Yurivan Journal
Citrus Manga: Read Online + Complete Series Guide
Read Citrus manga online, all 84 chapters of Citrus + Citrus+ by Saburouta. Complete guide with reading order, all 10 volumes, anime adaptation, characters, and the controversy explained.
The Citrus manga is one of the best-selling yuri series of all time, introducing countless readers to the girls' love genre. It's also one of the most divisive. This complete guide covers everything about the Citrus manga: all 84 chapters across Citrus and Citrus+, reading order, the anime adaptation, why it's controversial, and how to read it online right now.
Citrus + Citrus+
84 chapters · 2,376 pages
What is Citrus?
Citrus is a yuri manga series by Saburouta, serialized in Comic Yuri Hime from November 2012 to August 2018. The complete series spans 10 volumes (41 chapters). An anime adaptation aired in Winter 2018, and a sequel manga titled Citrus+ began publication immediately after the original's conclusion.
The story follows Yuzu Aihara, a flashy gyaru who transfers to an all-girls academy after her mother remarries. There she clashes with Mei Aihara, the strict student council president, who turns out to be her new step-sister. What begins as antagonism transforms into complicated romantic feelings.
Citrus was a commercial success that helped popularize yuri manga internationally. Its anime adaptation was many viewers' first exposure to the genre. However, the series has always divided fans, with passionate defenders and equally passionate critics.
Story Overview (Spoiler-Free)
Yuzu Aihara lives for fashion, fun, and the dream of finding a boyfriend. When her mother remarries, Yuzu transfers to Aihara Academy, a prestigious all-girls school with strict rules that clash with everything she is. On her first day, she runs afoul of the intimidating student council president.
That night, Yuzu discovers the president is Mei Aihara, her new step-sister. Their first real interaction ends with Mei forcefully kissing Yuzu, setting the tone for a relationship defined by push-and-pull dynamics, miscommunication, and intense emotional outbursts.
As the series progresses, Yuzu learns about Mei's troubled past: an absent father, crushing family expectations, and deep-seated emotional walls. Yuzu's persistence slowly cracks Mei's defenses, but every step forward seems followed by two steps back. Rival love interests, family drama, and Mei's inability to express her feelings create constant obstacles.
The central question driving Citrus isn't whether Yuzu and Mei will get together, it's whether Mei can learn to accept love and whether Yuzu's devotion will be rewarded or exploited.
Citrus vs Citrus+: What's the Difference?
Understanding the two series is essential for new readers:
- Citrus (2012-2018): The original series. 10 volumes, 41 chapters. Covers Yuzu and Mei meeting, falling in love, and overcoming obstacles to be together. Ends with their relationship established. This is the complete main story.
- Citrus+ (2018-ongoing): The sequel series. Follows Yuzu and Mei as an established couple facing new challenges. More focus on their relationship dynamics, more intimate content, and introduction of new characters. Ongoing publication.
New readers should start with the original Citrus. Citrus+ assumes familiarity with all previous events and characters. The sequel offers fans more content with their favorite couple but is not necessary for a complete story, the original Citrus has a definitive ending.
Citrus Manga: All 10 Volumes
The Citrus manga is published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment. Here's a volume-by-volume breakdown:
- Volume 1 (Chapters 1-4): Yuzu transfers to Aihara Academy. Meets Mei. The infamous first kiss. Initial antagonism and confusion.
- Volume 2 (Chapters 5-8): Introduction of Harumi, Yuzu's first friend. Mei's complicated past with her father. Growing tension between the step-sisters.
- Volume 3 (Chapters 9-12): Himeko Momokino enters as a rival. Student council drama. Yuzu begins to understand her feelings.
- Volume 4 (Chapters 13-16): Matsuri Mizusawa arrives as a wild card. Manipulation and jealousy. One of the more controversial arcs.
- Volume 5 (Chapters 17-20): School trip arc. Progress in Yuzu and Mei's relationship. Introduction of new characters.
- Volume 6 (Chapters 21-25): Sara and Nina enter the picture. Love rivals from the outside. Increasing intimacy between the leads.
- Volume 7 (Chapters 26-29): Continued relationship development. Family expectations begin to pressure Mei. Emotional stakes rise.
- Volume 8 (Chapters 30-33): Major plot developments regarding Mei's future. The arranged marriage storyline begins.
- Volume 9 (Chapters 34-37): Crisis point. Separation and heartbreak. The most emotionally intense volume.
- Volume 10 (Chapters 38-41): Resolution. Yuzu fights for her relationship. Conclusion and epilogue.
Citrus Anime Adaptation
The Citrus anime aired in Winter 2018, produced by Passione studio. The 12 episodes adapt approximately the first 5 volumes of the manga, ending before the major later arcs.
- Production Quality: Solid animation with faithful character designs. The art style captures Saburouta's aesthetic well.
- Voice Acting: Ayana Taketatsu voices Yuzu with energetic enthusiasm. Minami Tsuda brings ice-cold composure to Mei.
- Coverage: Adapts volumes 1-5, stopping before the final major arcs. The anime has no season 2 announcement.
- Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll in most regions.
The anime introduced many viewers to yuri but received mixed reviews. Critics praised the production quality while noting the source material's controversial elements were faithfully adapted, for better or worse.
Continue Where the Anime Left Off
The anime adapts volumes 1-5 only. Continue with volume 6 (chapter 21) in our reader, all remaining chapters are available.
Continue Reading → →Main Characters
- Yuzu Aihara: The protagonist. A bright, fashion-forward gyaru who wears her heart on her sleeve. Her determination to reach Mei despite constant rejection is either inspirational or frustrating, depending on your perspective. She grows significantly throughout the series.
- Mei Aihara: The deuteragonist. Cold, composed, and burdened by family expectations. Her emotional unavailability creates most of the series' conflict. Critics argue she treats Yuzu poorly; defenders see her as a damaged person learning to love.
- Harumi Taniguchi: Yuzu's best friend at school. The voice of reason and comic relief. Fan favorite for her loyalty and support.
- Matsuri Mizusawa: Yuzu's childhood friend. A manipulative troublemaker who stirs conflict. The most divisive supporting character.
- Himeko Momokino: Mei's devoted friend and initial rival for her affection. Provides insight into Mei's school persona.
The Citrus Controversy: Why Fans Are Divided
Citrus has been controversial since its debut. Understanding the criticisms can help you decide if it's for you:
- Consent Issues: Multiple early scenes feature Mei kissing Yuzu without consent. While the narrative frames this as Mei's emotional dysfunction, some readers find it disturbing. The power dynamic improves over time but remains a valid concern.
- Step-Sibling Romance: Yuzu and Mei are step-sisters. They have no blood relation and only meet as teenagers, but the premise bothers some readers. The manga treats it as taboo within its world.
- Melodrama: Citrus relies heavily on dramatic misunderstandings, love rivals, and emotional outbursts. Readers who prefer understated storytelling may find it exhausting.
- Mei's Character: Mei's cold treatment of Yuzu frustrates many readers. Her growth is slow and she makes choices that seem cruel. Whether this makes her complex or unlikeable depends on the reader.
- Genre Gateway: Some critics argue Citrus gives newcomers a skewed impression of yuri. Defenders counter that its popularity helped grow the entire genre.
If these elements concern you, consider starting with Bloom Into You instead, it's the most commonly recommended alternative for readers who want psychologically complex yuri without Citrus's controversial aspects. For a broader view of the genre, our guide to the best GL manga and manhwa covers the full landscape from Japanese yuri to Korean GL manhwa.
Read Citrus Manga Online
You can read the complete Citrus manga online right here. We have all 84 chapters, the original Citrus (chapters 1-41) and the entire Citrus+ sequel, in a continuous gallery reader built for manga. No page-by-page clicking, no pop-ups. Just scroll. For a full overview of where to read yuri manga online, including free platforms, premium services, and GL webtoon sites, see our dedicated reading guide.
Read Citrus Manga Here
84 chapters. 2,376 pages. Citrus + Citrus+ complete. Start from chapter 1 or jump to any chapter.
Start Reading Now →Prefer physical copies? All 10 volumes of the original Citrus and ongoing Citrus+ volumes are published in English by Seven Seas Entertainment, available at bookstores and Amazon. The anime (12 episodes, Crunchyroll) adapts the first 5 volumes.
Similar Yuri Manga Recommendations
Based on what you liked (or didn't) about Citrus:
- If you loved the drama: NTR: Netsuzou Trap offers similar intensity and controversy, read all 29 chapters on Yurivan. What Does the Fox Say? (GL manhwa) has mature workplace drama, read all 136 chapters on Yurivan. Read on Yurivan →
- If you wanted better communication: Bloom Into You features complex psychology without relying on miscommunication. The characters grow through genuine self-reflection.
- If you liked the art style: Saburouta's art is distinctive. Similar aesthetic quality can be found in Éclair anthologies and works from Comic Yuri Hime.
- If you want happier romance: Kase-san series offers warm, low-drama relationship development. She Loves to Cook, She Loves to Eat is cozy adult romance.
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Best Yuri Manga 2026 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citrus manga finished?
The original Citrus manga is complete at 10 volumes (41 chapters). However, the sequel series Citrus+ is ongoing, continuing Yuzu and Mei's story after they become a couple.
What is the difference between Citrus and Citrus+?
Citrus (2012-2018) is the original series covering Yuzu and Mei falling in love. Citrus+ (2018-ongoing) is the sequel that follows their established relationship, including more intimate content and new challenges.
Is Citrus appropriate for younger readers?
Citrus is rated Older Teen (16+) due to sexual content, including non-consensual kisses and suggestive scenes. It deals with mature themes including step-sibling romance. Parents should preview before allowing younger teens to read.
Does Citrus have a happy ending?
Yes. The original Citrus manga ends with Yuzu and Mei together in a committed relationship. Citrus+ continues their happy relationship with new storylines.
Why is Citrus controversial?
Citrus is controversial for several reasons: the step-sister romance premise, early scenes featuring non-consensual kissing, melodramatic plot devices, and Mei's cold personality. Some readers find these elements compelling drama; others find them problematic.
Is Citrus worth reading?
It depends on your preferences. Citrus offers intense emotional drama, beautiful art, and a relationship that evolves significantly. If you dislike melodrama or are bothered by consent issues in fiction, consider starting with Bloom Into You instead.
How many chapters does Citrus manga have?
The Citrus manga has 84 total chapters: 41 chapters in the original Citrus series (10 volumes) plus 43 chapters in the sequel Citrus+ (ongoing). Both series are available to read on Yurivan.
Where can I read Citrus manga online?
You can read all 84 chapters of Citrus and Citrus+ on Yurivan in a continuous gallery reader. The complete series, original Citrus plus the Citrus+ sequel, is available with no page-by-page clicking.
Sources
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