The manga industry in 2024 has seen a massive surge in growth, with genre diversity more vibrant than ever, and shounen once again proving its dominance. Based on sales data from leading Japanese market trackers Oricon and Shoseki, the top-selling manga genres of the year offer a clear picture of what readers are loving most.
Shounen Maintains the Crown
Shounen, known for its action-packed, adventure-driven narratives aimed at younger male audiences, claimed the No.1 spot once again. With 49.2 million copies sold, generating 31.7 billion yen in revenue, shounen continues to be the backbone of the manga industry. Titles like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “One Piece” played a major role in maintaining this dominance, captivating readers with high-stakes battles, emotional growth, and world-building.
Coming in second is seinen, the genre targeting adult readers with more mature and complex themes. It sold 30.9 million copies, matching its revenue at 30.9 billion yen, showing significant growth and a loyal global readership. Popular titles like “Tokyo Revengers” and “Vinland Saga” exemplify the genre’s appeal with darker narratives and psychological depth.
In third place is shojo, beloved for its focus on romance, emotional storytelling, and often whimsical or fantastical settings. The genre sold 11.5 million copies, earning 7.8 billion yen. Classic and contemporary hits like “Fruits Basket” and “Boys Over Flowers” continue to attract a strong female fanbase with heartfelt narratives.
Rising Popularity of Josei and Boys Love
Genres like josei and boys love (BL) have shown significant growth in 2024. Josei, with its realistic depictions of adult women’s lives, sold 7.4 million copies, equaling 7.4 billion yen in revenue. The genre resonates with female readers seeking emotional depth and authenticity in themes like love, career, and daily challenges.
Meanwhile, boys love has become a cultural mainstay, not only in Japan but worldwide. With 1.9 million copies sold and 1.65 billion yen in revenue, the genre has found a large and dedicated global audience that appreciates its tender storytelling centered on male-male romantic relationships.
The 2024 rankings are more than just numbers, they reflect the continuing evolution and global impact of manga. Publishers like Shueisha, Kodansha, and Kadokawa remain market leaders, releasing millions of copies annually and spearheading genre innovation.
Despite the differences in tone and target demographics, each genre contributes to manga’s universal appeal. From adrenaline-filled shounen adventures to introspective josei dramas, manga continues to be a key pillar of modern entertainment and Japanese cultural export.
As fans around the world explore these diverse genres, one thing is clear, manga’s storytelling power remains as strong and captivating as ever. Whether you’re into epic showdowns or slice-of-life romance, there’s always something in manga for everyone.