Top 10 Best-Selling Manga Series of 2023

The manga industry experienced strong sales in 2023, with both new and well-established series gaining popularity. Physical manga sales in Japan offer insight into which series are most beloved by readers.

Oricon, a respected source for Japanese entertainment rankings, revealed its annual chart of the top 10 best-selling manga series of 2023, based on physical copies sold between December 5, 2022, and November 27, 2023. Various factors contributed to shifting trends from the previous year, such as new anime adaptations attracting new fans and significant story developments captivating readers.

Here are the 10 best-selling manga hits every fan should have on their reading list.

Manga mania: 2023's chart-topping series unveiled

10. Kingdom (3.2 million copies)

Kingdom (Image via Yasuhisa Hara)

Kingdom, the acclaimed historical war epic by Yasuhisa Hara, has secured a spot in the top 10 best-selling list with over 3.2 million copies sold. Set in China's Warring States period, the seinen manga follows the story of orphan Xin as he seeks to become the world's greatest general while serving young King Ying Zheng of Qin.

Despite its niche genre, the series has garnered a devoted readership both in Japan and internationally, thanks to its politically charged narrative. As Xin navigates through the military ranks in a world of corruption and warfare, Hara skillfully weaves brutal battles with compelling character drama.

With over 60 volumes, Hara continues to showcase exceptional storytelling skills, captivating fans with his masterful long-form narrative. As the series approaches the unification of China under the Qin dynasty, this monumental manga remains as enthralling as ever.

9. Tokyo Revengers (3.2 million copies)

Tokyo Revengers (Image via Ken Wakui)

Ranked ninth, Tokyo Revengers by Ken Wakui has sold around 3.2 million copies. This gritty time-travel manga follows 26-year-old Takemichi Hanagaki, who travels back to his middle school days in a bid to prevent his ex-girlfriend Hinata from being killed by joining the violent Tokyo Manji Gang.

Despite a decrease in sales since 2022, Tokyo Revengers continues to maintain a high level of popularity, particularly overseas. The anime adaptation by LIDENFILMS, which has been airing since 2021, has helped to broaden the manga's audience. Fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series, as author Wakui approaches the final arc, which will reveal the ultimate fates of Takemichi, his allies, and his rivals in the Tokyo Manji Gang conflict.

8. My Hero Academia (3.5 million copies)

My Hero Academia (Image via Kohei Horikoshi)

Kohei Horikoshi's popular series, My Hero Academia, has secured the eighth spot on the list with a total of 3,528,423 copies sold. The story is set in a world where the majority of people have superpowers, known as "quirks." The focus is on the journey of young Izuku Midoriya as he joins U.A. High's hero course, determined to become the greatest hero.

Despite a decrease in sales from the previous year, My Hero Academia maintains a strong presence in the top 10, thanks to its dedicated fan base. In addition to its school environment and superhero battles, the series excels in creating complex and relatable characters, drawing readers in with deep emotional connections.

As Studio Bones' manga and anime adaptation near their thrilling conclusions, depicting Izuku and his companions as they fight to protect society, this massive franchise maintains its grip on the imaginations of fans around the globe.

7. Spy×Family (4.3 million copies)

SpyxFamily (Image via Tatsuya Endo)

Ranking at number seven, Tatsuya Endo’s heartwarming spy comedy Spy×Family has sold over 4.3 million copies. The story revolves around Agent Twilight, who creates a fake family to conceal his spy persona, eventually developing real affection for his new wife and daughter.

The unprecedented success of Spy×Family comes from its undeniable ability to touch the hearts of readers. Endo beautifully crafts a story where a makeshift family's love eventually feels real, all while balancing thrilling espionage missions and uproarious humor. The faithful anime adaptation by Wit Studio premiered to much acclaim in 2022, sparking viral memes and fan art. With fantastic character writing, this series about finding family in unexpected places will doubtlessly continue to touch fans worldwide.

6. Slam Dunk (5 million copies)

Slam Dunk (Image via Takehiko Inoue)

Slam Dunk, a basketball classic by Takehiko Inoue, secured the sixth place with nearly 5 million copies sold in 2023. The sports manga has shown remarkable longevity, inspiring new anime films featuring the iconic rebel Hanamichi Sakuragi. The series' enduring appeal is attributed to its heartfelt storytelling, from Sakuragi's comedic moments to his complex character development. With its well-drawn athletics and passionate depiction of the sport, Slam Dunk truly stands out.

5. Chainsaw Man (5.3 million copies)

Slam Dunk's enduring legacy continues to shape emerging talent, solidifying itself as a timeless masterpiece with each passing year. Whether through word-of-mouth or new adaptations, this underdog story remains as popular and compelling as ever.

Tatsuki Fujimoto's Chainsaw Man (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto)

Securing the fifth spot on the list is Tatsuki Fujimoto’s riveting action series, Chainsaw Man, which has sold over 5.3 million copies. This gripping title captivates readers as orphan Denji forges contracts with devils following his fusion with his faithful chainsaw dog.

Chainsaw Man has captivated fans with its unconventional characters and intense violence, while also exploring meaningful themes of relationships and purpose. The highly-anticipated anime and release of the manga’s second part have only added to the excitement, drawing in even more fans to Denji’s thrilling journey. With MAPPA's exceptional adaptation bringing the gritty style, visceral action, and dark humor to life, the series has become a mainstream sensation. And with Fujimoto’s skillful storytelling, the most shocking moments are still in store for unsuspecting Chainsaw Man fans.

4. Oshi no Ko (5.4 million copies)

Oshi no Ko (Image via Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari)

Ranked fourth is the smash-hit Oshi no Ko, an incredible collaboration between Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, which has sold over 5 million copies. This unique series challenges the entertainment industry norms by blurring the line between reality and fiction, following the story of a deceased Gyaru girl who is reborn as a pop idol.

In addition to its distinctive premise, the series has captivated readers with its deep intrigue and underlying mystery. What connections exist between certain deaths from over a decade ago and today's thriving idol culture? As the secrets and conspiracy unfold, this dark tale of show business defies expectations at every twist.

The popularity of Oshi no Ko soared when it received a dark and faithful anime adaptation by Doga Kobo in late 2022. With a rapidly expanding fanbase, this remarkable new series is set to have a significant impact on the world of manga for years to come.

3. One Piece (7.1 million copies)

One Piece (Image via Eiichiro Oda)

Eiichiro Oda’s iconic pirate saga, One Piece, secured the third spot by selling 7,197,532 copies in 2023. This enduring Shonen series chronicles the adventures of the vibrant Straw Hat Pirates as they journey across the world in search of the fabled ultimate treasure, while contending with formidable adversaries and corrupt entities.

Despite fierce competition, One Piece continues to stand out as one of the top "Big Three" mega-hits shaping the manga scene. As the main storyline approaches its climax, fans are kept on their toes by significant developments such as Luffy's power upgrade and the apparent demise of King Cobra by Sabo, leading to endless speculation.

Approaching its 25th anniversary, this manga shows no signs of losing its hold on readers' imaginations. With over 1000 chapters, Oda has cultivated a deep connection to beloved characters while skillfully balancing humor and heart-wrenching moments, earning unwavering dedication from fans.

2. Jujutsu Kaisen (8.5 million copies)

Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Gege Akutami)

The second best-selling manga of the year is the immensely popular series Jujutsu Kaisen, which has sold over 8.5 million copies. Set in a dark supernatural realm, the story chronicles Yuji Itadori's journey as he enrolls in a jujutsu technical college and gains mysterious powers while fighting dangerous curses.

Gege Akutami's extensive Jujutsu Kaisen universe has captivated readers around the globe, featuring complex characters and innovative power systems. Known for its unpredictable storyline and compelling character development, each new volume release leaves fans eagerly anticipating the next.

The popularity of the series has been enhanced by the highly praised anime adaptation by MAPPA, which masterfully portrays the intense battles. As Yuji struggles internally with his purpose and forms significant connections, he continues to be a captivating protagonist that deeply resonates with readers.

1. Blue Lock (10.5 million copies)

Blue Lock (Image via Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura)

Blue Lock, a soccer manga, has clinched the top spot on the 2023 list, selling an impressive 10,527,146 copies. The gripping sports series revolves around a unique national team training initiative designed to produce a self-centered striker capable of guiding Japan to World Cup glory.

The 2022 World Cup has sparked a surge in interest for Blue Lock, captivating readers with its intense drama both on and off the football field. With nearly tripled sales figures compared to 2022, the manga has successfully attracted a plethora of new fans, thanks to its ongoing matches filled with thrilling action and unexpected twists.

Furthermore, the release of the Blue Lock anime has further propelled the popularity of the series, with both the manga and the anime benefiting from each other's rising fame. As the training program becomes more rigorous and the striker candidates fiercely compete, this series shows no signs of wavering in its dominance over the charts.

Final thoughts

The best-selling manga rankings offer insight into which stories and creators connect most with modern Japanese readers. In 2023, newer hits like Blue Lock and Oshi No Ko rose to prominence alongside long-standing favorites like One Piece. Surprise anime adaptations, new authors, and significant story developments continued to drive the success of top series. Meanwhile, classics like Slam Dunk demonstrated their enduring appeal, attracting new fans even decades later. The ongoing competition between brand-new titles and legendary series for the top spot on the manga sales charts will remain a captivating trend to observe in the future.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled to see the manga industry thriving in 2023. The diversity of genres and styles represented in the top 10 best-selling series reflects the wide appeal of manga to readers of all ages and interests. It's particularly exciting to see new series like "Spy x Family" and "Kaiju No. 8" making their mark alongside established favorites like "One Piece" and "Demon Slayer." These newcomers bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling to the manga landscape, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant and exciting.

At the same time, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for some of the older series that have fallen out of the top 10 this year. Titles like "Naruto" and "Bleach" were instrumental in introducing me to the world of manga and anime, and it's bittersweet to see them no longer dominating the charts. Nevertheless, I'm confident that these series will continue to be cherished by fans around the world, and I look forward to discovering even more amazing manga in the years to come.