Here’s a complete breakdown of the top 5 most-read manga titles in Japan for the first half of 2025, based on sales rankings from major digital manga platforms.
1. Kingdom
Genre
Historical / War Drama / Action
Overview
Kingdom is set during China’s Warring States period and follows Shin, a war orphan aiming to rise from the very bottom of society to become the greatest general in history.
Alongside the young King Ei Sei (the future First Emperor), Shin fights through massive wars, political intrigue, and personal trials.
Why it captivates readers:
- Epic, large-scale war arcs
- Tense and cinematic battle choreography
- Deeply developed characters—even villains stand out
- A powerful underdog-to-hero storyline
Reception in Japan
- Highly praised for its emotional intensity
- Rare for a long series: quality remains consistently high
- Frequently described as “the manga you can’t put down”
Amazon Links
2. ONE PIECE
Genre
Adventure / Fantasy / Action
Overview
This legendary series follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew on a journey across the seas in search of the ultimate treasure, the “One Piece.”
With an enormous world, emotional character arcs, and decades of storytelling, ONE PIECE continues to dominate Japan’s readership.
Highlights:
- Deep, emotional backstories
- A massive, lore-rich world full of mysteries
- Long-term foreshadowing that pays off
- Perfect balance of humor and seriousness
Reception in Japan
- Considered a national treasure
- Monochrome edition shows Oda’s raw art beautifully
- Loved for its emotional impact and clever story structure
Amazon Links
3. Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre
Dark Fantasy / Battle Action
Overview
Jujutsu Kaisen is set in a world haunted by cursed spirits.
The story follows Yuji Itadori, a kind-hearted high schooler who becomes host to a powerful curse and is thrust into the dangerous world of jujutsu sorcery.
Why readers love it:
- Stylish, impactful action scenes
- Intricate world-building and power systems
- Emotional depth and unpredictable twists
- Villains with complex motivations
Reception in Japan
- Praised for dynamic fight choreography
- Character dialogue and chemistry stand out
- Strong community of theory and lore enthusiasts
Amazon Links
4. Medalist
Genre
Sports (Figure Skating) / Drama
Overview
Medalist tells the story of Tsukasa, a former figure skater, and Inori, a young girl he coaches toward the goal of becoming a medal-winning athlete.
The manga blends emotional storytelling with beautifully illustrated skating scenes.
What makes it special:
- Deep, emotionally rich character growth
- Realistic figure skating techniques praised by athletes
- Dramatic, heartfelt coach–athlete dynamics
- Visually stunning competition scenes
Reception in Japan
- Known as a “tear-jerker” manga
- Authentic character development
- One of the standout sports manga of the 2020s
Amazon Link
5. Dandadan
Genre
Sci-Fi / Horror Comedy / Action
Overview
Dandadan throws readers into a wild mix of UFOs, ghosts, psychic powers, and absurd comedy.
The story follows a boy obsessed with the paranormal and a girl with unique abilities as they encounter bizarre supernatural forces.
Why it stands out:
- Fast-paced and addictive storytelling
- Brilliant comedic timing
- Exceptional artwork and dynamic action scenes
- A refreshing mix of horror, humor, and youth drama
Reception in Japan
- Loved for sharp character interactions
- Highly praised action artwork
- Accessible even for readers who don’t like horror
Amazon Links
If you need:
- A Japanese version
- A shortened X/Twitter promo
- A WordPress HTML version
- A thumbnail image design
Just let me know!