Oricon Unveils Japan’s Top 10 best Selling Manga of 2023: A Celebration of Diverse Storytelling
The year 2023 has been another banner year for the manga industry, as readers have been captivated by a wide variety of genres, stories, and characters. Oricon, a renowned media research and tracking firm, has released its official list of the top 10 best selling manga of 2023, providing valuable insights into the titles that have resonated most with Japanese audiences. This year’s list showcases a fascinating mix of established favorites and breakout newcomers, each offering a unique and engaging reading experience.
Blue Lock: A Meteoric Rise to the Top
Leading the pack with a staggering 10,118,929 copies sold is Blue Lock, a sports manga that has taken the industry by storm. The series follows Yoichi Isagi, a high school soccer player who joins a ruthless training program designed to cultivate the world’s next striker. With its intense action, compelling characters, and timely release during the FIFA World Cup, Blue Lock has tapped into the widespread popularity of soccer and captured the imaginations of readers worldwide.
Jujutsu Kaisen: A Dark Fantasy Sensation
Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen continues to reign supreme in the realm of dark fantasy action, selling an impressive 6,435,000 copies in 2023. This series blends supernatural elements with dynamic characters and captivating storytelling, following Yuuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a sorcerer to exorcise curses and protect humanity. Jujutsu Kaisen’s consistently thrilling narrative and exploration of complex themes have earned it a dedicated fanbase and solidified its position as a modern manga icon.
One Piece: An Enduring Pirate Epic
Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece continues to defy expectations, selling 5,675,000 copies and maintaining its status as one of the most beloved manga series of all time. This long-running pirate epic follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy who dreams of finding the legendary treasure known as One Piece and becoming the Pirate King. With its grand narrative, diverse cast, and ability to consistently deliver thrilling adventures, One Piece has captivated readers for over two decades and shows no signs of slowing down.
Chainsaw Man: A Dark and Action-Packed Newcomer
Chainsaw Man, a relatively new series by Tatsuki Fujimoto, has made its mark in 2023, selling an impressive 5,225,000 copies. This dark and action-packed manga follows Denji, a young man who becomes a hybrid human-devil after merging with his chainsaw-pooch companion, Pochita. With its unique blend of gore, humor, and devil-hunting action, Chainsaw Man has garnered a devoted following and established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the manga industry.
Oshi no Ko: A Unique Blend of Drama, Comedy, and Meta-Commentary
Oshi no Ko, another newcomer to the scene, has made a splash with its unique blend of drama, comedy, and meta-commentary, selling 5,006,795 copies in 2023. This series follows two reincarnated idol singers who work as gynecologists while seeking revenge on the entertainment industry. With its sharp wit, self-referential humor, and exploration of themes like reincarnation and parenthood, Oshi no Ko has captured the attention of readers seeking a fresh and unconventional manga experience.
Slam Dunk: A Nostalgic Basketball Classic
Slam Dunk, a nostalgic basketball classic by Takehiko Inoue, has proven its enduring appeal, selling 4,861,136 copies in 2023. This series follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a delinquent who joins his high school basketball team and discovers his passion for the sport. With its inspiring story of teamwork, perseverance, and self-discovery, Slam Dunk continues to resonate with readers of all ages, reminding them of the power of sports and the bonds of friendship.
Spy x Family: A Heartwarming Blend of Action and Comedy
Tatsuya Endo’s Spy x Family has won over a wide range of readers with its heartwarming blend of action and comedy, selling 3,120,000 copies in 2023. This series follows Loid Forger, a spy who must create a fake family to carry out a mission. With its lovable characters, hilarious moments, and heartwarming family dynamics, Spy x Family has become a global phenomenon, captivating readers with its ability to balance action, comedy, and heartwarming moments.
Tokyo Revengers: A Dark and Action-Packed Time-Travel Thriller
Tokyo Revengers, a dark and action-packed time-travel thriller by Ken Wakui, has continued to captivate fans, selling 3,090,000 copies in 2023. This series follows Takemichi Hanagaki, a young man who travels back in time to save his girlfriend from death and prevent a series of tragic events. With its complex characters, intense action sequences, and exploration of themes like regret, redemption, and friendship, Tokyo Revengers has cemented its place among the most popular manga series of the year.
My Hero Academia: A Celebration of Heroism and Self-Improvement
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia has maintained its popularity, selling 2,890,000 copies in 2023. This superhero series follows Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero despite his lack of superpowers. With its inspiring story of overcoming adversity, its diverse cast of characters, and its exploration of themes like heroism and self-improvement, My Hero Academia continues to resonate with readers of all ages.
Kingdom: A Sweeping Historical Epic
Yasuhisa Hara’s Kingdom, a sweeping historical epic, has rounded out the top ten, selling 2,705,000 copies in 2023. This series follows Xin, an orphan who dreams of becoming a great general during China’s Warring States period. With its captivating narrative, intricate political maneuvers, and large-scale battles, Kingdom has established itself as a popular and enduring manga series.
Conclusion: A Testament to the Power of Storytelling
The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for the manga industry, showcasing a diverse range of genres, stories, and characters that have captivated readers worldwide. From the intense action of Blue Lock to the heartwarming adventures of Spy x Family, the top-selling manga series of 2023 reflect the ever-evolving landscape of Japanese storytelling, proving that manga remains a powerful and enduring form of entertainment. The popularity of these series demonstrates the ability of manga to transport readers to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and inspire reflection on themes that resonate across cultures and generations. As the manga industry continues to innovate and expand its reach, it is clear that the power of storytelling has never been stronger.
