List of best-selling manga

Manga, Japan's iconic style of comics, has captivated readers worldwide, evolving into a global phenomenon that transcends language barriers. Beyond their vibrant art and compelling stories, the sheer sales figures of these series reveal their profound cultural and economic impact. This list offers a fascinating glimpse into the titans of the manga industry, showcasing which stories have resonated most deeply with millions. Manga sales are primarily measured by collected tankōbon volumes, which are individual book editions, not the initial magazine serialization. A select group of manga series has achieved astronomical sales, with several titles exceeding 100 million copies and One Piece leading with over half a billion. The best-selling manga span diverse genres and decades, reflecting both long-standing classics and modern blockbusters that continue to shape global pop culture.

Source: Wikipedia

AI Summary

Manga sales are primarily measured by collected tankōbon volumes, which are individual book editions, not the initial magazine serialization.
A select group of manga series has achieved astronomical sales, with several titles exceeding 100 million copies and One Piece leading with over half a billion.
The best-selling manga span diverse genres and decades, reflecting both long-standing classics and modern blockbusters that continue to shape global pop culture.

The Global Phenomenon of Manga

Step into the vibrant world of Japanese manga, a storytelling art form that has not only shaped Japanese culture but has also become a powerful global force. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming slice-of-life tales, manga offers an unparalleled diversity of narratives that attract readers of all ages.

But how do we measure the true reach of these captivating stories? When we talk about best-selling manga, we're specifically referring to the sales of their collected volumes, known as tankōbon. These are the individual books that compile chapters previously serialized in weekly or monthly magazines.

Decoding the Numbers: Sales vs. Circulation

It's important to understand a few distinctions when looking at these incredible sales figures. Some numbers represent actual copies sold, while others denote copies in circulation or in print—meaning they've been distributed but not necessarily purchased by a reader yet. Modern figures also often include digital sales, reflecting the changing landscape of publishing.

The Elite Club: Over 100 Million Copies

Only a handful of manga series have achieved the rare feat of selling over 100 million collected volumes. These are the undisputed giants of the industry, titles that have become household names and cultural touchstones, not just in Japan but around the world. Let's look at some of these record-breakers.

Manga series	Author(s)	Approximate sales
One Piece	Eiichiro Oda	516.6 million†‡
Doraemon	Fujiko F. Fujio	300 million
Golgo 13	Takao Saito, Saito Production	300 million†
Case Closed / Detective Conan	Gosho Aoyama	270 million†
Dragon Ball	Akira Toriyama	260 million
Naruto	Masashi Kishimoto	250 million†
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba	Koyoharu Gotouge	220 million†‡
Slam Dunk	Takehiko Inoue	185 million†
KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops	Osamu Akimoto	157.2 million†
Crayon Shin-chan	Yoshito Usui, UY Team	148 million†
Attack on Titan	Hajime Isayama	140 million†‡
Oishinbo	Tetsu Kariya, Akira Hanasaki	135 million†
Bleach	Tite Kubo	130 million†
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure	Hirohiko Araki	120 million†
Kingdom	Yasuhisa Hara	110 million†‡
Astro Boy	Osamu Tezuka	100 million
Baki the Grappler	Keisuke Itagaki	100 million†
Fist of the North Star	Buronson, Tetsuo Hara	100 million
Hajime no Ippo	George Morikawa	100 million†
Jujutsu Kaisen	Gege Akutami	100 million†‡
The Kindaichi Case Files	Yōzaburō Kanari, Seimaru Amagi, Fumiya Satō	100 million†
My Hero Academia	Kōhei Horikoshi	100 million†‡
Touch	Mitsuru Adachi	100 million

Leading the pack is One Piece by Eiichiro Oda, an epic pirate adventure that has sold over 516 million copies worldwide. It's a testament to its enduring popularity and global reach, a story that has spanned decades and continues to capture imaginations. Its success is truly a phenomenon.

Close behind are classics like Doraemon and Golgo 13, both exceeding 300 million copies. Doraemon, a beloved children's series about a robot cat, has charmed generations, while Golgo 13, a mature espionage thriller, holds the record for the most volumes of any manga series. These demonstrate manga's incredible longevity.

Other titans in this category include global sensations like Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Case Closed (Detective Conan), each with sales well over 200 million. Even more recent hits like Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, despite a shorter run, have quickly ascended into this elite tier, highlighting manga's dynamic appeal.

The Mega-Hits: 50 to 99 Million Copies

Stepping down from the very top, we find another impressive tier of manga that have sold between 50 and 99 million copies. These are hugely successful series, many of which have also spawned popular anime adaptations and remain incredibly influential.

This group includes diverse titles such as Fullmetal Alchemist, a critically acclaimed fantasy adventure, and Hunter × Hunter, known for its intricate world-building. We also see classics like Sazae-san, a post-WWII comic strip that became a cultural institution, showing the vast historical breadth of manga's success.

High Performers: 30 to 49 Million Copies

The next tier showcases titles with sales ranging from 30 to 49 million copies. This category is rich with iconic series that have left an indelible mark on their respective genres, from sports epics to romantic dramas and intense thrillers.

Sailor Moon, a revolutionary shojo series, stands out here, empowering generations of fans. Alongside it, we find action-packed favorites like Yu-Gi-Oh!, known for its card game battles, and modern sensations like Spy × Family, proving that new stories continue to captivate massive audiences.

Strong Contenders: 20 to 29 Million Copies

Finally, the list celebrates series that have sold between 20 and 29 million copies. While these might seem modest compared to the absolute top sellers, reaching 20 million copies is still an extraordinary achievement in the publishing world, highlighting immense popularity and a dedicated fanbase.

Within this group are beloved works like Death Note, a dark psychological thriller, and Neon Genesis Evangelion, a profound sci-fi epic. These titles, among many others, demonstrate the incredible depth and breadth of the manga industry, where even 'strong contenders' are global best-sellers.

The Enduring Legacy of Manga

This list of best-selling manga is more than just a collection of numbers; it's a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of these visual narratives. Each series represents countless hours of creativity, dedication from authors and artists, and a profound connection with readers.

From decades-long sagas to meteoric modern hits, these sales figures paint a vivid picture of a vibrant, evolving industry that continues to innovate and inspire. The world of manga is truly boundless, always offering new adventures and timeless tales for us to discover.

Article

List of best-selling manga

The following is a list of the best-selling Japanese manga series to date in terms of the number of collected tankōbon volumes sold. All series in this list have at least 20 million copies in circulation. This list is limited to Japanese manga and does not include manhwa, manhua or original English-language manga. The series are listed according to the highest sales or circulation (copies in print) estimate of their collected tankōbon volumes as reported in reliable sources unless indicated otherwise. Ties are arranged in alphabetical order.

Note that most manga series are first serialized and sold as part of manga magazines, before being sold separately as individual collected tankōbon volumes. This list only includes the number of collected tankōbon volumes sold.

Collected tankōbon volumes

List of best-selling manga

• Background shading indicates manga series currently running. • † Dagger glyph indicates the number of tankōbon copies a series has in circulation/print, rather than actually sold. • ‡ Double-dagger glyph indicates that the number includes digital sales.

At least 100 million copies and above

Between 50 million and 99 million copies

Between 30 million and 49 million copies

Between 20 million and 29 million copies

<table><thead><tr><th>Manga series</th><th>Author(s)</th><th>Publisher</th><th>Demographic</th><th>No. of collected volumes</th><th>Serialized</th><th>Approximate sales</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Futari Ecchi</td><td>Katsu Aki</td><td>Hakusensha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>94</td><td>1997–present</td><td>29.5 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Chihayafuru</td><td>Yuki Suetsugu</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Josei</td><td>50</td><td>2007–2022</td><td>29 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Shonan Bakusozoku</td><td>Satoshi Yoshida</td><td>Shōnen Gahōsha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>16</td><td>1982–1988</td><td>29 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Asari-chan</td><td>Mayumi Muroyama</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>100</td><td>1978–2014</td><td>28 million†</td></tr><tr><td>The Fable</td><td>Katsuhisa Minami</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>31</td><td>2014–present</td><td>28 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Assassination Classroom</td><td>Yūsei Matsui</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>21</td><td>2012–2016</td><td>27 million†</td></tr><tr><td>D.Gray-man</td><td>Katsura Hoshino</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>29</td><td>2004–present</td><td>27 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Eyeshield 21</td><td>Riichiro Inagaki, Yusuke Murata</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>37</td><td>2002–2009</td><td>27 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Sakigake!! Otokojuku</td><td>Akira Miyashita</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>34</td><td>1985–1991</td><td>27 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Seito Shokun!</td><td>Yoko Shoji</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōjo / Josei</td><td>79</td><td>1977–2019</td><td>27 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Yūkan Club</td><td>Yukari Ichijo</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>19</td><td>1982–2002</td><td>27 million</td></tr><tr><td>Bari Bari Densetsu</td><td>Shuichi Shigeno</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>38</td><td>1983–1991</td><td>26 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Tsuribaka Nisshi</td><td>Jūzō Yamasaki, Kenichi Kitami</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>117</td><td>1979–present</td><td>26 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Angel Heart</td><td>Tsukasa Hojo</td><td>Shinchosha Tokuma Shoten</td><td>Seinen</td><td>49</td><td>2001–2017</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Ashita no Joe</td><td>Ikki Kajiwara, Tetsuya Chiba</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>20</td><td>1968–1973</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Blue Exorcist</td><td>Kazue Kato</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>33</td><td>2009–present</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Boys Be...</td><td>Masahiro Itabashi, Hiroyuki Tamakoshi</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>32</td><td>1991–1997</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Emblem Take 2</td><td>Kazumasa Kiuchi, Jun Watanabe</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>62</td><td>1990–2004</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Flame of Recca</td><td>Nobuyuki Anzai</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>33</td><td>1995–2002</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Fushigi Yûgi</td><td>Yuu Watase</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōjo / Josei</td><td>34</td><td>1991–present</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Hikaru no Go</td><td>Yumi Hotta, Takeshi Obata</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>23</td><td>1998–2003</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic</td><td>Shinobu Ohtaka</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>37</td><td>2009–2017</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Maison Ikkoku</td><td>Rumiko Takahashi</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>15</td><td>1980–1987</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Miyuki</td><td>Mitsuru Adachi</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>12</td><td>1980–1984</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Neon Genesis Evangelion</td><td>Yoshiyuki Sadamoto</td><td>Kadokawa Shoten</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>14</td><td>1994–2013</td><td>25 million</td></tr><tr><td>Oh My Goddess!</td><td>Kōsuke Fujishima</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>48</td><td>1988–2014</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Oshi no Ko</td><td>Aka Akasaka, Mengo Yokoyari</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>16</td><td>2020–2024</td><td>25 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Patalliro!</td><td>Mineo Maya</td><td>Hakusensha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>104</td><td>1979–present</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Parasyte</td><td>Hitoshi Iwaaki</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>10</td><td>1988–1995</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>The Ping Pong Club</td><td>Minoru Furuya</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>13</td><td>1993–1996</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Saiyuki</td><td>Kazuya Minekura</td><td>Square Enix Ichijinsha</td><td>Shōnen / Shōjo / Josei</td><td>27</td><td>1997–present</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Tasogare Ryūseigun</td><td>Kenshi Hirokane</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>78</td><td>1995–present</td><td>25 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Ahiru no Sora</td><td>Takeshi Hinata</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>51</td><td>2004–2019 (on hiatus)</td><td>24 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Aoashi</td><td>Yugo Kobayashi, Naohiko Ueno</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>40</td><td>2015–2025</td><td>24 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Black Clover</td><td>Yūki Tabata</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>37</td><td>2015–present</td><td>24 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Gantz</td><td>Hiroya Oku</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>37</td><td>2000–2013</td><td>24 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Kaguya-sama: Love Is War</td><td>Aka Akasaka</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>28</td><td>2015–2022</td><td>24 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Zatch Bell!</td><td>Makoto Raiku</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>33</td><td>2001–2007</td><td>23.8 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Rave Master</td><td>Hiro Mashima</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>35</td><td>1999–2005</td><td>23.5 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Giant Killing</td><td>Masaya Tsunamoto, Tsujitomo</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>68</td><td>2007–present</td><td>23 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Himitsu Series</td><td>Yasuko Uchiyama, Tokuo Yokota, Terumi Fujiki, Yoshitari Iizuka</td><td>Gakken</td><td>Children</td><td>116</td><td>1972–2014</td><td>23 million†</td></tr><tr><td>The Rose of Versailles</td><td>Riyoko Ikeda</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>10</td><td>1972–1973</td><td>23 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Ushijima the Loan Shark</td><td>Shohei Manabe</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>46</td><td>2004–2019</td><td>23 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Abu-san</td><td>Shinji Mizushima</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>107</td><td>1973–2014</td><td>22 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Cardcaptor Sakura</td><td>Clamp</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>28</td><td>1996–2023</td><td>22 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Don't Call It Mystery</td><td>Yumi Tamura</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Josei</td><td>16</td><td>2016–present</td><td>22 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Hayate the Combat Butler</td><td>Kenjiro Hata</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>52</td><td>2004–2017</td><td>22 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Hoshin Engi</td><td>Ryu Fujisaki</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>23</td><td>1996–2000</td><td>22 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Made in Abyss</td><td>Akihito Tsukushi</td><td>Takeshobo</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>14</td><td>2012–present</td><td>22 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Terra Formars</td><td>Yū Sasuga, Kenichi Tachibana</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>23</td><td>2011–present</td><td>22 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Dōbutsu no Oisha-san</td><td>Noriko Sasaki</td><td>Hakusensha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>12</td><td>1987–1993</td><td>21.6 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Osu! Karate Club</td><td>Koji Takahashi</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>43</td><td>1985–1996</td><td>21 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Rookies</td><td>Masanori Morita</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>24</td><td>1998–2003</td><td>21 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle</td><td>Clamp</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>28</td><td>2003–2009</td><td>21 million</td></tr><tr><td>Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdick</td><td>Chiaki Kawamata, Junji Koyanagi, Kamui Fujiwara</td><td>Enix</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>21</td><td>1991–1997</td><td>20.9 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Soul Eater</td><td>Atsushi Ohkubo</td><td>Square Enix</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>25</td><td>2004–2013</td><td>20.4 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Shōnen Shōjo Nippon no Rekishi</td><td>Kōta Kodama, Arakawa Shoji</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Children</td><td>24</td><td>1981–2018</td><td>20.2 million†</td></tr><tr><td>750 Rider</td><td>Isami Ishii</td><td>Akita Shoten</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>50</td><td>1975–1985</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Buddha</td><td>Osamu Tezuka</td><td>Ushio Shuppan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>14</td><td>1972–1983</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Cat's Eye</td><td>Tsukasa Hojo</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>18</td><td>1981–1985</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Cuffs – Kizu Darake no Chizu</td><td>Jin Tojo</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>32</td><td>1997–2005</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Dr. Stone</td><td>Boichi, Riichiro Inagaki</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>27</td><td>2017–2022</td><td>20 million†‡</td></tr><tr><td>Fire Force</td><td>Atsushi Ohkubo</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>34</td><td>2015–2022</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma</td><td>Yūto Tsukuda, Shun Saeki</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>36</td><td>2012–2019</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Haruhi Suzumiya</td><td>Makoto Mizuno, Gaku Tsugano, Puyo, Eretto</td><td>Kadokawa Shoten</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>57</td><td>2004–2018</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Keiji</td><td>Keiichiro Ryu, Tetsuo Hara</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>18</td><td>1990–1993</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Kimagure Orange Road</td><td>Izumi Matsumoto</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>18</td><td>1984–1987</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Love Hina</td><td>Ken Akamatsu</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>14</td><td>1998–2001</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Master Keaton</td><td>Naoki Urasawa, Hokusei Katsushika, Takashi Nagasaki</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>18</td><td>1988–1994</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Mazinger Z</td><td>Go Nagai</td><td></td><td>Shōnen</td><td>5</td><td>1972–1974</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Monster</td><td>Naoki Urasawa</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>18</td><td>1994–2001</td><td>20 million</td></tr><tr><td>Negima! Magister Negi Magi</td><td>Ken Akamatsu</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>38</td><td>2003–2012</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Peacock King</td><td>Makoto Ogino</td><td></td><td>Seinen</td><td>45</td><td>1985–2019</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>The Quintessential Quintuplets</td><td>Negi Haruba</td><td>Kodansha</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>14</td><td>2017–2020</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Red River</td><td>Chie Shinohara</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>28</td><td>1995–2002</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Shōnen Ashibe</td><td>Hiromi Morishita</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>8</td><td>1988–1994</td><td>20 million</td></tr><tr><td>Sukeban Deka</td><td>Shinji Wada</td><td>Hakusensha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>22</td><td>1976–1982</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Swan</td><td>Kyoko Ariyoshi</td><td>Shueisha</td><td>Shōjo</td><td>21</td><td>1976–1981</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Tokyo Daigaku Monogatari</td><td>Tatsuya Egawa</td><td>Shogakukan</td><td>Seinen</td><td>34</td><td>1992–2001</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Weed</td><td>Yoshihiro Takahashi</td><td>Nihon Bungeisha</td><td>Seinen</td><td>60</td><td>1999–2009</td><td>20 million†</td></tr><tr><td>Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun</td><td>Osamu Nishi</td><td>Akita Shoten</td><td>Shōnen</td><td>47</td><td>2017–present</td><td>20 million†‡</td></tr></tbody></table>