Summary
The idea of finding the love of one’s life, not through emotional connection or conventional bonding but because fate simply decided it, is nothing new. It’s aclassic romantic tropethat’s been around for ages and has shown up in everything, from literary fiction to historical and even religious texts. This setup naturally creates an interesting dynamic between characters, which can be explored in all kinds of creative ways.
In the world of manga and anime, especially shoujo, the fated lovers theme pops up quite often. Big names likeKamisama Kiss,Vampire Knight, and classics likeInuyashaandSailor Moonplay with this trope in their own ways. There are also plenty of lesser-known series that dive into it just as well, even if they don’t get the same spotlight.
Released
2023
There’s nothing quite like a fated romance between a reincarnated character with a grand destiny and animmortal supernatural being. Romance novels have long embraced this trope, and many older romance manga have done the same. However, one of the relatively newer ones in the scene, which not only features an interesting storyline but also great art, is a 2023 manga known asYonimo Kahogo na Maou-sama.
This manga offers a casual, no-stress read, following a saintess reincarnated as Sena Yamada, a high school girl struggling with money problems. Working part-time jobs to make ends meet, Sena’s life takes a turn for the worse when she’s almost scammed out of the little money she has. That’s when a demon king steps in to save her, revealing her past life and her destined role as a saintess — and is now incessant about her playing out her fated role in the grand scheme.
2009
Ohmi Tomu is a well-known name in the Josei romance genre, particularly famous for their supernatural romances thatblend mythological creaturesand Japanese legends with modern settings. Their unique take on traditional stories, focus on adult characters, and distinct art style make them a stand out in the industry. From vampires and werewolves to curses, ghosts, and fated lovers, Ohmi Tomu has explored nearly every major supernatural trope.I’ll Give You A FlowerorAnata ni Hana wo Sasagemashou, is a fated lover romance that follows the same Ohmi Tomu pattern.
I’ll Give You a Flowerrevolves around two people from influential families who are arranged to marry, despite their own personal qualms about the union. Hatanaka Seri and her fiancé, Furumidou Yuzuki, are caught in an arrangement meant to benefit their families. Though Seri is openly against the idea, she soon realizes there’s more to the situation than just money and status. Yuzuki, her fiancé, is cursed with an affliction that could be fatal, and by fate, Seri is the only one who can save him. Now that things are more clear, the two are reluctantly willing to work together and somehow get rid of this curse.
2011
Ayakashi HisenorScarlet Fan: The Tale of Eternal Loveis a 2011 shoujo manga that features classic shoujo manga art and a storyline that revolves aroundghosts, exorcists, mediums, and of course, fate. Like every good shoujo manga with an action subplot, this one also has a good combat sequence, diverse characters, and conflicts as far as the eye can see. The storyline for this manga is a bit over the place and may end up with some readers frustrated beyond belief due to the almost childish misunderstandings featured in it — but, for some readers, that might just be up their alley.
Miku is a hot-headed high-school girl who ends up in a predicament when she plays Kokkuri with her friends — a board game that plays out similar to Ouija Board. She and her friends unintentionally end up calling violent ghosts from the undead world and are instantly attacked by them. Ryou, a nerdy unassuming classmate whom Miku has rescued from bullies on multiple occasions, unexpectedly steps in to save the day. He reveals himself as a Shrine exorcist and explains that he is tasked with protecting Miku for life.
2021
The most common and logical scenario for fated or destined lovers usually revolves around supernatural themes and reincarnation. However, another approach is to focus on the love itself rather than the cause and effect behind it.The Honor Student Wants To Go Against The Red Thread Of Fateis a BL mangathat vaguely hints at supernatural elements but places most of its attention on the main couple and their relationship.
Miyanari is a prim and proper model student with a great track record at school. He doesn’t want any distractions, and like every good student, has his life properly planned out. Things start taking a weird turn for him when he starts seeing a strange red string tied to him. At the other end of the red string is the school’s most dangerous and notorious delinquent. Miyanari is in denial and cannot seem to accept the fact that his fated one is someone so starkly different from him.
2017
One part of the fated lovers trope that tends to receive mixed reactions is the forced proximity or “no other choice” aspect. Many of these stories bring the main couple together simply because they must be — whether it’s for a greater purpose or because it’s already written in the stars. However,Will You Marry Me Again If You Are Reborn?offers a wholesome twiston this by centering around the idea of loving someone so deeply that they naturally become your fated partner in every lifetime.
the manga is set across different timelines and captures different stages of a deeply-in-love married couple’s life — from their first meeting to their marriage and their later years. The husband, Toranosuke, now bedridden and living full-time in the hospital, sits beside his wife, reflecting on the beautiful moments they’ve shared. With a bond as strong as theirs, they make a promise to stay together for all their future lives — a promise they ultimately fulfill.
1995
Red Riveris anunderrated classic in the isekai romance worldand one of the early series to feature an isekai plotline. The entire premise revolves around fate, showing how one person can drastically alter the course of events in the short term while the grander timeline remains intact. What setsRed Riverapart from other manga is its dedication to staying true to the historical events it incorporates.
The story follows Yuri, a high school girl who is transported to the ancient Hittite Empire, where she’s meant to be a sacrifice for the gods under the orders of the evil Queen Nakia. After she’s rescued by Prince Kael, Yuri learns she is the reincarnation of the Goddess Ishtar, destined to save the Hittite Empire from evil and eventually become the queen of the kingdom, as well as the prince’s wife.
