Highlights

• Shojo manga can surprise fans with swordsman protagonists, offering compelling stories and character development beyond traditional romance plots.
• Female protagonists in shojo manga such as “Amakusa 1637” and “Basara” explore themes of gender and identity through their roles as swordswomen.
• Swordswoman protagonists like Princess Yona in “Yona of the Dawn” and the Magic Knights in “Magic Knight Rayearth” defy traditional gender stereotypes and become fierce warriors.

The idea of a sword-wielding protagonist isn't new to most shonen stories, especially fantasy ones where an adventurer or knight must take up arms to save a damsel in distress, and perhaps the entire world along with her. However, just because a "boy with a sword" is a popular trend in shonen doesn't mean it stops there, as even shojo manga has its fair share of swordsman protagonists who rise to the occasion.

While the idea of a girl with a sword isn't new thanks to games and other popular media, seeing a female swordswoman in a more niche genre like shojo may come as a surprise to fans who often associate the genre with traditional stories like romance. Fortunately for curious readers, some of the best shojo manga with swordsman protagonists also end up having compelling stories and deep character development.

6 Amakusa 1637

My anime list: 7.11

When Hayumi Natsuki and her class go on a school cruise, they are transported back to the year 1636—just one year before the Shimbara Rebellion of 1637, where Amakusa Shiro's faction lost and the event itself caused the loss of over 37,000 lives. The story of Amakusa 1637 begins shortly after Natsuki arrives in Japan, where people mistake her not only for the feminine-looking Shirou, but also for an angel sent from heaven. When Natsuki realizes that Shirou died the previous year, shortly before becoming popular, the young man commits to this mistaken identity in hopes of avoiding the horrific consequences of the rebellion.

Throughout the story, Natsuki's kendo training made it easy to pretend to be Amakusa Shirou. However, an interesting aspect of the story has to do with its brilliant cast of characters who help Amakusa 1637 explore many themes—such as gender and identity. For example, classmate Eri Kasugano is initially introduced as Natsuki's resident fighting strategist, but she also harbors feelings for her. Meanwhile, Naozomi Yatsuka is a skilled kendo student positioned as another love interest for Natsuki, but his eventual affair with the real Amakusa Shirou suggests he may be bisexual.

5 Basara

My anime list: 8.46

In the post-apocalyptic setting of Basara It is prophesied that a child will rescue Japan from the clutches of the evil Saffron Clan. Unfortunately for them, the "child" comes in the form of twins: a boy named Tatara and a girl named Sarasa. When the local ruler, the Red King, destroys Tatara's home and beheads him, Sarasa takes his place to continue the rebellion. Along her journey, she encounters the mysterious Shuri—who eventually becomes her love interest.

Unbeknownst to each other, Shuri is the Red King, and Shuri has no idea that Sarasa has only taken up the mantle of Tatara to lead a rebellion against his rule. This tension marked much of Basarastory, especially when both sides decide to take harsher action against their supposed enemies. A key point in Sarasa's character development is the "tension" of grieving for her brother and pretending to be a man, making gender identity a key aspect of her characterization throughout the story.

4 Yona of the Dawn

My anime list: 8.82

The story of Yona of the Dawn Set in the fictional nation of Kouka, sheltered Princess Yona witnesses the assassination of her father, the king, at the hands of her childhood sweetheart, who also led a coup. Now a fugitive, Yona is accompanied by her bodyguard Hak as they attempt to find the reincarnations of the Dragon Warriors who once united Kouka during similarly turbulent times two millennia earlier.

Although her sheltered status left her lacking many skills at the beginning of the manga, her conviction and determination transformed Yona into a capable leader and warrior. Unlike other damsels in distress, Yona asks her companions to teach her self-defense techniques. Hak even became her teacher in her first fighting art, archery, before learning to use the sword. Yona's small stature belies a fierce warrior, making her an admirable protagonist in this journey to reclaim her home kingdom.

3 Magic Knight Rayearth

My anime list: 7.62

Considered one of CLAMP's first creations, Magic Knight Rayearth begins when students Hikaru Shidou, Umi Ryuuzaki, and Fuu Hououji are whisked away from their Tokyo Tower excursion to the world of Cephiro. This planet is governed by the prayers of the Pillar, whose abduction by the evil Zagato has caused the world to suffer imbalances that threaten its destruction. Hikaru and his classmates are assigned to become Magic Knights—wielders of evolving weapons and mecha-like Rune Gods—to defeat Zagato and save the current Pillar, Princess Emeraude.

Much of the focus Magic Knight Rayearth is the growing camaraderie between the girls, whose attitudes (the temperamental Hikaru, the sensible Umi, the intelligent and kind Fuu) initially clash. However, their adventures soon help them bond as close friends and protect each other on their missions. Although the series features various elemental magics and mecha actions, the Magic Knights manifest their powers through their unique swords and knightly armor. Swordsmanship in the manga is also generally seen with Umi with her swordsmanship expertise and Hikaru with his aggressive attacks.

2 The Rose of Versailles

My anime list: 8.37

Against the backdrop of the French Revolution, The Rose of Versailles is both historical fiction and a bittersweet tale of romance. The story features two main protagonists, who share different perspectives on life in contemporary France: Marie Antoinette, whose status as Dauphone and eventually Queen of France is the subject of politicking within her court, and Oscar François de Jarjayes, who leads Antoinette's royal guard while also noticing the plight of the country's poor. Both women fall in love with the Swedish Count Axel von Fersen, though the count only has his eye on the queen.

Much of the manga's action comes from Oscar's many interactions with individuals during the French Revolution. As head of the Queen's royal guard, Oscar is immensely skilled in fencing—a combat art that would serve her well against her enemies. However, The Rose of Versailles made an impact on readers for the way it provided social commentary on social norms, feminism, and gender identity: Antoinette as opposition to patriarchy and Oscar going beyond heteronormative assumptions.

1 Revolutionary Girl Utena

My anime list: 7.31

When young Utena Tenjou meets a mysterious prince who gives her a signet ring, the child vows to become “a prince herself.” This is portrayed in Revolutionary Girl Utena, where teenager Utena duels to become the bride of the Rose Bride Anthy Himemiya. This comes with the mission of protecting her from others who desire her power to “revolutionize the world.” Much of Revolutionary Girl Utena involves Utena protecting Anthy from nefarious forces in duels that pit the protagonist against enemies with their own backstories and agendas.

Fans of shoujo stories may appreciate Revolutionary Girl Utena almost theatrical presentation in both the manga and anime. Utena's struggles are not only thrilling, but also serve as a way for the characters to "free themselves" from their burdens. Freedom of expression also becomes a highlight of the Utenathe story of, where its stylistic art direction is juxtaposed by the breaking of gender archetypes with dueling girls who are “princes,” coming of age as these characters try to shape the world in their image, and even sexuality in the manga’s depiction of LGBT couples.