Shojo anime is a genre targeted towards young women but is recognized and appreciated by all demographics around the world. With deep plots and complex characters, this genre is filled with a wide variety of relationship types. While the genre heavily focuses on romance, it also highlights the beauty found in meaningful friendships. Some of the most endearing best friend duos come from shojo anime.
It's no secret that some of the most popular series, whether animated or not, have a lovable protagonist equally as a lovable best friend. However, the awe-inspiring friendships in shojo anime stand out by leaving fans with a uniquely warm-hearted feeling.
10 My Little Monster (Haru And Natsume)
In the series My Little Monster, the relationships between characters are any and everything but simple. One of the best, yet most complicated, friendships is the one between Haru and Natsume. Haru, the main male protagonist, meets his best friend, Natsume, during class.
As they get closer, Natsume slowly becomes Haru's relationship advisor. Natsume claims that she would never be romantically involved with Haru, even if he weren't already head over Shizuku's heels. Nevertheless, their lack of attraction for one another leaves room for a beautiful friendship.
9 Maid Sama (Misaki And Hinata)
Some of the deepest friendships begin during childhood, and in the series Maid Sama, that is exactly when Misaki and Hinata's friendship began. When they were children, Misaki stood up against Hinata's bullies, who were insulting his weight.
This caused Hinata to fall in love with Misaki. However, his feelings towards her were not reciprocated. Misaki's platonic feelings and Hinata's romantic feelings make their friendship particularly complex, especially when Misaki's love interest, Takumi, comes into the picture. Despite this, they decide to remain close friends.
8 Blue Spring Ride (Futaba And Yuri)
Even among the closest of friends, tensions can arise. In the series Blue Spring Ride, the female protagonist, Futaba, and her friend, Yuri, find themselves both having romantic feelings towards the male protagonist, Kou. Futaba saw Yuri as a good friend, and she even went as far as to avoid confessing her feelings for Kou so that she wouldn't put their friendship in jeopardy.
However, as Futaba and Kou get noticeably closer, Yuri becomes more and more jealous. In the end, the two best friends don't let the rivalry come between them, and Yuri supports Futaba's growing romance with Kou.
7 Lovely Complex (Risa And Nobu)
Sometimes best friends can become more like siblings. In the series Lovely Complex, Nobuko, better known as Nobu, becomes an older sister to the main female protagonist, Risa.
As Tohru's best friend and Nakao's girlfriend, who is best friends with Tohru's love interest, Otani, Risa often plays matchmaker. She acts as Tohru's relationship coach, and Tohru trusts her wholeheartedly. Risa seems to be annoyed with Tohru's habits, but the love between the two girls is unconditional.
6 Ouran High School Host Club (Tamaki And Kyoya)
When opposites attract, they create some of the greatest friendships ever to exist. This holds in the series Ouran High School Host Club, in which Tamaki and Kyoya are best friends.
Tamaki's outspoken, extroverted nature is nothing like Kyoya's calm, cool, and collected personality, but they have remained close since their middle school days. While their friendship has remained strong over the years, there were hints of envy and resentment that lay beneath the surface. However, once they confronted their issues, they learned to value each other's friendship more than they ever have before.
5 Fruits Basket (Tohru And Arisa)
Arguably one of the most affectionate friendships is between the main protagonist of Fruits Basket, Tohru, and her middle school best friend, Arisa. While their friendship started rocky, they quickly became the closest of friends.
Early on, Tohru rescued Arisa from living a gang-affiliated lifestyle, and Arisa has been internally grateful to Tohru ever since. Despite Arisa's rough past, Tohru deeply admires her and values her approval. As their friendship grew, so did their trust in one another, and they now readily confide in and support each other.
4 From Me To You (Ayane And Chizuru)
From Me To You is unique in the way that the deepest friendship within the series is one that doesn't include either of the main protagonists. The two with an extensive and complicated backstory to their friendship are the supporting characters, Ayane and Chiruzu.
While they are both close to the main female protagonist, Sawako, they have a story of their own. Ayane and Chiruzu didn't get along in the slightest at first, but after going through many trials and tribulations together, they became one another's first best friend.
3 Sailor Moon (Usagi And Rei)
The most unlikely pairs can blossom into the most epically beautiful friendships, not unlike the friendship between Usagi and Rei in the series Sailor Moon. Usagi, known as Sailor Moon, and Rei, known as Sailor Mars, have a tricky relationship that is riddled with turmoil but strangely also filled with love.
Many wonder why Rei is so harsh towards Usagi, but fans know that's the way she shows that she cares. While their actions and frequent arguments lead viewers to conclude that they have a negative relationship, the compassion they have for one another is unmatched.
2 Orange (Naho And Kakeru)
A true friendship stands the test of time. Naho and Kakeru's friendship did that and more in the series Orange. Their bond is so deep that even after Kakeru's death, Naho manages to go back in time to grow even closer to him.
Knowing that he would eventually take his own life, Naho does everything in her power to save her best friend and the one she truly loved. With the help from her friends, her efforts are not in vain, and she saves Kakeru's life.
1 Banana Fish (Ash And Eiji)
Best friends who are destined to be soulmates share the most meaningful bond of all. Ash and Eiji are a pair of friends in the series Banana Fish that are truly tied at the soul. Ash goes to great lengths to protect Eiji, and despite having less power and strength, Eiji does the same for Ash.
As they go through many struggles together in a short amount of time, they become closer and closer. Their mutual love and respect they have for one another warm the hearts of fans everywhere.