Solo Leveling is no stranger to fans of Korean novels and comics. Starting as a web novel by author Chugong, it grew into a hit manhwa and now a popular anime adaptation. However, there is an ironic truth: while international fans are obsessed with Sung Jin Woo’s journey, the series has yet to truly explode in Japan, the birthplace of the anime industry.
Recently, Chugong shared insights about his portrayal of Japanese characters, revealing the root cause of this issue.
The Mistake of Goto Ryuji: When Pride Becomes a Backdrop
During fan interactions, Chugong often answers questions about the series. One of the most debated topics is how Japan is represented. Specifically, in the Jeju Island arc, Japan’s top S-rank hunters are wiped out brutally. Even Goto Ryuji, introduced as Japan’s strongest hunter, is defeated quickly and harshly.
Chugong admitted that if given another chance, he would have made Goto Ryuji stronger and more compelling:
“I deeply regret this. If I had known my novel would become so popular in Japan, even if Goto Ryuji couldn’t be a main character, I should have written him to be stronger and cooler.”, Chugong shared.
The author explained that he initially wanted Ryuji to be impressive, but to highlight the enemies’ power hunters face, he ended up turning Ryuji into a “sacrificial pawn.” Many fans believe Ryuji should have been ranked as a national-level hunter, like representatives from the US or China, rather than just a nominal S-rank hunter.
Lack of Strong Japanese Characters May Have Hurt Solo Leveling’s Popularity in Japan
The absence of strong, positive Japanese characters has directly affected Solo Leveling’s reach in Japan. While the series dominates platforms like Crunchyroll internationally, it only ranks moderately on Japan’s domestic charts.
The harsh treatment of Japan’s top hunters even sparked unfounded accusations that Chugong holds anti-Japanese views. In response, the author hopes fans will avoid attacking him with false assumptions: “We all love subcultures, so there’s no need to be hostile toward each other, right?”
Can Solo Leveling Turn Things Around in Japan?
Despite past content challenges, Solo Leveling has not given up on winning over Japanese audiences. Upcoming film projects and especially Season 3, featuring deeper storylines, are expected to boost the series’ standing.
Producers have even set ambitious goals to surpass the influence of giants like One Piece and Naruto. While this is a tough target, it shows the team’s determination to elevate Solo Leveling into a true global icon, including in the demanding Japanese market.