Top 25 Romance Manga With Adult Couples
If you’re looking for the best romance mangas with adult couples and mature relationships, look no further.
Tired of waiting for 50+ chapters for the two protagonists of a romance manga to hold hands, only to wait for 246 chapters more to finally see some smoochie smoochie or poum poum action? Same.
This is where romance manga with adult couples come in: they tend to depict more realistic relationships with plots that emphasize both the negative and positive outcomes of long-term partnerships. Some of the stories on this list take time to mature, while others’ plot follows couples as they move in together, get married, or even start families. Timelines vary wildly, from college to later parts of life, but all depict adult couples - and the different facets of life this implies.
+Top 20 Manga With Forced Relationships+
Natsu No Zenjitsu
夏の前日 - The Day Before Summer
The story is about a final-year art student and an art gallery manager. The primary character is Tetsuo, who has a tremendous enthusiasm for art. The manager, Akira, constantly watches him while he draws and creates new art and eventually develops affection for him. On a rainy night, love eventually blooms between them, but as the story unfolds, it concentrates more on the problems that arise between the two flawed characters. This manga is known for its lack of fan service as it portrays a very realistic bittersweet love story with people that grow, but not always in the same direction.
+Volume: 5
+Chapters: 38
+Published: 2008 to 2014
+Genres: Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Yoshida Motoi [Art&Story]
+Serialization/Other work: good! Afternoon
2. Futari Ashita mo Sorenari ni
ふたり明日もそれなりに - The Two Gets by Tomorrow Too
This manga is a simple yet heartwarming story of a couple that takes a big step in their relationship. Yuuya, the main character, is shy but asks his girlfriend to move in with him. As they begin to devote more time together, they become aware of their numerous differences and issues they must either choose to live with or overcome. Despite this, their love for one another remains. The story merges slice-of-life and small side stories to create a simple yet engaging plot. It is a great romance manga to read after a long day because it is enjoyable, lovely, cute, and intriguing.
+Volumes: 5
+Chapters: 92
+Published: 2019 to 2021
+Genres: Comedy - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Suzuyuki [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Kurage Bunch
3. Emma
エマ- VICTORIAN ROMANCE EMMA
In the original setting of Victorian-era England begins an emotional saga of love between two individuals of very different societal standing. Working-class maid Emma and wealthy aristocrat William Jones find themselves falling for one another. In their effort to pursue a condemned relationship, they find themselves navigating between dangerous situations involving wealth, power, and traditions of rigid societal structures and disapproving elites. All in all, this is a gripping and emotional drama to read.
+Volumes: 10
+Chapters: 72
+Published: 2001 to 2008
+Genres: Historical, Romance, Slice of Life, Seinen
+Authors: Mori Kaoru [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Comic Beam
4. Yubisaki to Renren
ゆびさきと恋々 - A Sign of Affection
Yuki is a deaf university student who has been living in a world of silence since birth. Her best friend, Rin, is the only one she interacts with regularly. But one day, when she's commuting, she meets Itsuomi, a mutual friend of Rin and a multilingual man with silver hair. Unlike most people, Itsuomi doesn't shy away when he learns of Yuki's impairment. His experiences abroad fascinate her and touch her heart. After they part, Yuki develops a growing fondness for Itsuomi. The plot is heartwarmingly captivating, the chemistry between the characters is beautiful, and it's a joy to read and witness the two protagonists communicate through sign language and experience new things in each other's worlds.
+Volumes: 3
+Chapters: 10
+Published: 2019 to Present
+Genres: Romance - College Life - Slice of Life
+Authors: Morishita Suu [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Dessert
5. Goma Shio to Purin
ゴマ塩とぷりん - Black Sesame Salt and Custard Pudding
Haruhi Fukunga, a twenty-two-year-old heavy machine operator living her dream life in Tokyo, is faced with a dilemma when her father requests her to return to the family business in the countryside. In a fit of frustration, she visits a bar for a few drinks and ends up getting married to a man twice her age. The next morning, Haruhi is shocked to realize this unexpected turn of events. Deeming himself partly responsible for the situation, her now-husband Nagato Sunohara takes it upon himself to help his new bride convince her father that Tokyo is where she should stay. An intriguing mix of romance and comedy, Haruhi's story is a simple yet interesting one.
+Volumes: 3
+Chapters: 22
+Published: 2018 to 2020
+Genres: Comedy - Romance
+Authors: Suzuki Yufuko [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Zulet!
6. Spice and Wolf
狼と香辛料 - Ookami to Koushinryou
Kraft Lawrence, a young traveling merchant, has become accustomed to days of roaming and trading with few companions. That all changed when he came across a peculiar sight – a young, naked, wolf-like girl sleeping in his wagon. Introducing herself as Holo, the God of Good Harvest, she offers to help Kraft with his trades in exchange for his assistance in escaping the village. The two form an intriguing bond as they travel from town to town, trading and making business deals. Despite their different backgrounds, they manage to work together to share a common goal. Elements of loneliness, amusement, and emotion are depicted beautifully in this captivating story that is a treat to read. Romance wise, this is an extremely slow burn, so be warned!
+Volumes: 16
+Chapters: 36
+Published: 2007 to 2017
+Genres: Adventure - Drama - Fantasy - Romance - Supernatural - Historical
+Creator: Hasekura Isuna [Story] Ayakura Juu [Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Media Works
7. KIMI NO KOE
君ノ声
Kazunari Kyougoku rose from the bottom of poverty to the top of riches by establishing his own trading business. Kazunari’s business growth is due to his exceptional psychological negotiation skills. But what no one knows is that these skills stem from a special power he possesses: he can hear people’s inner voices. Realizing early on that people’s inner voices differ from their outer voices, Kazunari develops a deep distrust of everyone around him. Ever the businessman, he one day decides it is time to marry, and to make the best out of it, he sends a marriage proposal to the daughter of the noble Suwabe family. His only aim is to develop better future connections, but when he finds out that their daughter cannot speak, he is happy that he gets to hear her inner voice. But to his dismay, when they meet, she ends up being the only person whose voice he cannot hear (twilight, anyone?)
+Volumes: +4
+Chapters: +21
+Published: 2020 to Present
+Genres: Romance - Historical
+Authors: Morinaga Miku [Story & Art]
+Serialization: Gene LINE
8. Kowloon Generic Romance
九龍ジェネリックロマンス
Reiko Kujirai, a real estate agent, finds herself at the center of a blossoming romance while working in Kowloon Walled City—a dystopian townscape full of hidden emotions and extraordinary daily lives. This story that follows is complex, exciting, and explores various themes. Not only does it ask the question of whether it is possible to fall in love with someone who changes completely, but it also surprises the reader as it reveals new sides throughout the plot.
+Volumes: +8
+Chapters: +54
+Published: 2019 to Present
+Genres: Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Mayuzuki Jun [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Young Jump
9. Octave
オクターヴ
Octave follows the story of Miyashita Yukino, who initially dreamt of becoming a star. To pursue her dreams, she joined a four-person idol group, but as it shortly gets disbanded after its debut due to a lack of success, she found herself with no goals, aspirations, or compass left to guide her life. In hopes of finding something to make her dream again, she moves to Tokyo, where she meets a woman, former composer Iwai Setsuko. Together they embark on a mysterious and intriguing relationship filled with discoveries, insecurities, denial, and acceptance.
+Volumes: 6
+Chapters: 36
+Published: 2008 to 2010
+Genres: Drama - Girls Love - Slice of Life - Erotica
+Authors: Akiyama Haru [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Afternoon
10. Wotakoi Love is Hard for Otaku
ヲタクに恋は難しい - IT'S DIFFICULT TO LOVE AN OTAKU
Narumi Momose is a young woman who loves all things anime and manga. She's a closet otaku, especially into boys' love - but when her partner (and co-worker) discovers her hobbies and breaks up with her, she quits her job and joins a new company. There, she reconnects with a childhood friend: Hirotaka, a blunt gaming otaku. While they're drinking after work, Hirotaka tells Narumi to find someone who understands her hobbies - but she's wary. Could a relationship between two otakus work? Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii aims to answer this question through its hilarious and lighthearted plot that juggles stories of balancing work, relationships, and hobbies.
+Volumes: 11
+Chapters: 70
+Published: 2015 to 2021
+Genres: Comedy, Romance
+Authors: Fujita [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Comic POOL
11. kawaii hito
かわいいひと
Mistreated for his scaring looks, 27-year-old Moriya Hanazono works in his family's flower shop, happily doing what he loves and not letting other people's opinions bother him. But his life turns upside down when he discovers college student Hiyori Suzuki hiding in the van he was using to deliver flowers. As Moriya provides her with advice on what led her to hide away in his van, Hiyori takes a liking to him and begins frequently visiting the flower shop. Evenually, she starts to see something in him that no one else does: that he's actually an adorable person. This manga is an example of true love occurring without being dependent on beauty. It's a fluff romance with no forced drama and plenty of wholesomeness.
+Volumes: 7
+Chapters: 36
+Published: 2014 to 2019
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Saitou Ken [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: LaLa DX
12. Ase to Sekken
あせとせっけん - Sweat and Soap
Asako Yaeshima had struggled with excessive sweating since she was a child, leading to her being bullied. To help combat this, she started a morning routine of mixing different scents of Liliadrop soaps and deodorants. But this didn't fool Koutarou Natori, a genius fragrance developer at the high-class Liliadrop cosmetics company, who has an infallible sense of smell. Amazed by her natural scent, he insists on sniffing her every day for a week to create a new fragrance. Although the plot is a bit out there (or a lot out there) it's still a nice adult romance story that is worth a read - if you can get past the sniffing.
+Volumes: 11
+Chapters: 104
+Published: 2018 to 2021
+Genres: Comedy - Romance - Workplace
+Authors: Yamada Kintetsu [Art&Story]
+Serialization/Other work: Morning
13. Kono Kaisha ni Suki na Hito ga Imasu
この会社に好きな人がいます - Can You Keep a Secret?
Masugu Tateishi and Yui Mitsuya secretly started dating in the same company, but can they keep it under wraps from their coworkers? Masugu is diligent but a bit of a pushover, while Yui appears together but is terrible at keeping secrets. Through its panels, this manga offers a realistic portrayal of office romance between adults with good doses of charm, comical situations, minor conflicts, and issues.
+Volumes: +7
+Chapters: +61
+Published: 2019 to Present
+Genres: Comedy - Romance - Slice of Life - Workplace
+Authors: Enomoto Akamaru [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Morning
14. Sekitou Elegy
赤灯えれじい
Can love truly be found at first sight? Satoshi Yanagawa, a construction site police assistant, experiences this firsthand when he meets Chiiko. Chiiko is a strong-willed yet foul-mouthed girl that he can't help but be instantly attracted to. This manga follows Satoshi and Chiiko's budding and entertainingly tumultuous romance as they navigate the complexities of their feelings and struggle with communication. Though the series doesn't have long arcs, it effectively handles the dynamics of love and emotions in different dimensions. Get ready for love sequences, intense verbal exchanges, and plenty of hilarity.
+Volumes: 15
+Chapters: 165
+Published: 2004 to 2008
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Kira Takashi [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Young Magazine (Weekly)
15. Ice Guy and the Cool Female Colleague
氷属性男子とクールな同僚女子 - KOORI ZOKUSEI DANSHI TO COOL NA DOURYOU JOSHI
Himuro is a typical Japanese office worker, but one fact makes him stand out: he comes from a race of supernatural beings with strange powers. As he cannot fully control his powers, he sometimes turns his environment into the Arctic, making it snow whenever he is in deep concentration or lowering the temperature and turning things into ice whenever he is in turmoil. Contrary to his powers, Himuro is quite warm and kind. He also has a soft spot for one of his colleagues, Fuyutuski, a calm and elegant woman who always seems to look out for him and offer solutions to the problems his power cause. His feelings for her sometimes lead to raging snowstorms in the office, but Fuyutuski doesn't seem to mind. This is a pretty simple romance manga with a cute and entertaining story
+Chapters: 30
+Published: 2019 to Present
+Genres: Action - Mystery - Horror - Sci-Fi Psychological
+Authors: Tonogaya, Miyuki [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: None
16. HARU’S CURSE
春の呪い - CURSE OF SPRING
Haru's curse is a complex story about the diverse spaces people affected by grief must navigate. After losing her sister, Haru, to cancer, Natsumi becomes overwhelmed with the idea of living life without her by her side. But she also harbors guilt because she is now dating Togo, her dead sister's fiancé. Haru and Togo were together due to an arrangement between their families, but Haru was in love with him. Natsumi clings to Togo in a twisted way because she feels he's the only thing left of her sister. Following her struggles, the story delves into the mystery of human sadness and love. It also examines the limits of these emotions, simultaneously asking many questions, one of which: is it possible to miss someone so much that you become compelled to live their life instead of them? Although this is a manga, its style resembles manhwa character design, so I decided to include it here.
+Volume: 2
+Chapters: 8
+Published: 2015 to 2016
+Genres: Drama - Romance - Slice of Life - Psychological
+Author: Konishi Asuka [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Comic ZERO-SUM
17. Kimi no Okaasan wo Boku ni Kudasai!
君のお母さんを僕に下さい！- I want your mother to be with me!
This manga is a heartwarming mix of romance and realism. It follows the story of an unemployed man trying to make something of himself and his chance encounter with a single mom and her son. The characters and their relationship development are great, and you'll find yourself rooting for them as they face relevant challenges together and lean on each other for support. It's an uplifting romantic comedy with a couple of twists - one being the age gap between the two leads.
+Volumes: 4
+Chapters: 33
+Published: 2018 to 2020
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Tazawa Yutaka [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other work: Manga UP!
18. WATASHI NO SHIAWASE NA KEKKON
わたしの幸せな結婚 - MY BLISSFUL MARRIAGE
Miyo Saimori was born to the prestigious gifted Saimori family, but she was constantly belittled by her step-sister, Kaya, and stepmother, which made her life a living hell. One day, it is decided that she will marry Kiyoka Kudou, a military commander and heir of the noblest gifted family in the country. But it is rumored that Kiyoka is so cruel that no woman has ever been able to stay with him. Thinking that she doesn't have much to lose, Miyo accepts her fate of misery and decides to try to make her marriage work. Surprisingly, as Miyo and Kiyoka spend more time together, they realize that love and happiness are written in their fate. This is a beautiful love story of a girl who had nothing and ended up having everything *cries in single*.
+Volumes: +4
+Chapters: +26
+Published: 2018 to Present
+Genres: Romance - Historical
+Authors: Kousaka Rito [Art] Agitogi Akumi [Story]
+Serialization/Other work: Gangan Online
19. Chikan Otoko
痴漢男
Chikan Otoko follows the story of an otaku with a penchant for perverse behavior and social ineptitude. One day, on his way home from his part-time job, he's mistakenly identified as a stalker by a woman and arrested. After the misunderstanding is cleared, he finds out that the girl -- 'Miss Understanding' -- has been traumatized by her stalker. He offers to help her, hoping to eventually date her. But, much to his surprise, he grows closer to her and cares for her. Although the art style might put you off, I think that the uniqueness of the story is well worth a read: each character brings their own tale and personality to the table, and every chapter drops in an unexpected way, making you eager to find out what happens next.
+Chapters: 21
+Published: 2004
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Yokota Takuma [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: N/A
20. Hapi mari: HAPPY MARRIAGE!?
はぴまり
Poor-girl-marries-rich-guy-to-pay-off-family's-debts. That's it. That's the plot. In all seriousness, there is some profundity despite the cliche plot, particularly when it comes to depicting relationships: Bickering, small and big fights, the eruption of jealousy, and different daily struggles, as well as more complex conflicts. Through them, the characters establish stronger connections and comprehension of one another. Our main protagonists are quite interesting: Hokuto is an ego-centric flawed guy, and Chiwa doesn't tolerate any nonsense and has rough skin and a soft interior. Again, cliche, but the way their personalities interact is entertaining and refreshing: there is a level of maturity that isn't usually portrayed in such mangas.
+Volumes: 10
+Chapters: 40
+Published: 2009 to 2012
+Genres: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Josei
+Authors: Enjouji, Maki [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Petit Comic
21. Last Game
ラストゲーム
Nothing is beyond Naoto Yanagi, heir to the Yanagi business conglomerate. Idolized for his athletic and intellectual competence, looks and wealth, Naoto lived like a king during his elementary school days—then entered Mikoto Kujou, a plain, gloomy-looking transfer student. But despite having just arrived at his school, she completely eclipsed him in everything by consistently scoring top marks in exams and placing first in athletic events. After a brief confrontation with her that left him shocked, Naoto vowed to outdo her no matter the cost. Ten years later, they are now students attending the same college. Having failed to defeat Mikoto throughout middle and high school, Naoto decides they will have one last game: if he can make Mikoto fall in love with him and then break her heart, it will be his victory.
+Volumes: 11
+Chapters: 66
+Published: 2011 to 2016
+Genres: Comedy - Romance
+Authors: Amano Shinobu [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other works: LaLa
22. Honey and Clover
ハチミツとクローバー - Hachimitsu to Clover
This tale centers around the lives of college students, showcasing how different aspects shape their development. Takemoto is a student living in a cramped shared apartment whose tenant's primary concern is when they will get the money to buy meat and whether or not they'll be able to make it to class on time. Although he is living away from home, Takemoto still has a lot of growing up to do. As he goes through the ebbs and flows of life with his friends, who all live in the same shared housing apartment, Takemoto will slowly begin to realize how he wants to live in the world he inhabits. There's obviously romance involved as well.
+Volumes: 10
+Chapters: 71
+Published: 2000 to 2006
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Umino Chika [Story&Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Young You
23. Bonnouji
煩悩寺
Sometimes, you encounter new people who seem to understand you better than those you've known for years. That's the sort of encounter that this manga portrays: two people living in the same building meet by chance when the elevator breaks down, and one of them, Michiyo Ozawa, needs to use the restroom. Desperate, she runs into Zenji Oyamada, her neighbor, and begs to use his toilet. As she enters his apartment, she notices mystery boxes scattered throughout his room, which draws her attention. The two eventually start opening up these boxes sent by Oyamada's brother, finding common interests as they discuss the trinkets and gifts they encounter. And so begins a simple and cute story that isn't dramatic and is sure to make you smile.
+Volumes: 3
+Chapters: 36
+Published: 2008 to 2012
+Genres: Comedy - Romance - Slice of Life
+Authors: Aki★Eda [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Comic Flapper
24. Kimi wa Pet
きみはペット - Tramps Like Us
When Sumire Iwaya finds a young boy on the street and brings him into her home, she and the boy, Momo, form an unlikely friendship. Though they are total opposites, they complement each other as they try to create an ordinary life together. This manga has a bit of an eccentric storyline, an unusual beginning, and a unique perspective (for a romance manga) in the fact that Sumire is the strong and independent one while Momo is amusing, laid-back, and whimsical.
+Volumes: 14
+Chapters: 82
+Published: 2000 to 2005
+Genres: Comedy - Drama - Romance
+Authors: Ogawa Yayoi [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Kiss
25. Nodame Cantabile
のだめカンタービレ
Shinichi Chiaki is a perfectionist and the son of a famous pianist. He's in his fourth year at Momogaoka College of Music, hoping to make his secret dream of being a conductor come true. But his dream is hindered by his fear of flying which keeps him stranded in Japan. One night, he passes out and is taken in by Megumi "Nodame" Noda, a gifted pianist that's also very clumsy and eccentric. Despite the odds, Chiaki is drawn to her as she reminds him of the initial love he held for music.
+Volumes: 25
+Chapters: 150
+Published: 2001 to 2010
+Genres: Comedy - Romance - Slice of Life - Music
+Authors: Ninomiya Tomoko [Story & Art]
+Serialization/Other works: Kiss
