Recently, the reputable statistics site Oricon released the results of the “Overall Recommended Manga Ranking 2026,” identifying the manga series most loved by Japanese readers this year. The survey was conducted from February 27 to March 4, 2026, involving 10,564 participants who voted from a list of 131 best-selling manga titles of 2025.
The ranking results surprised many fans. While popular titles like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba all made the list, the top spot went to a manga outside the typical action shonen genre.
Top 10 Most Nominated Manga by Japanese Readers in 2026
According to Oricon’s survey, the top 10 are:
1. The Apothecary Diaries, 1,200 votes
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, 1,118 votes
3. Spy x Family, 831 votes
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, 685 votes
5. Don’t Call It a Mystery, 653 votes
6. Jujutsu Kaisen, 587 votes
7. One Piece, 557 votes
8. Detective Conan, 535 votes
9. Anata no Oshiro no Kobito-san, 514 votes
10. Kingdom, 514 votes (tied for 9th)
One Piece ranking only seventh came as a surprise, especially since Eiichiro Oda’s manga is entering its final arc and continues to deliver globally sensational chapters.
The Apothecary Diaries Surpasses Legendary Titles
The top-ranked work is The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto), which received 1,200 votes.
Originally a web novel written by Natsu Hyuga in 2011, it was later published as a light novel in 2014. The series now has two manga adaptations, both warmly received in Japan.
Interestingly, Oricon’s data shows that 81.2% of The Apothecary Diaries’ votes came from female readers, highlighting its special appeal to this demographic.
The story follows Maomao, a clever young woman with extensive knowledge of herbs, medicine, and poisons. After being brought into the imperial harem, she continuously unravels poisoning cases, political conspiracies, and palace secrets under the watchful eye of the mysterious eunuch Jinshi.
Many readers praise the series for its unexpected plot twists, engaging mystery elements, and the psychological depth of its two main characters.
Frieren Continues to Prove Its Lasting Appeal
Coming in second is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, the acclaimed fantasy manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe.
Unlike traditional adventure manga, Frieren begins after the hero party has defeated the Demon King. The protagonist is an elf mage who has lived for over a thousand years and embarks on a journey reflecting on the past as her companions pass away one by one.
This unique approach has helped Frieren resonate with readers of all ages.
One survey participant over 60 years old commented that the story offers both young and older readers a chance to reflect on their own lives, while the philosophical themes woven through the characters’ dialogues evoke deep emotions.
Another female reader shared that following the journey of an almost immortal character gives the story a distinctive philosophical tone, with a warm and relatable cast.
Shifting Tastes Among Japanese Manga Readers?
Oricon’s survey results partly reflect the manga reading trends in Japan for 2026. While blockbuster action series like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Demon Slayer remain hugely popular, works focusing on character depth, mystery, or philosophical themes are gaining more recognition.
Notably, The Apothecary Diaries’ rise to the top spot shows that readers today seek more than just thrilling battles. They increasingly appreciate tightly woven stories with well-developed, emotionally rich characters.