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If you're a manga or anime fan, you're probably familiar with the terms Shoujo and Shounen. But for newcomers, it might be a puzzling question. So, what exactly is Shoujo? What about Shounen? Let's explore in this article.
1. What is Shoujo?
Shoujo is a Japanese term meaning 'young girl,' typically referring to teenage girls (aged 10-18). In Japan, the term Shoujo is widely used and can encompass anything targeted towards young girls, such as Shoujo manga, Shoujo fashion, Shoujo culture, and more.
Anime and manga in the Shoujo genre primarily target readers who are girls aged 10 to 18. However, this doesn't mean boys can't enjoy them. The content often focuses on human relationships, delving into the inner thoughts of the female protagonist with romantic stories that evoke various emotions. It could be a story rich in romantic sentiments, such as a normal girl unexpectedly meeting a handsome, wealthy, and talented prince charming with a mysterious past, or an ordinary person inadvertently falling in love with a prince from some distant land.
Additionally, while watching anime or reading manga, audiences may come across the Shoujo Ai genre, which explores romantic relationships between girls.
2. Some notable Shoujo anime
If you're a fan of romantic stories, you can't miss out on the Shoujo genre. Here are some typical Shoujo anime series:
Hotarubi no Mori e – Forest of Fireflies' Light
The story revolves around Hotaru, who gets lost in an ancient forest while visiting her grandmother. In her darkest moment, she is fortunately helped by a spirit of the forest named Gin wearing a mask. However, she must promise not to touch the boy, as touching Gin would make him disappear. Their fateful encounter leads them to become close friends. Every summer, she visits him in the forest, but their romantic feelings cannot be acted upon due to the forbidden touch.
Orange – Miracle in Orange
Naho Takamiya, a second-year high school student, has a rough first day at school. On this day, she receives a letter from her future self, urging her to correct past mistakes so that her future self, ten years later, will not feel regret and sorrow again. A gentle story without thrilling plot twists, focusing on the characters' relationships, making the film extremely captivating for viewers.
3. What is Shounen?
Shounen is a Japanese term. In contrast to Shoujo, which refers to girls, Shounen translates to 'young boy,' used to denote boys in their adolescence.
Shounen anime and manga are primarily aimed at boys, but they are not exclusive. Girls can also read them. Shounen series often feature violence, sports, martial arts intertwined with dramatic action sequences, revolving around young boys. In this genre, romantic elements are usually less prominent, but it emphasizes the importance of close friendships among boys.
Similar to Shoujo Ai, Shounen Ai is a genre of anime/manga that explores romantic relationships between males.
4. Some notable Shounen anime/manga
Perhaps Shounen anime/manga series are no longer unfamiliar to readers. Below are some typical Shounen series that captivate not only male but also female audiences. Additionally, you can also explore other series like Naruto, Dragon Ball, Conan, One Punch Man, and more.
One Piece – Pirate Island
The story revolves around the adventure to find the treasure One Piece by a boy named Luffy, who accidentally eats a devil fruit and becomes a rubber man who can't swim. What awaits him ahead? Will he be able to claim the One Piece treasure?
Dr. Stone
As a newly adapted manga turned into a film in 2019, its allure cannot be denied. Set in the future, when a strange light beam appears, turning all humans into stone. Thousands of years later, Senkuu—a teenage genius scientist—unexpectedly breaks free from the stone, and together with his friend Taiju, they embark on a journey to unravel the mystery of the petrification and rebuild the world.
5. What are the differences between Shounen and Shoujo?
Shounen is the most popular genre for males, while Shoujo is popular for females. Previously, main characters in shounen works were predominantly male, with female characters often playing supporting roles like sisters, mothers, or girlfriends. Nowadays, female characters play equally significant roles as male characters, participating in and fighting alongside the male protagonists.
Shoujo series often feature both gentle romantic elements and complex plots, while Shounen series are always full of excitement.
The drawing styles of these two types of stories also differ: Shounen tends to have a more rugged drawing style, while Shoujo tends to be softer.
Above are some insights and answers to the question of what Shoujo and Shounen are. Hopefully, this article will help you understand more about the meanings of these two genres. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
