The manga industry is experiencing rapid growth, with hundreds of new series released each year, covering diverse genres. While numerous manga are published, only a select few achieve must-read status. Many readers gravitate toward established series with impressive sales figures, considering them indicative of quality. The list below features the best selling manga of all time, with a circulation of at least 20 million tankōbon volumes. It excludes manhwa, manhua, or English-language manga, focusing solely on Japanese manga. The rankings are based on the highest reported sales or circulation estimates of collected tankōbon volumes.
10
Crayon Shin-chan (148 Million+)
| Title | Crayon Shin-chan |
| Author | Yoshito Usui |
| Volumes | 50 |
| Chapters | 1126 |
| Theme | Comedy, slice of life |
| Active | 1990 – 2010 |
| Publisher | Futabasha |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| MAL Rating | 8/10 |
Crayon Shin-chan, a manga and anime series by Yoshito Usui, remains immensely popular in India, with a staggering worldwide circulation of 148 million manga copies. The story centers around Shinnosuke “Shin-chan” Nohara, a mischievous five-year-old boy who, despite his innocent appearance, excels at annoying parents and teachers with pranks and cheeky remarks, all in good fun. Accompanied by his sister, Himawari, and friends, Shin-chan’s antics create laughter and chaos in equal measure.
Originally serialized in 1990, the manga shifted to Manga Town in 2000 and later continued as New Crayon Shin-chan after Yoshito Usui’s tragic death in 2009. The anime adaptation, which debuted in 1992, continues to captivate audiences. Shin-chan’s irreverent humor celebrates the mischievous nature of toddlers, making it a national phenomenon in Japan.
09
Demon Slayer (150 Million+)
| Title | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba |
| Author | Koyoharu Gotouge |
| Volumes | 23 |
| Chapters | 207 |
| Theme | Adventure, Dark fantasy, Martial arts |
| Active | 2016 – 2020 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 8.2/10 |
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, created by Koyoharu Gotouge, is a Japanese manga series that ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy in Taisho-era Japan who becomes the last survivor of his family after a demon attack. On a quest to save his transformed sister Nezuko, Tanjiro enters the world of the Demon Slayer Corps, a secret organization combating demons with supernatural abilities.
Praised for its art, storyline, and characters, Demon Slayer has become one of the highest-grossing media franchises globally. The manga’s gripping narrative unfolds in a Japan of the Taisho era, where the Demon Slayer Corps wages a relentless war against demons with their Blood Demon Arts. Demons, former humans, possess extraordinary powers, and Demon Slayers employ Breathing Styles to combat them. The narrative delves into the complexities of this battle, introducing powerful characters like the Hashira, elite Demon Slayers, and the Twelve Kizuki, the twelve strongest demons.
08
Kochikame (157 Million+)
| Title | KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops |
| Author | Osamu Akimoto |
| Volumes | 1957 |
| Chapters | 200 |
| Theme | Comedy |
| Active | 1976 – 2016 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 7.6/10 |
Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo, commonly known as KochiKame or KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops in English, is a Japanese comedy manga by Osamu Akimoto. The narrative unfolds in a present-day Tokyo neighborhood police station (kōban) and centers around the humorous escapades of the middle-aged police officer Kankichi Ryotsu.
Running for an impressive 40 years, from September 1976 to September 2016, the manga was continuously serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. With 1,960 chapters compiled into 201 tankōbon volumes, KochiKame holds the record for the second-highest number of volumes for a single series.
Its adaptation includes an anime television series produced by Studio Gallop, three animated films, two live-action movies, stage adaptations, and a live-action TV series. Recognized for its immense popularity, the manga had over 156.5 million copies in circulation by 2016, ranking as the eighth best-selling manga series. KochiKame received awards, including the Special Judges Award at the 50th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2005 and the 48th Seiun Award for Best Comic in 2017.
07
Slam Dunk (170 Million+)
| Title | Slam Dunk |
| Author | Takehiko Inoue |
| Volumes | 31 |
| Chapters | 276 |
| Theme | Comedy, Coming-of-age, Sports |
| Active | 1990 – 1996 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 9.1/10 |
Slam Dunk a Japanese sports manga by Takehiko Inoue, recounts the tale of the Shohoku High School basketball team in the Shōnan region. The manga comprises 31 tankōbon volumes and has sold 170 million copies globally, ranking as the seventh best-selling manga series. Its anime adaptation by Toei Animation aired from October 1993 to March 1996, gaining widespread popularity in Japan, Asia, and Europe.
The 2022 anime feature film, “The First Slam Dunk,” contributed to the series’ enduring success. Inoue received accolades from the Japan Basketball Association in 2010 for popularizing basketball in Japan. The narrative follows Hanamichi Sakuragi, a tall and rowdy teen, as he navigates high school life and discovers the intricacies of basketball, ultimately becoming a pivotal figure in the sport’s rise among Japanese youth. The manga received the 40th Shogakukan Manga Award in 1994 and was acclaimed as one of the greatest sports manga series. VIZ Media published the English version, furthering Slam Dunk’s global impact.
06
Naruto (250 Million+)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Volumes | 72 |
| Chapters | 700 |
| Theme | Adventure, Fantasy comedy, Martial arts |
| Active | 1999 – 2014 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 8.1/10 |
Naruto, a Japanese manga by Masashi Kishimoto, narrates the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja aspiring to be recognized and become the Hokage, the leader of his village. The series unfolds in two parts: the first in Naruto’s pre-teen years and the second during his teens. Serialized from 1999 to 2014, the manga comprises 72 volumes. Its adaptation into an anime series, Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, consists of 720 episodes and ran from 2002 to 2017.
Viz Media licensed both the manga and anime for North American audiences, achieving significant success and earning acclaim for character development, storylines, and action sequences. Naruto’s global impact includes 250 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series. The story continues with Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, as he seeks to forge his own path as a ninja.
05
Doraemon (250 Million+)
| Title | Doraemon |
| Author | Fujiko F. Fujio |
| Volumes | 45 |
| Chapters | 821 |
| Theme | Comedy, science fiction |
| Active | 1969 – 1997 |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Demographic | Children |
| MAL Rating | 8.5/10 |
Doraemon, a cat-shaped robot from the future, travels to the 20th century to help Nobita, a lazy and unlucky schoolboy facing various challenges. Despite his good-hearted nature, Nobita struggles with academics, sports, and even simple games like rock-paper-scissors. Doraemon, equipped with a vast array of inventive gadgets from the future, attempts to assist him. However, the robot cat’s lack of competence often leads to humorous misadventures for the duo.
Nobita’s future grandchild sends Doraemon to ensure a better life for Nobita’s descendants. Nobita’s main friends include Takeshi Goda (Gian), a strong but loyal boy, Suneo Honekawa, a wealthy and spoiled friend who exploits his association with Gian, and Shizuka Minamoto, Nobita’s kind best friend and love interest. Nobita, who harbors a crush on Shizuka, often faces bullying from Gian and Suneo but retaliates using Doraemon’s gadgets, leading to unintended consequences. Dorami (Doraemon’s younger sister) and Hidetoshi Dekisugi (Shizuka’s friend) also play recurring roles in this unique manga series.
04
Dragon Ball (260 Million+)
| Title | Dragon Ball |
| Author | Akira Toriyama |
| Volumes | 42 |
| Chapters | 520 |
| Theme | Adventure, Fantasy comedy, Martial arts |
| Active | 1984 – 1995 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 8.4/10 |
Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is a Japanese manga series serialized from 1984 to 1995 in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story, inspired by Journey to the West and martial arts films, follows Goku’s journey from childhood to adulthood as he seeks the Dragon Balls—magical orbs that summon a wish-granting dragon. With 519 chapters collected in 42 tankōbon volumes, Dragon Ball has become one of the best-selling manga series globally, with over 160 million copies in Japan and 260 million worldwide.
The series was adapted into anime by Toei Animation, comprising Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, later unified under the original title. It spawned a media franchise, including animated and live-action films, trading card games, action figures, soundtracks, and video games. Renowned for its humor, fight scenes, and cultural references, Dragon Ball has influenced notable manga artists. Dragon Ball Super, a midquel series, began in 2015, while the original storyline spans Goku’s adventures, battles, and growth from a child to a father.
03
Detective Conan (270 Million+)
| Title | Case Closed |
| Author | Gosho Aoyama |
| Volumes | 104 |
| Chapters | 1000+ |
| Theme | Mystery, Thriller |
| Active | 1994 – Present |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 8.3/10 |
Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed, follows the story of high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who is transformed into a child after being poisoned by a criminal organization. Operating under the alias Conan Edogawa, Shinichi continues solving cases while searching for a cure to return to his original form. The Japanese manga series, written by Gosho Aoyama and illustrated by Denjiro Maru, began serialization in 1994 in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
With over 1000 chapters and 98 volumes, Detective Conan has garnered immense popularity. Gosho Aoyama, nicknamed the “Striving Star of Shōnen Sunday,” initially expected the series to last less than three months but witnessed its enduring success. Aoyama spends hours crafting each case, with more complex stories requiring over twelve hours.
The series comprises “Series Part” and “Series Conclusion,” often linked to the Black Organization arc, the main antagonists. Aoyama’s evolving drawing style employs long lines for detailed art. The narrative centers on Shinichi’s adventures as Conan, living with childhood friend Ran and her detective father. While frustrated by his child-like appearance, Conan maintains his sharp mind, solving mysteries and secretly pursuing the criminals responsible for his transformation, all while navigating the challenges of concealing his true identity.
02
Golgo 13 (300 Million+)
| Title | Golgo 13 |
| Author | Takao Saito (1968–2021) Saito Production (2021–present) |
| Volumes | 209 |
| Chapters | 631+ |
| Theme | Thriller |
| Active | 1968 – Present |
| Publisher | Shogakukan |
| Demographic | Seinen |
| MAL Rating | 7.9/10 |
Takao Saito’s Golgo 13 manga has become the second best-selling manga of all time, surpassing 300 million copies sold, trailing only behind Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece. Launched in 1968, Golgo 13 continued serialization for 50 years until May 2020, when COVID-19-related complications led to a brief hiatus. Golgo 13, centered around skilled assassin Duke Togo, is known for its continuous, captivating storytelling.
Saito expressed a desire for the series to continue posthumously, resulting in a collaborative effort involving Saito Production artists, Big Comic’s editorial staff, and additional scriptwriters. Adapted into live-action films, an OVA, and a 50-episode anime, Golgo 13 is hailed for its longevity, cultural impact, and noir aesthetic. With 53 years of publication and over 280 million tankōbon copies sold, Golgo 13 remains an influential and enduring manga series.
01
One Piece (523 Million+)
| Title | One Piece |
| Author | Eiichiro Oda |
| Volumes | 107 |
| Chapters | 1108+ |
| Theme | Adventure, Fantasy, Science fiction |
| Active | 1997 – Present |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Demographic | Shōnen |
| MAL Rating | 9.3/10 |
One Piece is a popular manga and anime series centered around Monkey D. Luffy’s quest to become the greatest pirate by assembling a diverse crew known as the Straw Hat Pirates. Luffy, who gains rubber-like stretching abilities from a Devil Fruit, explores a fantastical world filled with anthropomorphized animals and unique islands. The series combines lighthearted elements with themes of liberation as Luffy and his crew face challenges, grow stronger, and seek the legendary treasure called the One Piece. The title refers to Luffy’s goal of finding this treasure and becoming the Pirate King.
Despite over 1,000 manga chapters and 1,073 anime episodes, the nature of the One Piece remains a mystery. One Piece holds a record as the top-selling manga series globally, with over 516.6 million sales, and is widely acclaimed for its enduring quality and storytelling, maintaining a dedicated fanbase over its 25-year run.
In conclusion, the manga industry is flourishing with diverse genres, releasing hundreds of new series annually. Amidst the vast array of manga, only a select few attain must-read status, often distinguished by their impressive sales figures. The compilation of the best-selling Japanese manga series, each surpassing 20 million tankōbon volumes, showcases the enduring popularity and global impact of these iconic works. From Eiichiro Oda’s record-breaking “One Piece” and Takao Saito’s “Golgo 13” to Koyoharu Gotouge’s “Demon Slayer,” these manga have left an indelible mark on readers worldwide. Each series embodies unique storytelling, captivating characters, and cultural significance, contributing to the industry’s continued growth and influence.