Exploring the Most Popular Manga in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Popular Manga in Japan

Japanese manga has long been a beloved and influential cultural export, captivating audiences across the globe with its unique storytelling techniques and vibrant artistic styles. In this article, we will delve into the current landscape of popular manga in Japan, focusing on the most sales-oriented series. Wersquo;ll explore both the all-time best-selling manga series and the most popular manga of the year 2021.

The Most Popular Manga: All-Time Sales King - One Piece

One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, has been a gargantuan success since its debut in 1997. With an astonishing 480 million copies sold worldwide, One Piece remains the most popular manga ever in terms of sales. The seriesrsquo; longevity is a testament to its enduring appeal, showcasing just how deeply itrsquo;s woven into the fabric of Japanese popular culture and beyond.

From its humble beginnings to becoming a massively successful franchise that includes anime series, films, and even video games, One Piece has consistently topped the charts. The latest chapter brings the total to 1040, continue to captivate new and old fans alike.

The Year 2021: A Peak at Current Popularity

While One Piece sets the bar for all-time sales, the year 2021 saw several new and exciting releases. Two mangas in particular stood out in terms of popularity and sales figures: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Most Popular Manga of 2021

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, had a significant surge in popularity in 2021, with over 30 million copies sold. This manga series, based on the life of Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who swears to avenge his family murdered by demons, has become a phenomenon, particularly thanks to its successful anime adaptation.

The mangarsquo;s unique blend of action, drama, and slice-of-life elements, combined with its relatable characters and exciting plot, has garnered a vast fanbase both in Japan and internationally. It has also broken records for being one of the fastest-selling manga series, cementing its place as the most popular manga of 2021.

Jujutsu Kaisen - The Fastest Seller

Another notable manga in 2021 was Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by GeCore (Rin Taniguchi). This manga has garnered a massive following and has seen over 35 million copies sold by the end of 2021. The series, which follows the story of Ben KalComplex, a high school student who becomes involved with the Jujutsu Kaisen Association, has quickly become a bestseller.

Long-Term Quotability: A Common Language

While and Jujutsu Kaisen have seen significant success, certain manga series have stood the test of time and become ingrained in popular culture. Dragon Ball, created by Akira Toriyama, is one such series that continues to be a contender in terms of long-term quotability.

With its immense popularity and extensive run, Dragon Ball has become a prevalent reference in modern Japanese society. Phrases like Gogeta, Chi-Chi being hyperbolic, or ACE mode are commonly used and understood by a wide audience, making it a common language for various topics, not just manga fans.

Another series that stands out in this category is Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (JJBA). This manga, with its over 35 years of run, has become extremely quotable. Many Japanese Quorans and non-fans alike use manga quotes and screenshots even in broader non-fandom topics, making it a common reference point for multiple generations.

Impact on Culture and Communication

The impact of manga on Japanese culture and communication cannot be overstated. Even in casual conversations, it is not uncommon to refer to manga characters and classic scenes. For example, the phrase Use kaio-ken x15 on your new company is a common metaphor used to describe applying intense effort or strategy.

Furthermore, the Japanese edition of Quora frequently includes manga references, showcasing how seamlessly these references integrate into everyday dialogue. Many users have shared beloved scenes that they often quote, like the Manta Renamon defeat scene (scene link), highlighting the deep cultural significance of manga in contemporary society.

Conclusion

While the landscape of popular manga continually evolves, certain works have managed to stand the test of time and become quotable references. From One Piecersquo;s unbroken sales streak to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaibarsquo;s cultural impact, these manga series have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Whether for their long-term quotability, massive sales figures, or recent fleeting fame, these works continue to be a testament to the enduring power of manga in Japan and worldwide.