Best Manga 2023-2025: The hottest mangas in Japan right now
As of 2025, we have gathered manga that have been trending and are gaining momentum.
Additional for 2025
- To Walk with You Through the Universe (君と宇宙を歩くために, Kimitouchu)
- Tamakitoamane (環と周)
- Ordinary Light Music Club (ふつうの軽音部, Futsuu no Keionbu)
- The First Love of a Mouse (ねずみの初恋, Nezumi no Hatsukoi)
- Kagurabachi (カグラバチ)
- I Love Big Eating! Mochizuki-san (ドカ食いダイスキ! もちづきさん, Dokagui Daisuki! Mochizuki-san)
- The Great Magician of the Library (図書館の大魔術師, Toshokan no Daimajutsushi)
Picked from Anime That Started Broadcasting in January 2025
Additional for 2024
- Jujutsu Kaisen (呪術廻戦, Jujutsu Kaisen)
- The Skillful Escape of a Young Lord (逃げ上手の若君, Nigewaka)
- Longing for a Magical Girl (魔法少女にあこがれて, Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete)
- The Fable (ザ・ファブル, The Fable)
- Dandadan (ダンダダン, Dandadan)
- Chi. – On the Movement of the Earth (チ。-地球の運動について-, Chi. – Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite)
- Trillion Game (トリリオンゲーム, Trillion Game)
- Dungeon Meshi (ダンジョン飯, Dungeon Meshi)
- The Pros and Cons of Diamond (ダイアモンドの功罪, Diamond no Kouzai)
- Skip and Loafer (スキップとローファー, Skip to Loafer)
Additional for 2023
- Oshi no Ko (推しの子, Oshi no Ko)
- AI’s Remnants (AIの遺電子, AI no Idenshi)
- No More Big Brother! (お兄ちゃんはおしまい！, Oniichan wa Oshimai!)
- The Apothecary’s Ramblings (薬屋のひとりごと, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto)
- Frieren at the Funeral (葬送のフリーレン, Sousou no Frieren)
- Jardugar of the Canopy (天幕のジャードゥーガル, Tenmaku no Jardugar)
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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)
Read everyone’s review on ComicAddict
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.
