Doujinshi are manga that are self-published by creators. They are typically fan-made derivative works based on existing anime, manga, and other media. They contain a wide range of content, from original stories to alternate storylines to parodies. So here are 10 anime based on doujinshi that have gone mainstream!
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Tawawa on Monday
Are you one of those people who despises Monday? If that's the case, Tawawa on Monday might make you reconsider.
It is a 12-episode short anime with four-minute episodes that follows an ordinary salaryman named Kouhai who has the unusual weekly duty of protecting a high schooler named Ai-chan from gropers during their train commutes.
The anime then follows their lighthearted and casual conversations, which helped them get to know each other better.
However, keep in mind that Tawawa on Monday is an ecchi anime, so expect an emphasis on the female characters' physical features, particularly their large busts!
Tawawa on Monday's anime adaptation perfectly captures the creator's series of illustrations and stories posted on Twitter.
It also has a casual and relaxing atmosphere, which is ideal for ecchi anime fans who are only interested in the plot (if you know what I mean).
Ganbare Douki-chan
Despite being an ecchi show, Ganbare Douki-chan is a short but sweet anime with some wholesome moments.
It follows Douki-chan and her attempts to confess to her coworker crush, Douki-kun. But our protagonist's path will not be easy, as he must compete with Senpai-san and Kouhai-kun for Douki-kun's heart.
Ganbare Douki-chan is primarily a fanservice anime for the working class. There isn't much going on, as one would expect from a short anime, so keep your expectations low, especially if you're an ecchi anime fan.
Although Ganbare Douki-chan contains mature themes and content, the focus of this anime is on the comedic and awkward situations between Douki-chan and Douki-kun, as well as how they navigate their feelings and interactions with one another.
The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious
Released in the summer of 2022, this teasing anime titled The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious has a simple premise that revolves around a maid and his very curious young master.
They have a weird situation, as the young master is always suspicious of his maid, whom he believes is a witch!
A fun yet coming-of-age anime, The Maid I Hired Recently Is Mysterious is a very simple anime with an easy-to-follow plot.
It has unnecessary conflict, and it feeds the viewers with a lot of fluff between the two main characters.
But don’t expect a lot from this anime, as it only has a limited budget, as shown by its bland animation.
We follow Yuuri, the young master of the household, who hires Lilith, a beautiful and hard-working maid who always gets the job done above Yuuri’s expectations.
Lilith always teases Yuuri, who thinks that his maid is bewitching him!
My Tiny Senpai
My Tiny Senpai is a workplace anime with a lot of fluff, so don't expect much of a plot from this show. It focuses on the day-to-day interactions of a short but sweet senpai and her awkward but hardworking kouhai.
Shiori Katase is tiny and cute, and she dotes on Shinozaki Takuma a lot for whatever special reason.
The side characters have interesting personalities as well, and their funny interactions with the main characters are entertaining to watch, especially Chinatsu, who is a closet otaku and cosplayer!
Shiori and Shinozaki are frequently shown working together and completing tasks, providing viewers with a relaxing experience.
Onimai: I’m Now Your Sister
Have you ever imagined yourself switching genders one day? What will you do?
Following his sister Mihari's failed experiment, Mahiro Oyama must transfer middle schools in order to adjust and live comfortably in his new everyday life as a girl!
Mahiro's days of being a NEET and playing erotic visual novels are over, as he has been dragged out of his room to live as a cute girl until Mihari discovers a way to turn him back into his normal self. But Mihari is more determined than ever to turn Mahiro into a real girl!
Onimai: I'm Now Your Sister is a gender-bending anime with the fluid animation that Studio Bind is known for, as well as good humor, cute moments, and more.
Nights With a Cat
Nights With a Cat will help you understand a house cat's specific behaviors, attitudes, and tantrums, making it an ideal watch for cat lovers.
In Nights With a Cat, you'll meet Fuuta-kun, a first-time cat owner who decides to care for his sister Pii-chan's cat, Kyuruga.
It has a simple premise and takes place entirely in Fuuta's home. Also, each episode depicts Fuuta's interactions with Kyuruga, who does a variety of adorable things.
This anime is very short, lasting only two minutes per episode! Even though it is episodic, Nights With a Cat is still worth watching for its unique style, simple premise, and memorable characters.
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls should be on your watchlist if you enjoy violent and horror anime due to its disturbing imagery, graphic violence, and gore. It also has an intriguing story, which is ideal for those who enjoy mysteries!
After a ritual goes wrong, a group of Kisaragi Academy students are transported to Heavenly Host Elementary School, a cursed and haunted elementary school.
To survive, the characters must deal with gruesome deaths, vengeful spirits, malevolent forces, and supernatural phenomena!
Heavenly Host Elementary School appears to have a tragic backstory, and the students must rely on themselves to get out of their terrible situation!
NieA Under 7
NieA Under 7 is yet another one of Yoshitoshi Abe’s brainchild. Unlike Haibane Renmei, NieA Under 7 explores cultural differences, the clash between different worlds, and themes of economic struggles.
Mayuko Chigasaki meets NieA, an alien from the lowest caste known as Under Seven, in a near-futuristic city where aliens coexist with humans.
Despite living in a run-down bathhouse and barely scraping by, they became roommates. Thus begins Mayuko and NieA's life of amusing antics and sometimes poignant adventures!
The anime contains a lot of humor but also moments of reflection as Mayuko juggles her daily life with NieA!
Haibane Renmei
Haibane Renmei, based on a doujinshi by Yoshitoshi Abe, is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant anime with a distinct atmosphere, philosophical themes, and art style.
It also dives into a mysterious and dreamlike town and its fascinating inhabitants.
This anime takes place in the wallet town of Glie, where angelic-like people with a halo and wings known as Haibane coexist with humans.
Rakka is a Haibane who has no recollection of her previous life but was taken in by her co-species to start a new life in Glie.
However, Glie is riddled with secrets and mysteries, particularly among its Haibane residents.
Haibane Renmei delves into the characters' emotional and existential issues in addition to the anime's introspective mood.
Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is a popular anime that is well-known for its hip-hop culture, unique blend of samurai action, and distinct art style that combines traditional Japanese influences with modern urban aesthetics.
This action-packed anime follows Afro Samurai, a skilled swordsman, on his path of vengeance. He wants to take over the coveted title of "Number One" from the current Number One, who is also the murderer of his father.
Afro Samurai is not for the faint of heart, with its strong language, mature themes, and graphic violence.
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