Manga like Koukyuu no Musubibito

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Also known as The Apothecary Diaries.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery

Maomao, a young woman trained in the art of herbal medicine, is forced to work as a lowly servant in the inner palace. Though she yearns for life outside its perfumed halls, she isn’t long for a life of drudgery! Using her wits to break a “curse” afflicting the imperial heirs, Maomao attracts the attentions of the handsome eunuch Jinshi and is promoted to attendant food taster. But Jinshi has other plans for the erstwhile apothecary, and soon Maomao is back to brewing potions and…solving mysteries?!



Note: Won the Grand Prize in the Printed Manga category at the Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Award 2019.

Tags: Female Protagonist , Medicine , Detective , Historical , Foreign , Ancient China , Primarily Female Cast , Seinen , Tragedy , Drugs , Royal Affairs , Politics , Work , Maids , Crime , Adoption , Asexual , Episodic , Heterosexual , Conspiracy , Suicide , Ojou-sama , Chibi

Kimi wa Nazotoki no Ma Cherie

Also known as My Dear Detective: Mitsuko’s Case Files.

Status: Releasing
Genres: Mystery , Romance

Hoshino Mitsuko is a determined and hard-working woman living in the 1930s, where career women are a rarity and looked down upon. Despite rampant sexism and pressure to “stay home,” she’s determined to prove herself as a successful detective no matter what. One day, she’s approached by the handsome waiter Yoshida Saku, who presents Mitsuko with her very first solo case. Together, the two work closely to solve the mystery, and Mitsuko finds Saku quite capable—but very curious—and takes him on as her new assistant. Can this duo tackle cases and the turbulent atmosphere of the Showa era?



Tags: Female Protagonist , Heterosexual , Detective , Historical , Primarily Adult Cast , Seinen , Male Protagonist , LGBTQ+ Themes , Work , Episodic , Police , Yuri , Transgender

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Maomao no Koukyuu Nazotoki Techou

Status: Releasing
Genres: Drama , Mystery , Slice of Life

In the imperial court, a young woman is put into servitude, Maomao. The tale is just beginning for the woman doctor/pharmacist from the red-light district, as rumors circulate about the emperor's children's lives being short-lived. Her curious nature and thirst for knowledge pushes her to action. To satisfy her curiosity, this young doctor/pharmacist will investigate the origin! What is shifting in the imperial court..!?

Tags: Medicine , Seinen , Female Protagonist , Historical , Ancient China