Tohru Honda is the darling of shojo anime. Her kind heart and sweet personality make her irresistible to even the coldest of hearts. Fruits Basket is one of the most popular shojo series of all time, and much of that fame is thanks to this lovable protagonist. Tohru is near and dear to many shojo fans' hearts, but she isn't the only great shojo protagonist out there.

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In fact, the genre is full of many incredible girls who have made irreplaceable contributions to shojo history. They have all the traits fans love about Tohru and more, from their strong wills and spunky attitudes to their courageous spirits. Through their groundbreaking and unforgettable roles, these shojo heroines shine brightly in their own unique ways.

10 Rinko Yamato Isn't Just Another Pretty Face (My Love Story!!)

Rinko Yamato smiling in My Love Story!!

Rinko Yamato may not be the main protagonist of My Love Story!!, but as the series' lead female, she plays a vital role in the story. She seems like the typical shojo heroine just from looking at her, but she's far from that. She's a very proactive character in the plot and a driving force from the very first episode.

She and protagonist Takeo Gouda seem like an odd pair, but Rinko's love for him is pure and strong. She doesn't care what anyone else says about them, and she sees Takeo for the beautiful person he really is. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go out there and get it, and that's what makes her such an admirable shojo heroine.

9 Shirayuki Is Independent And Hard-Working (Snow White With The Red Hair)

Snow White with the Red Hair Shirayuki

When fans first meet Shirayuki at the start of Snow White with the Red Hair, she's escaping the clutches of Prince Raji, who wants to make her his concubine. After successfully running away with Zen, she becomes an herbalist and forges a new path for herself.

Shirayuki has an incredibly strong will, refusing to let anyone stand in her way of freedom and independence. Much like Tohru, she's a hard-working and kind girl who puts others before herself. However, she's got a much stronger sense of self and is able to stick up for herself when the going gets tough.

8 Kyoko Mogami Has A Fiery Determination (Skip Beat!)

Kyoko Mogami from Skip Beat

Skip Beat! is one of the iconic classics of shojo, and Kyoko Mogami is a shining example of an amazing shojo protagonist. At the start of the series, she's young, naive, and has little self-esteem. However, after a devastating heartbreak completely changes her view on love, she realizes it's high time she put herself first.

She vows to get even with her ex-love by joining the entertainment business and besting him at his own game. Though Kyoko has a long way to go before she's the strong and confident girl she hopes to be, her determination and spunk make her one of the strongest shojo heroines out there.

7 Yona's Strength And Bravery Are Incomparable (Yona Of The Dawn)

Yona from Yona of the Dawn

Yona is the titular protagonist of Yona of the Dawn and the crown princess of the Kouka Kingdom. After the assassination of her father, Yona has no choice but to flee to safety. She hides under the protection of others until she comes to learn the truth of how her people have suffered.

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Instead of hiding, she decides to reclaim her kingdom and rise as the rightful ruler. Yona is far stronger than the average shojo protagonist. She grows immensely throughout her journey, becoming a fierce warrior that her people can depend on.

6 Katarina Claes Steals The Hearts Of Everyone Around Her (My Next Life As A Villainess)

Katarina Claes smiling in My Next Life as a Villainess

My Next Life as a Villainess is a surprising hit among anime fans, and it's safe to say that's mostly thanks to the series' lovable protagonist, Katarina Claes. She's been lovingly dubbed "Bakarina" by the fandom due to her simplemindedness and inability to read a situation.

Though she's a dimwit, she still captures the hearts of everyone she meets with ease. Her kind heart, quirkiness, and hilarious hijinks make her just as irresistible to the audience. In a genre filled with meek protagonists with little agency, Katarina's boisterous personality is a sight for sore eyes.

5 Misaki Ayuzawa Is A Strong And Capable Protagonist (Maid Sama!)

Misaki Ayuzawa from Maid Sama! smiling in front of a green floral background.

Maid Sama's protagonist, Misaki Ayuzawa, is far from the usual shojo heroine. While most protagonists dream of falling in love with their Prince Charming, Misaki is perfectly happy flying solo. After her father abandoned her as a child, she decided she had no need for a man in her life and, as a result, became a strong and independent young woman.

She comes off as a little harsh, especially when dealing with the unruly boys of her class, but Misaki is genuine and kind. To this day, she remains a beloved heroine, showing how capable a girl can be if she puts her mind to it.

4 Nanami Momozono Uses Her Kindness To Bring Yokai And Humans Together (Kamisama Kiss)

Nanami Momozono smiling

Kamisama Kiss' Nanami Momozono is a lot like Tohru Honda in many ways. She shares her kindness, drive to help others, and her determination. Nanami is the land god of the Mikage Shrine and has a great deal of responsibility resting on her shoulders.

She's very optimistic and works hard to help yokai and humans live together in harmony. Before living at the shrine, life was incredibly tough for her. However, she's no damsel in distress. Nanami is plucky and resourceful, and she uses her wits and strong spirit to fix even the worst situations.

3 Sawako Kuronuma Is Too Sweet For Words (Kimi Ni Todoke)

Sawako Kuronuma from Kimi ni Todoke crying with a surprised expression.

At the start of Kimi ni Todoke, Sawako's classmates all believe she's creepy and unapproachable due to her resemblance to a well-known horror character. However, she's the exact opposite in just about every way. All shojo protagonists are cute and sweet, but there's just something special about Sawako Kuronuma.

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While other protagonists long for love and chase their dreams, Sawako has much simpler desires. All she wants is to make some friends, a modest goal that's nonetheless endearing. But due to her shy demeanor, this isn't an easy task for Sawako. However, there's nothing more satisfying than watching her open up and finally gain confidence in herself.

2 Nana Osaki And Nana Komatsu's Bond Is Unlike Any Other (NANA)

Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu

NANA stands out among all other shojo series. It features two heroines, who both just so happen to share the name Nana. Both Nanas couldn't be any more different from each other, but despite that, they become the very best of friends. Like most shojo series, NANA has a healthy dose of romance in it.

However, unlike most, the romance comes second to the unbreakable bond between the girls. They bring out the best in each other, making for an incredibly compelling and emotional friendship that has everyone invested. Their relationship is a breath of fresh air in a genre so heavily reliant on romance.

1 Haruhi Fujioka Is One Of The Greatest Shojo Heroines Of All Time (Ouran High School Host Club)

Haruhi Fujioka from Ouran High School Host Club smiling.

Ouran High School Host Club is one of the most well-known and beloved shojo series in history, and its protagonist, Haruhi Fujioka, is equally as loved. She is a groundbreaking character, blurring the lines between gender identity and conformity long before that was ever a hot topic. Haruhi is unapologetically herself, and she's unafraid to speak her mind when she needs to. Like most shojo protagonists, she's kind and loving.

However, she's also incredibly smart, working hard as an honors student at the prestigious Ouran Academy. For these reasons and many others, Haruhi is an amazing example of a strong female lead and is someone that viewers can look up to. While there are many other great shojo protagonists, none can compare to Haruhi Fujioka.