Although Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto is one of the best-selling manga of all time, it has never surpassed the long-standing annual sales record held by One Piece. In fact, Naruto only once came close, finishing second just behind One Piece, but it never claimed the top spot.
The biggest reason Naruto never reached number one likely comes down to Weekly Shonen Jump’s greater focus on One Piece. The editors clearly recognized One Piece’s massive potential, and even if Naruto had received the same push, it might still not have matched the cultural impact that One Piece created.
Naruto remains a huge franchise, generating enormous sales every year. But when competing against a generational series with an established legacy, fans naturally gravitate toward the work with the stronger cultural footprint. Since One Piece began serialization two years before Naruto, fans already knew what to expect from a series at its peak.
Oda Always One Step Ahead of Kishimoto
Eiichiro Oda has always been one step ahead, and once again this year, One Piece claimed the title of Japan’s best-selling manga in 2025. At this point, it almost seems inevitable, as if the series refuses to slow down despite all the years that have passed.
Starting One Piece two years earlier gave Oda a head start in building hype and establishing a massive fanbase.
Beyond timing, One Piece simply has broader, more universal appeal from the start.
Kishimoto crafted a powerful, life-changing story centered on ninjas. It’s deeply rooted in Japanese culture but somewhat niche globally. Not everyone is naturally drawn to ninja legends, and some story elements can feel far-fetched.
Meanwhile, Oda expanded the scope with One Piece, creating a grand pirate adventure on the seas that weaves themes of family, freedom, dreams, and characters that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. This wider accessibility made it almost inevitable which series would dominate long-term.
After Shippuden’s Peak, Boruto Couldn’t Match Manga Sales
During arcs like Pain, the Five Kage Summit, and the early Ninja War, Naruto’s manga sales hit their absolute peak. Shippuden had momentum, hype, and emotional pull. But when Shippuden ended and Boruto took over, that spark faded, and sales clearly reflected the change.
Meanwhile, One Piece keeps accelerating. With the recently revealed God Valley arc, the series has proven that even after 28 years, Oda can still deliver world-shaking moments like it’s nothing. Few manga maintain this level of strength for so long, but One Piece somehow continues to raise the bar instead of slowing down.
Despite competition from new-generation series like Kagurabachi, Blue Lock, Dandadan, and Ichi the Witch, One Piece maintains its appeal, keeping longtime fans engaged while attracting new readers. This is an achievement Naruto couldn’t replicate after Shippuden and is unlikely to do so again.