Mangas
The Manga That Are Taking Over Japan in 2023
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From epic shōnen fantasy to comedy series, manga continues to dominate the literary landscape on a larger scale. As we delve into the best-selling manga of 2023, be prepared to be dazzled by diverse narratives spanning genres to suit a multitude of tastes.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the list of half-yearly manga sales reports that topped the charts in 2023.
10. Kingdom – 1.56 million

The Shōnen Jump historical catalog has proven to be a successful genre in recent years, thanks to the success of “Kingdom.” Written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara, the manga provides a fictionalized account of the Warring States period in China during the Zhou Dynasty era.
The series follows a war orphan, Xin, who fights alongside his comrades to become the greatest general under the heavens. On a path filled with trials and bloodshed, Xin seeks to unify the territories of China for the first time in 500 years.
9. Oshi no Ko – 1.69 million

Since the debut of the anime series Oshi no Ko, the franchise has been growing at a very fast pace. The series has become the center of attention and has now entered the list of best-selling manga of 2023. From the same author of Kaguya-sama, the series revolves around the rising star Ai Hoshino, who is 16 years old.
Set in a modern setting, Oshi no Ko follows the lives of a doctor and his recently deceased patient, who are reborn as twins by Ai Hoshino and navigate the ups and downs of the country's entertainment industry as they grow together throughout their lives.
8. My Hero Academia – 1.88 million

With the release of the sixth season and the manga heading towards its end, it was quite obvious that My Hero Academia will achieve a groundbreaking sales record in 2023 and the manga's half-year sales are a mere demonstration of that. The fandom is certainly toxic, but they don't forget to show their love for the manga.
Set in a world where 80% of the population possesses a supernatural ability called a 'Quirk', Izuku Midoriya is born without any kind of power. However, he still dreams of becoming a superhero. One day, he is scouted by Japan's greatest hero, All Might, who takes him under his wing to be the next inheritor of “One For All”.
7. Tokyo Revengers – 2.62 million

Another successful year for Ken Wakui’s “Tokyo Revengers” manga, and this time it’s the second season of the anime that makes the difference. In addition to a new season, the franchise also witnessed the end of the manga this year, eventually benefiting its growing manga sales.
Tokyo Revengers is the story of Takemichi Hanagaki, a young man who discovers he can travel through time. Upon witnessing the tragic death of his high school sweetheart, Hinata Tachibana, he is transported back in time 12 years. Now, he has the chance to save her while confronting his own past along the way.
6. Spy × Family – 2.68 million

Action comedy series Spy × Family has been making waves in the anime community since last year. While the manga is the best-selling series on the charts, the anime has been renewed for a second season and a movie. Anya's magical charm is really working and the series is doing very well on the shelves.
Spy × Family follows Twilight, a spy tasked with a top-secret mission to scout the movements of Donovan Desmond, a dangerous figure who threatens East-West peace. To do so, Twilight is tasked with creating a family within a week and infiltrating the social gathering of Desmond's prestigious school!
5. One Piece – 3.55 million

One Piece has been around for over two decades now, and there’s hardly been a year when it hasn’t been in the top 10 best-selling manga series. In fact, not only is it the best-selling manga in the world, One Piece is also the second best-selling comic book, right behind DC’s Superman.
Written by Eiichiro Oda, the series tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy who dreams of becoming the Pirate King. To achieve his dream, he sets out on a journey to recruit new members for his crew so they can sail the Grand Line and find the mysterious treasure 'One Piece' left by the former Pirate King, Gol D. Roger.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen – 3.75 million

In this list of best-selling manga of 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen is the only one without any anime released last year. Selling more than 3.75 million copies outside of the season is a remarkable feat for the franchise, remembering that the second season is scheduled to premiere in the second half of this year.
Based in the world of sorcery, Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, who is transferred to Jujutsu Tech after consuming the finger of the most powerful cursed spirit, Ryomen Sukuna. Now, as a vessel for the strongest cursed spirit, he is tasked with finding all of Sukuna's fingers and neutralizing him once and for all!
3. Slam Dunk – 4.19 million

After so many years, it is good to see one of the best sports manga “Slam Dunk” being on the list of best-selling manga of 2023. After the theatrical release of the first feature film of the anime series, the demand for manga increased in the Japanese market thus returning to the manga charts.
Written and illustrated by renowned manga artist Takehiko Inoue, Slam Dunk revolves around the life of a delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi who joins his school's basketball team to impress his crush. In a team of exceptionally talented players, Sakuragi must prove himself and become the best basketball player.
2. Chainsaw Man – 4.49 million

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s critically acclaimed horror-comedy manga “Chainsaw Man” has been one of the biggest hits in the shōnen genre in recent months. While the anime seemed to be a hit, its manga has outsold some of the most popular shōnen titles, selling over 4 million copies in just six months.
Chainsaw Man is a coming-of-age story that follows Denji, who transforms into a Chainsaw Devil after merging with his pet Pochita. From here, Denji decides to take on even the toughest enemies and stop at nothing to achieve his simple teenage dreams.
1. Blue Lock – 8 million

One of the best sports titles released in recent years, Blue Lock is the best-selling manga of 2023. The anime debut and the striking art style of the manga are the sole reason for its growing popularity in a competitive industry like anime and manga. .
Blue Lock follows Isagi Yoichi, who is invited to a confidential soccer project called “Blue Lock” along with 299 other strikers from all over Japan to create the best striker in the world. Locked in a dormitory, the battle to be selfish begins here!
Which of the following best-selling mangas of 2023 is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other mangas like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.