Love blooms after school in many manga, but the adult romance manga genre brings a different level of maturity and complexity to the genre. Adult romance manga explores love stories beyond the confines of high school, delving into careers, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating relationships as full-fledged adults.
Here, we explore ten fantastic adult romance manga that showcase the beauty and messiness of love in adulthood.
What are the best adult romance manga?
Table of Contents
1. Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You
![ART] Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You - Volume 4 Cover : r/manga](https://preview.redd.it/art-smoking-behind-the-supermarket-with-you-volume-4-cover-v0-se5l4vga2ixb1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=761c5ec15b14e48d01659531360036fdf314912d "Best 10 Adult Romance Manga 1")
This adult romance manga follows Yamada, a shy high school student with a secret habit – smoking. During one of her clandestine breaks, she encounters Tachibana, a reserved office worker who also seeks refuge in a cigarette.
Their initial awkward encounters slowly transform into a heartwarming and relatable story. Yamada finds comfort in Tachibana’s quiet presence, while he, in turn, is drawn to her genuine nature. As they share stolen moments behind the supermarket, they overcome their social anxieties and discover a connection that transcends their age gap.
“Smoking Behind the Supermarket With You” offers a refreshing take on love, reminding us that sometimes, the most profound connections can form in the most unexpected places.
2. A Sign of Affection
Aoi, a clumsy college student with a kind heart, finds herself captivated by Nishina, a taciturn sign language interpreter. A spilled drink becomes the catalyst for their connection, but communication proves to be a hurdle.
Nishina is reserved and prefers to express himself through sign language, while Aoi struggles with her own awkwardness. Yet, their unique situation sparks a heartwarming story about overcoming communication barriers. Aoi begins to learn sign language, and Nishina finds comfort in her genuine efforts to understand him.
“A Sign of Affection” is a beautiful adult romance manga like Kimi ni Todoke to the power of love that transcends spoken words. It reminds us that connection can be found in the subtlest of gestures and the quietest of whispers.
3. A Town Where You Live
Childhood friends, Kirishima and Maho, reunite after ten years under unexpected circumstances. Kirishima, now a single father juggling work and childcare, bumps into Maho, a dedicated career woman who has put her personal life on hold.
Their chance encounter reignites old feelings, but the complexities of adult life stand in their way. Kirishima grapples with balancing fatherhood with a potential relationship, while Maho confronts the challenges of rekindling a flame from the past.
“A Town Where You Live” offers a realistic portrayal of love in adulthood. This adult romance manga explores the challenges of navigating second chances, the responsibilities of parenthood, and the enduring power of childhood bonds.
4. Velvet Kiss
“VELVET KISS” dives into the world of desire and explores the boundaries between love and companionship. Maya, a successful businesswoman who prioritizes work and independence, finds herself yearning for intimacy.
She enters a contractual relationship with Anri, a younger man known for his charm and charisma. Their initial agreement is a business arrangement – companionship with benefits. However, as they spend more time together, their carefully constructed walls begin to crumble. Anri’s genuine care and Maya’s vulnerability beneath her strong exterior pave the way for a passionate love story.
This adult romance manga explores the complexities of human connection. It delves into the emotional needs that lurk beneath the surface, even for those who appear self-sufficient, and questions whether true love can blossom from a calculated agreement.
5. Nana to Kaoru
This ‘charming’ manga features Nana, a tomboyish woman who works in construction. Despite her unconventional appearance and interests, Nana harbors a secret crush on Kaoru, a gentle and caring man.
Hesitant to express her feelings due to societal expectations of femininity, Nana finds herself drawn to Kaoru’s kindness and acceptance. Kaoru, in turn, admires Nana’s strength and independence. Their relationship blossoms as they learn to embrace their true selves and defy societal pressures.
“Nana to Kaoru” is a ‘heartwarming’ adult romance manga about self-acceptance and the power of love to break down barriers. It celebrates individuality and reminds us that love can be found in the most unexpected places, when we embrace who we truly are.
6. WOTAKOI: Love is Hard for Otaku
“Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku” is a hilarious and relatable manga that dives into the world of adult otaku (fans of anime, manga, and video games). The story follows a group of working adults who are passionate about their hobbies but equally invested in finding love.
Narumi, a fujoshi (female fan of male-male romance), and Hirotaka, a die-hard gamer, navigate the awkwardness of dating while balancing their love for cosplay and video games. Kofumi, a BL writer (boys’ love) who hides her identity at work, and Nifuji, a taciturn office worker who secretly reads shojo manga (targeted towards girls), find themselves drawn together despite their contrasting personalities.
This adult romance manga offers a lighthearted and humorous look at modern relationships. It celebrates the unique bond that shared passions can create and reminds us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, even among fellow otaku.
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7. ReLife
“ReLife” offers a unique twist on the romance genre. Arata, a jobless and unmotivated 27-year-old, is given a chance to relive his high school life as a 17-year-old. Through a mysterious program, he is transformed into a younger version of himself and placed back in high school.
His mission: to discover the reason behind his current failures and improve his life. Arata throws himself into his new life, determined to make the most of this second chance. In the process, he encounters Chihiro, a bright and optimistic classmate who reignites his zest for life. As they grow closer, Arata grapples with the complexities of his situation.
Can he truly find love and purpose in this temporary existence? This adult romance manga is a heartwarming story about self-discovery, second chances, and the transformative power of love. It explores themes of regret, missed opportunities, and the courage to take control of your own destiny.
8. Spice and Wolf
“Spice and Wolf” blends romance with the intrigue of economics, creating a captivating story. Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant with a sharp mind for business, wanders the land in search of profitable deals.
His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Holo, a beautiful and wise wolf deity disguised as a young woman. Holo, weary of being confined to one place, strikes a deal with Kraft to accompany him on his travels. Their initial partnership is one of convenience, with Holo offering her knowledge of spices and trade routes in exchange for a comfortable journey.
However, as they travel together, a deeper connection forms between them. Kraft is drawn to Holo’s wit and wisdom, while she appreciates his kindness and business acumen. “Spice and Wolf” explores the delicate dance between adult romance and commerce. It portrays a relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a love for adventure.
9. Even If You Slit My Mouth
“Even If You Slit My Mouth” is an adult romance manga that ventures into the darker side of romance, weaving a complex and disturbing tale. Aoi, a young woman with a mysterious past and a self-inflicted scar across her mouth, lives a withdrawn life.
One day, she encounters Chihiro, a kindhearted dentist who becomes inexplicably drawn to her. Aoi is initially wary of Chihiro’s kindness, but his persistent care slowly chips away at her walls. However, their connection takes a sinister turn as Chihiro becomes increasingly obsessed with Aoi’s dark past and the reason behind her scar.
“Even If You Slit My Mouth” is a psychological thriller that explores the dangerous depths of human desire and the destructive nature of obsession. It delves into the complexities of trauma and the struggle to find love when your past threatens to consume you.
10. I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen Per Year
“I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen Per Year” presents a unique concept that sparks a sad exploration of love and mortality. Yuzuki, a young woman disillusioned with life, makes a life-altering decision. She enters a contract with a mysterious entity, selling a portion of her lifespan for a meager sum of money.
With her shortened lifespan looming, Yuzuki encounters Kimihiko, a cynical man who has also made a similar deal. As strangers bound by their borrowed time, they find solace in each other’s company. Together, they navigate the challenges of living with a limited time horizon and explore what truly matters in life.
“I Sold My Life for Ten Thousand Yen Per Year” is a thought-provoking adult romance manga that celebrates the beauty of human connection. It reminds us to cherish the present moment and the power of love to find meaning, even in the face of borrowed time.
This article of ten adult romance manga showcases the vastness and complexity of love in adulthood. This genre is very different from your typical shonen manga, they feature heartwarming slice-of-life stories, passionate tales of forbidden love, and even venture into the dark depths of obsession. Each manga offers a unique perspective on the challenges and joys of navigating relationships as full-fledged adults.
Whether it’s rediscovering love with a childhood friend, finding solace in shared passions, or embarking on a journey of self-discovery fueled by a second chance, these adult romance manga remind us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places.
They celebrate the power of human connection, the courage to be true to ourselves, and the importance of cherishing every moment, even when time is limited. So, delve into these captivating tales and discover the spectrum of love that awaits you in the world of adult romance manga.
Officially read these adult romance manga on Crunchyroll
