Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi is making waves in the manga world, achieving a circulation milestone of over 2.2 million copies as of April 2025. This surge in popularity comes just over a year after its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump and coincides with the release of Volume 7 on May 2nd. Let’s delve into the factors behind Kagurabachi‘s impressive rise and what this means for the series’ future.
A Phenomenal Rise
Kagurabachi‘s journey to 2.2 million copies in circulation has been nothing short of meteoric.
- Early Success: The manga garnered attention rapidly after its serialization began in September 2023. Within a week of its debut, the first chapter ranked #1 worldwide in views on the MANGA Plus platform.
- Award Recognition: In August 2024, Kagurabachi won first place in the Next Manga Awards, further solidifying its position as a must-read series.
- Rapid Growth: By December 2024, with the release of Volume 5, the series had already reached 1.3 million copies in circulation, marking a staggering increase from 350,000 copies in July of the same year.
- Continued Momentum: The series maintained its upward trajectory, reaching the 2.2 million milestone in April 2025, driven by strong sales and increasing demand.
What’s Behind the Hype?
Several elements contribute to Kagurabachi‘s widespread appeal:
- Compelling Story: The manga follows Chihiro, a young swordsmith seeking revenge after a tragic event shatters his peaceful life. This classic revenge narrative, combined with elements of dark fantasy and sword-based action, has resonated with readers.
- Intense Action Sequences: Hokazono’s dynamic art style brings the sword battles to life, creating thrilling and visually stunning scenes that captivate audiences.
- Relatable Characters: Chihiro’s determination and emotional depth make him a compelling protagonist, while the supporting cast adds layers of intrigue and complexity to the story.
- Internet Buzz: Kagurabachi initially gained traction through online communities, with fans creating memes and generating hype around the series. This organic buzz translated into real-world popularity and sales.
Story and Premise
Kagurabachi tells the story of Chihiro, son of a renowned swordsmith, whose life takes a dark turn when his father is murdered. Consumed by vengeance, Chihiro embarks on a perilous journey, wielding his father’s crafted katana to confront a ruthless yakuza organization and a group of sorcerers known as the Hishaku.
From Manga to Anime
The success of Kagurabachi has paved the way for an anime adaptation by Cygames Pictures, a testament to the series’ widespread appeal and potential for further growth. The anime adaptation is expected to amplify the manga’s reach, introducing the story to a broader audience and solidifying its status as a modern classic.
Impact and Influence
Kagurabachi‘s success has had a notable impact on the manga landscape:
- Rising Star: The series is considered one of the most popular new manga in Weekly Shonen Jump in recent years, earning comparisons to established series like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia.
- Filling the Void: As long-running series conclude, Kagurabachi is poised to fill the gap and become a new pillar of Weekly Shonen Jump.
- Global Appeal: With its engaging story and dynamic action, Kagurabachi has garnered a global following, attracting readers from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Poster Campaign in Tokyo
To commemorate the 2.2 million copies milestone, a special poster campaign launched on April 28, 2025, in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. The campaign features posters for all 56 chapters of the manga.
The Future of Kagurabachi
With the manga continuing to gain popularity and an anime adaptation on the horizon, the future looks bright for Kagurabachi. The series has all the ingredients to become a long-lasting success: a compelling story, memorable characters, stunning visuals, and a dedicated fanbase. As Chihiro’s journey of revenge unfolds, readers can expect more thrilling battles, emotional moments, and surprising twists.
Key Moments and Achievements
- September 2023: Kagurabachi serialization begins in Weekly Shonen Jump.
- August 2024: Wins Next Manga Award.
- December 2024: Reaches 1.3 million copies in circulation.
- April 2025: Exceeds 2.2 million copies in circulation; poster campaign in Shibuya, Tokyo.
- May 2025: Volume 7 is released.
