viewing experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming tale that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of BL.
4 Ogi’s Summer Break
Sweet Summer Romance That Touches On Disabilities
Mangaka | Koikawa |
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English Publisher | Tokyopop |
Age Rating | 16+ |
No. Of English Volumes | 2 |
Japanese Title |
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As a passionate gamer, let me share my thoughts on “Ogi’s Summer Break,” a remarkable manga that beautifully portrays disability representation in the world of manga. This captivating story unfolds as an enchanting love tale between two young men, each finding solace and connection at the right moment.
Initially, the character Tago might seem a bit unsettling, but it’s worth persisting with the narrative to fully understand him. Don’t form a quick opinion about author Koikawa’s work based solely on your initial impressions of Tago.
3 Our Not So Lonely Planet Travel Guide
Pre-Wedding Honeymoon For Cute Couple
Mangaka | Mone Sorai |
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English Publisher | Tokyopop |
Age Rating | 13+ |
No. Of English Volumes | 4 |
Japanese Title |
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Our Unconventional Travel Companion is a tale that revolves around exploration, stepping out of familiar territories, and most significantly, love. Initially, Asahi and Mitsuki were an item, but they had never embarked on a global journey prior to this narrative. Braving the unknown together, they set off to traverse the world. However, Asahi felt hesitant about openly expressing his homosexuality in public spaces. Along their voyage, they encountered a myriad of individuals, each one leaving an indelible mark on the couple’s lives.
Title by Mone Sarai is a wonderful choice for readers seeking mature narratives devoid of explicit sexual content. Instead, it offers a tranquil tale enriched with meaningful dialogue and breathtaking landscapes.
2 Sasaki And Miyano
Slow Burn But Sweet Romance Between Believable Teenage Boys
Mangaka | Sho Harusono |
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English Publisher | Yen Press |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volumes |
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Japanese Title |
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Yoshikazu Miyano is a shy youngster often bullied due to his not-so-masculine appearance. He’s also worried about others discovering his passion for BL, a genre typically enjoyed by women. However, when his senior, Shumei Sasaki, shields him from a fight and shows enthusiasm for Miyano’s Yaoi books, Miyano believes he’s made a new friend. Unbeknownst to Miyano, his unusual relationship with Sasaki will evolve into something deeper than the stories in his beloved BL novels.
Sasaki and Miyano is a heartwarming BL (Boys’ Love) series that gradually builds the relationship between its central characters and their peers. It explores teenage sexuality in a realistic manner, focusing on feelings rather than labels. The diverse cast effectively portrays the ups and downs of young love, surrounded by supportive family members and relatable teenagers acting their age.
1 What Did You Eat Yesterday?
Realities & Sweetness Of Middle-Aged Gay Couple
Mangaka | Fumi Yoshinaga |
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English Publisher | Vertical |
Age Rating | Teen |
No. Of English Volume |
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Japanese Title |
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Shiro Kakei is both a lawyer and a food enthusiast, while Kenji Yabuki takes pride in his work as a hairdresser and enjoys assisting his clients. Despite maintaining a professional demeanor at work, Shiro displays warmth and thoughtfulness, particularly when preparing meals for Kenji. Their days are filled with shared meals, dividing household tasks, and openly expressing their relationship to others.
Have you heard about “What Did You Eat Yesterday?”? This popular BL series, with over 21 volumes, live-action adaptations, movies, and even a spin-off, is cherished for its depiction of an older LGBTQIA+ couple, the challenges they face as a community, and heartwarming scenes that capture the simplicity of their daily life in a loving relationship. As Shiro and Kenji grow older, the series beautifully portrays their evolving domesticity, masculinity, and growing comfort with expressing their relationship and sexual orientation.
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2024-11-05 13:55