Demon Slayer Manga Surpasses 200 Million Copies in Circulation

Demon Slayer Manga Surpasses 200 Million Copies

A Historic Milestone

On July 17, 2025, the official Twitter account for “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” announced that the manga has surpassed 200 million copies in circulation worldwide, including both physical and digital copies Official Demon Slayer Twitter. This remarkable achievement, with 164 million copies in Japan and 56 million overseas, underscores the series’ status as a global cultural phenomenon. The milestone follows a steady climb, with the series reaching 150 million copies by February 2021, highlighting its rapid rise in popularity Anime News Network.

Background of Demon Slayer

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” created by Koyoharu Gotouge, was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from February 15, 2016, to May 18, 2020. The series spans 23 tankōbon volumes, published from June 2016 to December 2020, and has been translated into English by Viz Media, with digital access on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform since January 2019 Wikipedia: Demon Slayer. Gotouge, born in 1989 in Fukuoka, Japan, and known for her elusive public presence, crafted a story that resonates with readers through its emotional depth and dynamic art, earning her the nickname “Crocodile Teacher” due to her crocodile-themed self-portrait.

Plot Summary

The manga follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy in Taisho-era Japan, whose life is shattered when demons slaughter his family, leaving his younger sister Nezuko transformed into a demon. Despite her transformation, Nezuko retains human emotions, prompting Tanjiro to join the Demon Slayer Corps to find a cure for her and defeat the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji. The story blends intense action, heartfelt moments, and stunning visuals, drawing inspiration from series like “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” and “Naruto,” with Tanjiro’s character echoing the noble spirit of Himura Kenshin from “Rurouni Kenshin.”

Unprecedented Success

“Demon Slayer” has redefined manga success, becoming the best-selling manga in Japan for 2019 and 2020. Its sales records are staggering: Volume 20 sold nearly 2 million copies, Volume 21 sold 2 million in three days, and the final Volume 23 set a record with 2.855 million copies sold in one week by December 2020 Anime News Network. The series achieved a rare feat in 2021, with three volumes each selling 5 million copies in print, a milestone not seen since 2008. By July 2025, its circulation reached 200 million copies, placing it among the top-selling manga of all time, though it trails behind “One Piece,” which has over 500 million copies. The franchise’s economic impact is equally impressive, generating an estimated ¥1 trillion ($8.75 billion) in annual sales revenue in 2020, driven by manga, anime, and merchandise Crunchyroll.

The series has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Noma Publishing Culture Award in 2020, the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2021, and the Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 2021. Over 90% of the Japanese public was familiar with the series by December 2020, and it topped TV Asahi’s Top 100 Manga poll in 2021, voted by 150,000 readers Anime News Network.

The Role of Anime

The anime adaptation by Ufotable, which aired from April to September 2019, played a pivotal role in amplifying the manga’s popularity. Directed by Haruo Sotozaki with music by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina, the 26-episode first season adapted the first seven volumes, earning praise for its breathtaking animation and emotional storytelling. The sequel film, “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train,” released in October 2020, became the highest-grossing anime and Japanese film of all time, further cementing the franchise’s global reach. Subsequent seasons, including the “Entertainment District” arc (2021-2022) and “Swordsmith Village” arc (2023), have kept fans engaged, with the upcoming “Infinity Castle” arc set to continue this legacy in 2026 Anime News Network.

Other Manga News

Beyond “Demon Slayer,” the manga industry is vibrant with activity. Seven Seas announced new licenses, including “My Cat’s Aura is Strong Today” by Utako Uguisu, a full-color manga set for May 2026, and “The Exiled Heavy Knight Knows How to Game the System” Anime News Network. Uoyama’s new manga, “Kimi to Issho ni Kayoitai,” launched on July 25, 2025, following the success of “Love’s in Sight!” Anime News Network. Meanwhile, “Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You” is set for a TV anime in 2026, reflecting the growing trend of manga-to-anime adaptations Anime News Network. Series like “Together Forever” and Asumiko Nakamura’s “Tales of the Kingdom” are concluding, while spin-offs like “Tamon’s B-Side” and new launches by creators like HERO of “Horimiya” keep the industry dynamic.

Cultural and Global Impact

“Demon Slayer” has transcended manga, influencing pop culture through spin-offs, light novels, and fanbooks. Titles like “Demon Slayer: The Flower of Happiness” and “Demon Slayer: One-Winged Butterfly” explore side stories, while “Kimetsu Academy” offers a lighthearted spin-off. The franchise’s global translations by publishers like Manga Cult, Panini Comics, and Norma Editorial have made it accessible in multiple languages, from French to Polish. Its merchandising, estimated at 900 billion yen by October 2021, includes everything from trading cards to artbooks Anime News Network. Fan reactions on platforms like Twitter highlight the series’ emotional resonance, with users praising Gotouge and Ufotable for their dedication Official Demon Slayer Twitter.

Looking Ahead

As “Demon Slayer” moves into the “Infinity Castle” arc in its anime adaptation, fans eagerly await the climactic battles and emotional resolutions. The manga’s 200 million copy milestone is a testament to its universal appeal, blending action, drama, and heartfelt storytelling. Meanwhile, the manga industry continues to evolve, with new creators, adaptations, and global platforms ensuring that manga remains a vibrant art form.

Recent Manga News Highlights

Conclusion

The manga industry’s vitality is evident in the success of “Demon Slayer” and the flurry of new releases, adaptations, and milestones. As fans celebrate this 200 million copy milestone, the series continues to inspire and entertain, while the broader manga landscape promises more stories to captivate readers worldwide.