### New Anime Survey Reveals Fandom’s Favorite Yuri Series
As Pride Month draws to a close, the celebration of LGBTQ+ representation in media continues to resonate with fans worldwide. This year, a new poll from Japan has captured the attention of anime enthusiasts, particularly those who cherish yuri, or Girls’ Love (GL) series. The survey, conducted by Anime! Anime!, asked over 700 respondents across Japan to rank their favorite yuri anime titles. The results offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse tastes and preferences within the yuri fandom.
#### Top Ten Yuri Anime Series
The poll’s top ten yuri anime series are as follows:
1. **Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury**
2. **Bloom into You**
3. **Lycoris Recoil**
4. **Whisper Me A Love Song**
5. **Adachi and Shimamura**
6. **Happy Sugar Life**
7. **Citrus**
8. **Yuruyuri**
9. **Sakura Trick**
10. **The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady**
These selections span a range of genres and time periods, reflecting the rich tapestry of yuri anime available to fans.
#### A Closer Look at the Top Picks
**Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury** leads the list, a surprising yet fitting choice. This series, released in 2022, redefines the Gundam franchise by incorporating a yuri romance between its protagonists, Suletta Mercury and Miocene Rembran. The show blends sci-fi action with a heartfelt love story, earning it widespread acclaim.
**Bloom into You** follows closely behind. This series is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of a high school romance between Yuu Koito and Touko Nanami. Its delicate handling of emotional and psychological themes has made it a favorite among fans seeking depth in yuri narratives.
**Lycoris Recoil** and **Whisper Me A Love Song** also rank highly, each offering unique takes on yuri relationships. **Lycoris Recoil** combines action and romance, while **Whisper Me A Love Song** focuses on the sweet, budding relationship between a high school girl and her senpai.
#### Classic and Contemporary Favorites
The list also includes several classic yuri titles that have stood the test of time. **Adachi and Shimamura** and **Citrus** are well-known for their compelling storylines and complex characters. **Yuruyuri** and **Sakura Trick** offer a lighter, more comedic take on yuri relationships, providing a balance to the more intense dramas.
**Happy Sugar Life** stands out for its dark, psychological approach to yuri, exploring themes of obsession and mental illness. Meanwhile, **The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess and the Genius Young Lady** brings a fantasy twist to the genre, showcasing the versatility of yuri storytelling.
#### The Broader Landscape of Yuri Anime
While the poll highlights some of the most beloved yuri series, it also underscores the genre’s diversity. Titles like **Revolutionary Girl Utena**, **Maria Watches Over Us**, and **Strawberry Panic** remain iconic, even if they didn’t make the top ten in this particular survey. These series have paved the way for contemporary yuri anime, influencing both creators and fans.
#### The Impact of Yuri on Fans
The popularity of yuri anime reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance and representation of LGBTQ+ relationships in media. For many fans, yuri series offer a sense of validation and visibility. They provide narratives where same-sex relationships are normalized and celebrated, contributing to a more inclusive media landscape.
A recent global survey of yuri fandom, conducted by Erica Friedman for Okazu and Yuricon, revealed that yuri fans are predominantly queer, with a significant portion identifying as transgender. This survey also highlighted that yuri fandom is not confined to any single region, with respondents from North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
#### Yuri and Social Awareness
The survey also explored the impact of yuri on fans’ awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. Many respondents reported that engaging with yuri media had increased their empathy and understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences. For some, yuri anime served as a gateway to self-discovery and acceptance of their own sexual and gender identities.
#### Conclusion
The results of the Anime! Anime! poll and the broader survey of yuri fandom illustrate the profound impact of yuri anime on its audience. These series not only entertain but also foster a sense of community and understanding among fans. As the genre continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a vital part of the anime landscape, offering stories that resonate with viewers from all walks of life.
For those looking to explore yuri anime, the top ten list from the recent poll provides an excellent starting point. Whether you’re drawn to the sci-fi romance of **Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury** or the heartfelt drama of **Bloom into You**, there’s a yuri series out there for everyone.
Source: Anime! Anime!, Okazu, Yuricon
