Manga has become an increasingly popular medium for storytelling in recent years, with a wide variety of genres and themes explored. One recurring theme in the manga is the protagonist being a princess and the challenges and adventures they face as they navigate their royal duties and personal desires. In this article, we will explore the top 15 manga novels where the main character is a princess, and delve into their unique storylines and character development.
“The Ancient Magus’ Bride” by Kore Yamazaki
“The Ancient Magus’ Bride,” tells the story of Chise Hatori, a girl, abandoned and sold into slavery. The mage- Elias Ainsworth buys her to make her his apprentice and eventually his bride. Chise learns that she is a Sleigh Beggy, a type of mage who can draw in and manipulate magic from her surroundings. As she learns to control her powers and navigate the magical world, she also discovers her destiny.
“Princess Jellyfish” by Akiko Higashimura
In “Princess Jellyfish,” Tsukimi Kurashita is an awkward, nerdy girl, obsessed with jellyfish. She lives in an apartment complex full of other socially inept women, who are all also obsessed with their interests. One day, Tsukimi meets a stylish and confident woman named Kuranosuke, who happens to be a cross-dressing prince. Kuranosuke helps Tsukimi and her friends fight against the development of their neighbourhood and their insecurities.
“Fushigi Yugi” by Yuu Watase
“Fushigi Yugi” follows the story of Miaka Yuki, a high school student, transported to a fictional world called the Universe of the Four Gods. She becomes the priestess of Suzaku and must gather the seven celestial warriors to summon the god and save the country of Konan from destruction. Along the way, Miaka falls in love with one of the warriors, Tamahome, and must navigate political intrigue and personal conflicts to achieve her goal.
“Sailor Moon” by Naoko Takeuchi
“Sailor Moon” is a classic manga series about Usagi Tsukino, a teenage girl who discovers that she is the reincarnation of the moon princess, Serenity. Along with a team of other magical girls, she fights against the forces of evil to protect the earth and find her true love, the prince of the earth, Endymion. The series is known for its themes of love, friendship, and girl power.
“Yona of the Dawn” by Mizuho Kusanagi (The Anime)
In “Yona of the Dawn,” Yona is a sheltered princess who lives a luxurious life with her father and childhood friend, Su-won. However, her world is shattered when Su-won murders her father and takes over the kingdom. Yona’s forced to flee with her loyal bodyguard, Hak, and must learn to survive and fight back against her former friend. Along the way, she discovers her strength and the true meaning of loyalty.
Yona of the Dawn follows a simple plot in terms of kingdom and kings. However, it sets itself apart with brilliant characters and tremendously hilarious jokes!
“The Twelve Kingdoms” by Fuyumi Ono
“The Twelve Kingdoms” is a fantasy series about Yoko Nakajima, a high school student who is suddenly transported to a magical world called the Twelve Kingdoms. She discovers that she is the rightful queen of Kei, one of the kingdoms, and must learn to govern and protect her people. Yoko faces many challenges, including assassination attempts, political intrigue, and personal doubt, but she also gains loyal friends and allies.
“Reimei no Arcana” by Rei Toma
In “Reimei no Arcana,” Princess Nakaba is a half-human, half-dragon, forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy kingdom to bring peace to their countries. Nakaba faces prejudice and discrimination from the court and her husband, but she also gains unexpected allies and discovers her powers. The series explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of war.
“Akatsuki no Yona” by Mizuho Kusanagi (The Manga)
“Akatsuki no Yona” follows Princess Yona, the only daughter of the King of the Kouka Kingdom. On her 16th birthday, Yona’s world turns upside down when her childhood friend and crush, Su-won, murders her father and takes over the kingdom. With the help of her bodyguard and childhood friend, Hak, Yona goes on a journey to gather the legendary Dragon Warriors to take back her kingdom and avenge her father’s death.
“Kamisama Kiss” by Julietta Suzuki
“Kamisama Kiss” follows Nanami Momozono, a high school girl. She becomes the new land god of a local shrine after her father abandons her family and they lose their home. As the land god, Nanami must learn to deal with the responsibilities of her new position and the various supernatural beings that inhabit the shrine. She also falls in love with her familiar, Tomoe, a fox spirit who has a complicated past.
Kamisama Kiss, regarded as one of the best romance manga, is actually good. Brilliant character, genuine romance elements make this manga novel one of the best!
“Akagami no Shirayukihime” by Sorata Akizuki
“Akagami no Shirayukihime,” tells the story of Shirayuki, a young herbalist who has a rare head of red hair. When she catches the eye of the Prince of Tanbarun, he orders her to become his concubine. Shirayuki refuses and flees to a neighbouring kingdom, where she meets and becomes friends with Prince Zen. Together, they help each other overcome their struggles and work towards their goals.
“Princess Knight” by Osamu Tezuka
“Princess Knight” is a classic manga series from the 1950s about Princess Sapphire. She’s born with both a girl’s and a boy’s heart. Her father, the King, wants her to become a boy and heir to the throne. So, Sapphire must disguise herself as a prince and fight against evil forces to protect her kingdom. The series is known for its progressive themes and its influence on gender representation in the manga.
“Chouka Kou” by Hiromu Arakawa
“Chouka Kou” is a historical fiction series set in ancient China. The story follows Shurei Hong, a girl, offered a position as a consort to the Emperor. This could enable him become a better ruler. Shurei accepts the offer and becomes the first female government official in the kingdom. The series explores themes of politics, gender roles, and the challenges of leadership.
“Adekan” by Tsukiji Nao
“Adekan”, a supernatural mystery series about Shiro, a princess, disguising herself as a man and becomes a detective. In order to solve crimes and protect her kingdom, she hones the role of a detective. She teams up with Kojiro, a charming and mysterious man who also has secrets of his own. The series is known for its unique art style and its blend of different genres.
“Koi to Uso” by Musawo Tsumugi
“Koi to Uso” is a romance series set in a dystopian future. The future, where the government assigns marriages based on a compatibility algorithm. Yukari Nejima is a high school student, however he falls in love with a girl named Misaki Takasaki. But, the algorithm assigns him to another girl, Ririna Sanada. Yukari must navigate his feelings for both girls and the strict rules of their society.
“The World Is Still Beautiful” by Dai Shiina
“The World Is Still Beautiful” follows Princess Nike. Nike’s the fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom, sent to marry the Sun King of the Sun Kingdom to prevent a war. Despite being betrothed to the arrogant and demanding King Livius, Nike finds herself falling in love with him. She learns about his troubled past and helps him become a better ruler.
From epic fantasy adventures to heartwarming romances, the manga genre offers a diverse range of stories featuring princess protagonists. Through their trials and tribulations, these princesses embody strength, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. Whether they are saving their kingdoms or fighting for their happiness, the stories of these princesses capture the imaginations of manga fans worldwide. We hope this article introduced you to new and exciting manga titles and inspired you to explore the genre further.
