Romance stories have won the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, and Japan is no exception. With a combination of love, emotion and delicate literature, Japanese love works have captured the attention and affection of readers with lovely stories and emotional episodes. Top 10 best Japanese romance stories that offer emotional experiences, with a variety of genres and fascinating episodes. From a suspenseful and tragic youth story like Aya Kito's "1 Litre of Tears," to the sweet schoolboy love in Kyoichi Katayama's "Love Letter," each story creates its own space, mesmerizing and full of emotion. And there are many other unique works, let's explore with topshare right away.
1 If Cats Disappeared from the World (世界から猫が消えたなら)
If Cats Disappeared from the World (世界から猫が消えたなら). Photo credit: locobee
"If Cats Disappeared from the World" (世界から猫が消えたなら)
Genre: Romance, Mystic
Age: Adult
Author: Genki Kawamura
Number of chapters: 224
Status: Complete
Character Name: Main Character
"If Cats Disappeared from the World" (世界から猫が消えたなら): A magical story about a man who realizes he is dying and makes a deal with the Devil to live one more day while each day an important object in his life disappears.
2 Love Letter (ラブレター)
Love Letter (ラブレター). Image source: leafdroppingteam
"Love Letter" (ラブレター)
Genre: Romance, student age
Age: Teen
Author: Kyoichi Katayama
Number of chapters: 1
Status: Complete
Character Name: Hiroko Watanabe, Itsuki Fujii
The story "Love Letter" (ラブレター) follows a seemingly impossible past love between Hiroko and Itsuki. By writing love letters, Itsuki and Hiroko discover and express their sincere feelings.
3 Litre of Tears (リットルの涙)
Litre of Tears. Image source: camxucgoc
"Litre of Tears" (リットルの涙)
Categories: Youth, family, medicine
Age: Teen
Author: Aya Kito
Number of chapters: Unknown (based on the real life of Aya Christ)
Status: Complete
Character Name: Aya Ikeuchi
"Litre of Tears" (リットルの涙) is based on the true story, which follows the life of young Aya Ikeuchi, who suffers from a degenerative spinal cord disease. The story depicts Aya's struggle, courage, and love of family as she tries to live her life to the fullest every day
4 Norwegian Wood (ノルウェイの森)
Norwegian Wood (ノルウェイの森). Image source: amazon
"Norwegian Wood" (ノルウェイの森)
Genre: Romance, adulthood
Age: Adult
Author: Haruki Murakami
Number of chapters: Unknown
Status: Complete
Character Name: Toru Watanabe, Naoko, Midori
"Norwegian Wood" (ノルウェイの森): A complex love triangle in a time full of challenges and social changes, revolving around the lives of Toru Watanabe, Naoko, Toru's childhood friend, and Midori, a vibrant, strong girl.
5 Kokoro (こころ)
Kokoro (こころ). Image source: blogstory
"Kokoro" (こころ)
Genre: Romance, Psychological
Age: Adult
Author: Natsume Soseki
Number of chapters: 17
Status: Complete
Character Name: Sensei, K, Watari
"Kokoro" (こころ) is the title of a 1914 novel by Japanese writer Natsume Sōseki, and his most famous novel. When serialized in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, the novel was published under the title Heartbreak: The Testament of the Progenitor. A story about friendship, love, and feelings of loneliness, told through the perspective of a young student named Sensei and the complex relationships he builds in life.
6 Socrates in Love (恋愛中毒)
Socrates in Love (恋愛中毒). Image source: google
"Socrates in Love" (恋愛中毒)
Genre: Romance, student age
Age: Teen
Author: Kyoichi Katayama
Number of chapters: 14
Status: Complete
Character Name: Aki Hirose, Sakutaro Matsumoto
"Socrates in Love" (恋愛中毒): The story follows the pure and tragic love of Aki Hirose and Sakutaro Matsumoto from their time as high school students until they grow up.
7 The Little Prince (星の王子さま)
The Little Prince (星の王子さま). Photo credit: fuuyuki
"The Little Prince" (星の王子さま)
Genre: Romance, Kids
Ages: Children, adults
Author: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Japanese version available)
Number of chapters: 27
Status: Complete
Character Name: Little Prince, Pilot
"The Little Prince" (星の王子さま): A beautiful and touching story about a little prince from a distant planet and his journey to learn about love and life.
8 Snow Country (雪国)
Snow Country Love Story (雪国). Image source: filmaffinity
"Snow Country" (雪国)
Genre: Romance, adulthood
Age: Adult
Author: Yasunari Kawabata
Number of chapters: 8
Status: Complete
Character Name: Shimamura, Komako
"Snow Country" (雪国): The disturbing and tragic love story between a famous writer named Shimamura and a young night girl named Komako in a village located in the snow-capped mountains.
9 Your Lie in April (四月は君の嘘)
Your Lie in April
Your Lie in April" (四月は君の嘘)
Genre: Romance, Music
Age: Teen
Author: Naoshi Arakawa
Number of chapters: 44
Status: Complete
Character Name: Kosei Arima, Kaori Miyazono
Your Lie in April" (四月は君の嘘): A story about a talented pianist named Kosei Arima who loses the ability to hear sounds and a fateful encounter with Kaori Miyazono, a passionate violinist, changes his life forever.
10 The Garden of Words (言の葉の庭)
The Garden of Words (言の葉の庭). Image source: tve
"The Garden of Words" (言の葉の庭)
Genre: Romance, adulthood
Age: Adult
Author: Makoto Shinkai
Number of chapters: Comic book 1 episode, movie version
Status: Complete
Character names: Takao Akizuki, Yukari Yukino
"The Garden of Words" (言の葉の庭): The story follows a high school student who loves shoe design named Takao Akizuki and a mysterious woman who meet in a park every day when it rains and build a memorable relationship together.
