Best Manga 2023-2025: The hottest mangas in Japan right now
As of 2025, here is a line‑up of manga that are making headlines or enjoying strong momentum.
Newer titles are added to the top, so the further down you read, the older the works become.
Titles Added in 2025
Spring – Summer 2025 Anime
- The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity(薫る花は凛と咲く, Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku)
- Gachi Akuta(ガチアクタ)
- cocoon(cocoon)
- Takopi’s Original Sin(タコピーの原罪, Takopi no Genzai)
- Dekin no Mogura: The Earthbound Mole(出禁のモグラ, Dekin no Mogura)
- Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood(桃源暗鬼, Tōgen Anki)
- Nyaight of the Living Cat(ニャイト・オブ・ザ・リビングキャット, Nyaito obu za Ribingu Kyatto)
- Bad Girl(ばっどがーる)
- The Summer Hikaru Died(光が死んだ夏, Hikari ga Shinda Natsu)
- Fermat’s Cuisine(フェルマーの料理, Ferumā no Ryōri)
- Hotel Inhumans(ホテル・インヒューマンズ)
- Ruri Rocks(瑠璃の宝石, Ruri no Houseki)
- Watari‑kun’s ****** Is About to Collapse(渡くんの××が崩壊寸前, Watari‑kun no ×× ga Hōkai Sunzen)
- Aharen Is Indecipherable(阿波連さんははかれない, Aharen‑san wa Hakarenai)
- Witch Watch(ウィッチウォッチ)
- Me and the Alien MuMu(宇宙人ムームー, Uchūjin Mūmū)
- Umamusume: Cinderella Gray(ウマ娘 シンデレラグレイ, Uma Musume: Shinderera Gurei)
- Kowloon Generic Romance(九龍ジェネリックロマンス, Kūron Jenerikku Romansu)
Titles Creating Buzz in Early 2025
- Spacewalking with You(君と宇宙を歩くために, Kimi to Uchū o Aruku Tame ni)
- Tamaki & Amane(環と周, Tamaki to Amane)
- Girl Meets Rock!(ふつうの軽音部, Futsū no Keionbu)
- Nezumi’s First Love(ねずみの初恋, Nezumi no Hatsukoi)
- Kagurabachi(カグラバチ)
- Mochizuki‑san Loves Feasting!(ドカ食いダイスキ! もちづきさん, Doka Gui Daisuki! Mochizuki‑san)
- Magus of the Library(図書館の大魔術師, Toshokan no Daimajutsushi)
Highlights from Winter 2025 Anime
Titles Added in 2024
- Jujutsu Kaisen(呪術廻戦)
- The Elusive Samurai(逃げ上手の若君, Nige Jōzu no Wakagimi)
- Gushing Over Magical Girls(魔法少女にあこがれて, Mahō Shōjo ni Akogarete)
- The Fable(ザ・ファブル)
- Dandadan(ダンダダン)
- Chi: On the Movements of the Earth(チ。‑地球の運動について‑, Chi.: Chikyū no Undō ni Tsuite)
- Trillion Game(トリリオンゲーム)
- Delicious in Dungeon(ダンジョン飯, Danjon Meshi)
- The Days of Diamond(ダイヤモンドの功罪, Daiyamondo no Kōzai)
- Skip and Loafer(スキップとローファー)
Titles Added in 2023
- OSHI NO KO(推しの子)
- The Gene of AI(AIの遺電子, AI no Idenshi)
- ONIMAI: I’m Now Your Sister!(お兄ちゃんはおしまい！, Onii‑chan wa Oshimai!)
- The Apothecary Diaries(薬屋のひとりごと, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
- Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End(葬送のフリーレン, Sōsō no Frīren)
- A Witch’s Life in Mongol(天幕のジャードゥーガル, Tenmaku no Jādūgaru)
2025
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity(薫る花は凛と咲く, Kaoru Hana wa Rin to Saku)
This romantic comedy has been serialized since 21 Oct 2021. It placed second in the 6th TSUTAYA Comic Awards, sixth in the 2022 Next Manga Awards (Web Manga category), and won the Runner‑up Prize at Sanyōdō Bookstore’s “DeraComi! 4”. The TV‑anime adaptation began airing in July 2025.
Gachi Akuta(ガチアクタ)
Running in
Weekly Shōnen Magazinesince Feb 2022, this stylish action series follows Rudo, a boy hurled from the “Surface” down to the “Abyss,” as he battles “Trashers” who wield junk‑based powers. The manga won the Global Special Prize at the 2022 Next Manga Awards and has been nominated for the Kodansha Manga Award two years in a row, highlighting its worldwide appeal. An anime by Bones premiered in July 2025.
cocoon(cocoon)
Published in 2008, Moyoco Anno’s short war‑themed manga quietly portrays the fate of schoolgirls in 1945 Okinawa through poetic monologues and delicate artwork. A Jury Selection work at the 2010 Japan Media Arts Festival, the book has remained a critical darling; interest rose again after a 2025 stage‑play adaptation was announced.
Takopi’s Original Sin(タコピーの原罪, Takopi no Genzai)
This short SF drama ran on
Shōnen Jump+from Dec 2021 to Mar 2022. Takopi, a “Happy” alien, meets a lonely girl named Shizuka, and their bond exposes dark issues such as bullying and domestic abuse. Despite its brief run, the series sent shockwaves through the manga community, dramatically boosting
Jump+traffic. An anime adaptation started in June 2025.
Dekin no Mogura: The Earthbound Mole(出禁のモグラ, Dekin no Mogura)
Created by
Hozuki’s Coolheadednessauthor Natsumi Eguchi, this seinen series has run in
Morningsince 2021 and surpassed one million copies in print by July 2025. A notorious information broker nicknamed “Mole” navigates the underworld after being blacklisted by his former organization, delivering tense crime drama with Eguchi’s trademark humor. The TV anime launched in July 2025.
Tougen Anki: Legend of the Cursed Blood(桃源暗鬼, Tōgen Anki)
Running in
Weekly Shōnen Championsince 2020, this dark‑fantasy battle manga pits the bloodlines of Momotarō against those of the Oni. Fast pacing, flashy art, and distinct characters have driven circulation past four million copies. Yen Press is publishing the English edition, and an anime adaptation debuted in July 2025.
Nyaight of the Living Cat(ニャイト・オブ・ザ・リビングキャット, Nyaito obu za Ribingu Kyatto)
Since 2020 this quirky survival‑horror comedy has imagined a “Nyandemic” in which anyone who touches a cat turns
intoa cat. The adorable–yet–terrifying premise earned critical praise at home and abroad, spawning reprints and merchandise. An anime series began in July 2025.
Bad Girl(ばっどがーる)
Serialized in
Manga Time Kirara Caratsince 2021, this four‑panel comedy provides the “Kirara slot” in the July 2025 anime lineup. Its cast of eccentric girls and rapid‑fire gags have quickly built a devoted fandom.
The Summer Hikaru Died(光が死んだ夏, Hikari ga Shinda Natsu)
This rural mystery‑horror has run on
Young Ace UPsince 2021. When Yoshiki’s best friend Hikaru returns from a brief disappearance, Yoshiki senses he is now “something else,” and a quiet but chilling tale unfolds. With 3.5 million copies in circulation, the anime premiered in July 2025.
Fermat’s Cuisine(フェルマーの料理, Ferumā no Ryōri)
A math prodigy switches careers to haute cuisine in this
Monthly Shōnen Magazineseries (since 2018). Blending logic with flavor, the story explores how “formulas” can elevate cooking. A live‑action drama aired in 2023, and the anime adaptation started in July 2025.
Hotel Inhumans(ホテル・インヒューマンズ)
Running on
Sunday Webrysince 2021, this “assassins‑only hotel drama” follows two concierges who cater to killers with peculiar requests. A TV anime began in July 2025.
Ruri Rocks(瑠璃の宝石, Ruri no Houseki)
Serialized in
Hartasince 2019, this gentle series about high‑school mineral enthusiasts highlights the beauty and science of gemstones. Its charming art widened the niche gem‑collecting world, and an anime adaptation launched in July 2025.
Watari‑kun’s ****** Is About to Collapse(渡くんの××が崩壊寸前, Watari‑kun no ×× ga Hōkai Sunzen)
This school rom‑com ran from 2014 – 2023 and exceeded 1.2 million copies in print. The long‑awaited anime version finally began broadcasting in July 2025.
Aharen Is Indecipherable(阿波連さんははかれない, Aharen‑san wa Hakarenai)
This completed
Shōnen Jump+comedy (2017 – 2023) depicts the tiny, soft‑spoken Reina Aharen and her classmate Raido, whose sense of distance is… nonexistent. Season 1 of the anime aired in 2022; Season 2 began in July 2025. Total page‑views on Jump+ exceed 180 million.
Witch Watch(ウィッチウォッチ)
Kenta Shinohara’s magic‑meets‑rom‑com has run in
Weekly Shōnen Jumpsince 2021. It placed 2nd in the 2022 Next Manga Awards (Comics category) and passed 3 million copies in print. The first anime season aired from April 2025.
Me and the Alien MuMu(宇宙人ムームー, Uchūjin Mūmū)
This laid‑back SF gag manga has appeared in
Young King OURSsince 2019. Cat‑shaped alien MuMu tries to understand Earth’s “strange” appliances, offering both laughs and fun tech trivia. The anime adaptation premiered in April 2025.
Umamusume: Cinderella Gray(ウマ娘 シンデレラグレイ, Uma Musume: Shinderera Gurei)
A spin‑off of the smash‑hit game
Uma Musume Pretty Derby, this manga has appeared in
Weekly Young Jumpsince 2020. Starring legendary racehorse Oguri Cap in humanoid form, the story has topped 8 million copies in circulation. The Spring 2025 anime adaptation was met with glowing reviews.
Kowloon Generic Romance(九龍ジェネリックロマンス, Kūron Jenerikku Romansu)
Jun Mayuzuki’s SF‑tinged love story has run in
Weekly Young Jumpsince 2019 and exceeded 1.5 million copies. Set in a nostalgic yet futuristic version of Kowloon Walled City, it melds longing romance with subtle mystery. The anime debuted in July 2025.
To Walk with You Through the Universe (君と宇宙を歩くために, Kimitouchu)
This highly talked-about work won the Manga Award 2024 and also took first place in the “This Manga is Amazing! 2025 Men Edition.” Its story has a serious side, featuring characters with autism and mild cognitive impairments who, despite their hardships, come to understand each other and overcome difficulties. It made me realize that while I could understand their struggles in words, I had never truly imagined the depth of their emotions and experiences. This manga is a rare example of storytelling that is profoundly effective.
Tamakitoamane (環と周)
This work won first place in the “This Manga is Amazing! 2025 Women Edition.” The talented Fumi Yoshinaga, known for works such as What Did You Eat Yesterday? and Ōoku, creates a collection of short, independent yet purposeful stories. It is a deeply engaging work that you’ll want to read more than once.
Ordinary Light Music Club (ふつうの軽音部, Futsuu no Keionbu)
Having been a hot topic since 2024, this title has now moved to the 2025 section. It clinched first place in the “Next Manga Award 2024 – WEB Manga Category” and is also nominated for the “Manga Award 2025” as of February 2025. As the title suggests, it tells the story of high school students involved in music activities. Unlike flashy works like K-On! or Bocchi the Rock!, it portrays a more realistic, less glamorous picture of high school life that many can relate to and emotionally connect with.
The First Love of a Mouse (ねずみの初恋, Nezumi no Hatsukoi)
Serializing in Young Magazine since 2023, this work features a story that captivates with its unmissable plot centered on a deceptively cute girl with a rather dark backstory. Despite its seemingly unhappy developments, it is an irresistible read.
Kagurabachi (カグラバチ)
This work, which won the Grand Prize in the Comics Division of the “Next Manga Award 2024,” has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 2023 and is one of the most popular titles right now. With its fiery setting centered around swords and battles, its future developments are not to be missed.
I Love Big Eating! Mochizuki-san (ドカ食いダイスキ! もちづきさん, Dokagui Daisuki! Mochizuki-san)
This title, originally listed under 2024, has been moved to 2025. It follows a working woman in an office who indulges in high-calorie meals that spike her blood sugar levels. While the explanation is minimal, there’s something inexplicably entertaining about it. Although it might make you feel like you’re gaining weight, it’s definitely worth a read.
The Great Magician of the Library (図書館の大魔術師, Toshokan no Daimajutsushi)
As of February 2025, this work is nominated for the Manga Award 2025. Set in an exotic, Middle Eastern-like alternate world where magic exists, it follows the journey of a librarian aspiring to become a great magician. With its adorable art style, meticulous detailing, and intricate settings that even weave in themes of religion and ethnic conflict, this manga is exceptionally engaging.
Medalist (メダリスト)
This work, which won first place in the Comics Division of the “Next Manga Award 2022,” was adapted into an anime in 2025. The anime has received high praise for its exceptional quality. It tells the story of a group of elementary school beginners who, along with a coach facing setbacks, work together to aim for the Olympics. While it also explores the darker aspects and pressures of early gifted education, it remains a delightful sports manga that reminds you of the joy of effort and perseverance—even offering insights into the rules of figure skating.
SAKAMOTO DAYS (SAKAMOTO DAYS)
This popular Shōnen Jump title has been in the spotlight since it placed 9th in the “Next Manga Award 2021” and 6th in the “Recommended Comics by Bookstore Clerks 2022.” It began airing as an anime in January 2025. Centered on a hitman, its appeal is clear as it is considered one of the flagship titles of Shōnen Jump.
Additional Until 2024
Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦, Jujutsu Kaisen)
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Jujutsu Kaisen concluded ahead of schedule in Shōnen Jump at the end of September 2024 after a six-and-a-half-year run starting in 2018. However, with the production of a sequel for the anime confirmed, the excitement is far from over.
The Skillful Escape of a Young Lord (逃げ上手の若君, Nigewaka)
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This work, which became a hot topic thanks to its irresistibly cute protagonist (a “trap”) and the mysterious posts circulating on Twitter, is crafted by the renowned Yuusei Matsui, famous for titles like Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro and Assassination Classroom. The original manga is, of course, outstanding.
Longing for a Magical Girl (魔法少女にあこがれて, Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete)
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This work, which was a huge hit among older audiences during the spring anime season of 2024, is set to receive a second season. Although it leans more toward mature, slightly erotic themes, its bold approach is refreshing.
The Fable (ザ・ファブル, The Fable)
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Adapted into an anime starting in April 2024, this well-known title—already live‐action adapted—guarantees its fun.
Dandadan (ダンダダン, Dandadan)
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Adapted into an anime in autumn 2024, this title is strongly backed by Shōnen Jump and is expected to soar in popularity.
The Pros and Cons of Diamond (ダイアモンドの功罪, Diamond no Kouzai)
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Skip and Loafer (スキップとローファー, Skip to Loafer)
2024 and Earlier Additions
Frieren at the Funeral (葬送のフリーレン, Sousou no Frieren)
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An anticipated work whose anime adaptation is set to air in autumn 2023 in Japan. The story follows an elf who, despite being a member of a party that defeated the Demon King, remains youthful and embarks on a journey after the party has grown old. It’s a uniquely melancholic, bittersweet, and nostalgic tale that exudes an enigmatic atmosphere.
Having won multiple awards including the Manga Award 2021, its high level of acclaim makes it a must-read manga.
Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦, Jujutsu Kaisen)
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Jujutsu Kaisen concluded in Shōnen Jump at the end of September 2024 after a six-and-a-half-year run since 2018. However, with a sequel to the anime already in production, the passion for this title shows no sign of cooling down.
The Skillful Escape of a Young Lord (逃げ上手の若君, Nigewaka)
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This work, noted for its irresistibly cute protagonist and intriguing Twitter lore, is masterfully created by Yuusei Matsui—famous for Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro and Assassination Classroom. Naturally, the original manga is outstanding.
Longing for a Magical Girl (魔法少女にあこがれて, Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
This title, which was extremely popular among older audiences during the spring anime season of 2024, is set to receive a second season. Though it leans toward a more mature, slightly erotic theme, its bold approach is commendable.
The Fable (ザ・ファブル, The Fable)
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Adapted into an anime in April 2024, this work has already been live‐action adapted and is widely known for its undeniable entertainment value.
Dandadan (ダンダダン, Dandadan)
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Set to be adapted into an anime in autumn 2024, this title is strongly endorsed by Shōnen Jump and is sure to escalate in popularity.
The Pros and Cons of Diamond (ダイアモンドの功罪, Diamond no Kouzai)
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Chi. – On the Movement of the Earth (チ。-地球の運動について-, Chi. – Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite)
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This popular work, which concluded in 2022, finally received its anime adaptation in October 2024! It tells a rather serious tale about the heliocentric theory in 15th-century Europe.
Trillion Game (トリリオンゲーム, Trillion Game)
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This popular work, which was dramatized in 2023, is set to be adapted into an anime in October 2024. Its original creator, Riichiro Inagaki, is also known for AIS Shield 21 and Dr.STONE. Veteran writer Ryoichi Ikegami, born in 1944 and prolific since the late 1960s, also contributed to this work.
Oshi no Ko (推しの子, Oshi no Ko)
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The anime adaptation of Oshi no Ko aired in Japan from April to June 2023 and was undoubtedly the most talked-about series of the spring season. Many who watched the anime noticed the beautiful animation and fluid movement. While many eagerly await the next season, the manga continues far beyond the anime. The original concept and story were conceived by Aka Akasaka, the creator of Kaguya-sama: Love is War, with illustrations by Yôko Mengo, known for Kuzu no Honkai. Both are renowned manga artists, so it’s impossible not to be impressed. Fans of Kaguya-sama: Love is War should definitely check this out.
AI’s Remnants (AIの遺電子, AI no Idenshi)
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This work, which began airing as an anime in Japan in July 2023, is set in a near future where humanoids and robots equipped with advanced AI have become commonplace. The manga is structured in short, self-contained chapters that provoke deep thought and feel remarkably realistic—as if such scenarios might indeed occur 50 years from now.
No More Big Brother! (お兄ちゃんはおしまい！, Oniichan wa Oshimai!)
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A dark horse from the winter anime season of 2023. The anime features beautifully animated and charming characters. It was produced by StudioBind Co., Ltd.—the same studio behind the highly acclaimed Mushoku Tensei—which was an incredible stroke of luck.
The manga, like the anime, offers delightful 4-panel art. Although its premise—a man transformed into a girl after being given a strange drug and living as a middle school girl—is rather niche, it still manages to evoke a sense of envy.
The Apothecary’s Ramblings (薬屋のひとりごと, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
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Scheduled to air as an anime from October 2023, this manga originally started on an amateur novel posting site before becoming a popular title. Much like Overlord and Mushoku Tensei, it began its journey on a similar platform.
Set in a country reminiscent of ancient China several centuries ago, the story follows a talented pharmacist who becomes a palace maid and uses her expertise to solve mysteries within the royal court. The manga is both intricately detailed and highly enjoyable—an exemplary work born from the same roots as Overlord and Mushoku Tensei. Although the protagonist is female, it’s an entertaining read for all genders.
Jardugar of the Canopy (天幕のジャードゥーガル, Tenmaku no Jardugar)
This work, which took first place in the “This Manga is Amazing! 2023 Women Edition,” is set on the Eurasian continent during the era when Genghis Khan and his descendants ruled. It is based on the true story of Fatima Hatun, who served as a close aide to Ogodei, the second emperor of the Mongol Empire. Her story of persevering through fate while using her wit as a weapon is utterly captivating. The art is adorable, yet the story is as cinematic as a film—a manga well worth reading.
