Every December, the Japanese magazine Kono Manga Ga Sugoi (which literally translates as “This Manga is Great”) publishes a ranking of the 100 hottest manga of the year. They’re actually ranked in two separates lists: 50 titles targeted at male readers, and 50 titles for female readers. But don’t worry, you’re allowed to – and you should – be interested in works presented in both lists! The ranking usually consists of a mix of the year’s best-sellers and newly published indie titles, but most often it showcases the next big things to come.
Past number ones include Attack on Titan, Spy Family and Chainsaw Man, amongst others. While a lot of the titles introduced have not been translated into English, yet – or any other language for that matter – they do provide us with an insight as to what may become available worldwide in upcoming years. So, let’s dive into the Kono Manga Ga Sugoi! 2025 Top Ten Manga, to help you decide what you should keep on your radar.
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10. Fall in Love, You False Angels
by Coco Uzuki / Published by Kodansha (Kondansha USA)
A romantic comedy featuring a perfect-looking couple trying to deceive each other.
Otogi has been playing the role of a pretty and perfect girl in order to live up to the expectations of her image. In a moment of inattention, she reveals her true self to fellow student Toki, who seems to be her perfect male counterpart. While she is attracted to him, she begins to wonder if he also has a hidden side to his personality.
For more on this one, play out most recent New Manga Spotlight episode!
9. Robō no Fujii (“Passerby Fujii”)
by Goten Hamada & Takeshi Seshimo / Published by Kodansha
The intriguing way of life of a dull middle-aged man.
Fujii is a plain-looking man in his 40s who doesn’t stand out. No one ever invites him out for a drink after work, and he is looked down upon by his younger colleagues as someone they don’t want to end up like. However, there are many intriguing aspects to Fujii that you would never guess from his appearance…
8. Jaa, Anta ga Tsukuttemiro yo (“Why don’t you try making it yourself?”)
by Natsuko Taniguchi / Published by Bunkasha
A culinary manga with a touch of romance that confronts modern values.
One day, Masao, whose ideal woman is someone who can cook his favorite dish, is suddenly dumped by his girlfriend of 6 years. Heartbroken, he tries to cook for himself for the first time… Through the unfamiliar act of cooking, he begins to rethink the normality of his life.
7. The Kinks
by Shunji Enomoto / Publishedby Kodansha
The latest work from a veteran comedy manga creator.
Novelist Sumio and his idle but supportive wife Kuriko, their cool daughter and innocent son are the Kinks – a small family living in a rural town in modern Japan. With each new chapter, the author gives us a glimpse into the lives of this cast of flamboyant characters, including the grandparents who live nearby and some of the kids’ friends.
6. Ball and Chain
by Q-Taro Minami / Published by Magazine House, Ltd
A story about those who continue to fight against what binds them, even when they are hurt and feel alone.
What’s the difference between a ‘wife’ and a ‘woman’? What is ‘normal’ or ‘common sense’? Aya is a housewife in her 50s struggling with her stale marriage. Keito is a corporate employee in his 30s who is about to get married and is unsure of his gender identity. These two protagonists of different ages and backgrounds, embark on a self-discovery journey as they face their true feelings.
5. Dokudami no Hana Saku Koro (“When the Chameleon Plants Flowers’ Blossom“)
by Shiho Kido / Published by Kodansha
An uncomfortable yet amusing story between an honor student and a problem child.
Model schoolboy Shiro, who leads a studious and normal life, is fascinated by one of his classmates’ paper-mache creations that he spies during art class. They were made by Daigo, a hot-tempered and unpredictable boy who stands out from the other kids. Shiro begins secretly watching his friend in anticipation of his new creations, but how will Daigo react to that newfound admiration?
4. Koi toka Yume toka… (“Love, Dreams and all the rest”)
by Naminami Serata / Published by Magazine House, Ltd
A touching story about heartaches and the dreariness of everyday life.
Kai-chan is a 29-year-old woman who works several part-time jobs. It’s been 10 years since she moved to Tokyo. She used to love drawing pictures but gave it up because she didn’t get any response when she shared her work on social networking sites. As she begins to wonder about what she’s doing in Tokyo and her purpose in life, she falls in love with a man who lives in Osaka, on the other side of Japan. She decides to follow him there…
3. Girl Meets Rock!
by Fumi Yoshinaga / Published by Shueisha
A coming-of-age story that depicts the realistic emotions of high school students to the rhythm of music.
Chihiro Hatocchi, a freshman in high school, loves old-school Japanese rock music. Armed with her brand-new guitar, she knocks on the door of the school’s music club. Despite being confused about human relationships, she forms a band with other club members, each with their own quirks, and begins serious practice.
2. Tamaki to Amane (“Tamaki and Amane”)
by Fumi Yoshinaga / Published by Shueisha
A collection of stories depicting various forms of ‘love’ ranging from the Edo period to the present day.
Tamaki stumbles upon her daughter, a junior high school student, kissing another girl. Upset, she turns to her husband Amane to figure out how to deal with the situation. However, he confesses that he fell in love with a boy when he was in junior high school. Being reincarnated through different eras, Tamaki and Amane experience different forms of family, love and friendship.
1. Spacewalking With You
by Inuhiko Doronoda / Published by Kodansha (Kodansha USA)
This year’s top Shonen series about two opposite young men who surely need each other. This title will be coming to the English-speaking market in May 2025!
Kobayashi is a high school delinquent who can’t seem to concentrate on his studies or hold down a part-time job. In fact, most of the adults around him think he’s destined to become the scum of society. One day, the energetic and naive Uno transfers from another school to his class. Against all odds, the two become friends, and the more Kobayashi gets to know him, the more he is drawn to his way of life. Before he knows it, Kobayashi starts to change himself…
So many interesting titles, thanks for your insights Raph! I wonder which will be the next big Anime?