Solo Leveling has achieved a major milestone in Japan, ranking as the country’s 25th best-selling comic series of 2025 with approximately 969,000 copies sold. The achievement is particularly notable because the South Korean series competes in a market dominated by Japanese manga, while its physical editions cost considerably more than many domestic releases.
According to the annual sales rankings published by Japanese data company Oricon on October 21, 2026, Solo Leveling was the only non-Japanese series to appear in the top 30. The reported sales period covered November 18, 2024, through November 14, 2025, highlighting the franchise’s continued growth following its successful anime adaptation.
The rankings place the series alongside established Japanese titles such as One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dandadan, and Blue Lock. Although these franchises remain ahead in the domestic market, Solo Leveling’s position demonstrates that international comics can find a substantial audience in Japan.
Why Solo Leveling’s Japanese Sales Record Is Significant
One of the biggest challenges for Solo Leveling in Japan is the price of its physical volumes. While standard Japanese manga volumes generally cost around ¥400 to ¥600, Solo Leveling editions reportedly sell for approximately ¥1,000 to ¥1,200 because they feature full-color artwork and higher-quality printing.
The Japanese release also differs from the original South Korean edition. Publisher Kadokawa expanded the Japanese release to 25 volumes instead of the 15-volume Korean edition, helping distribute the story across more books.
Despite these pricing differences, the series sold four volumes during the reported period: Volumes 19, 20, 21, and 22. Its physical sales demonstrate that the franchise has established a substantial audience in Japan, although its digital readership is not reflected in Oricon’s physical sales figures.
The success of the anime adaptation has likely helped expand that audience. Produced by A-1 Pictures, the first season premiered in January 2024, followed by Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise from the Shadow in January 2025. Both seasons introduced Sung Jinwoo’s story to more viewers through Japanese animation and international streaming distribution.
Solo Leveling’s Next Anime Project Could Boost Its Popularity
The franchise’s next major opportunity comes with the upcoming theatrical film, Solo Leveling: Beyond the System. Announced during Anime Expo 2026, the movie will continue Sung Jinwoo’s story following the second season.
According to Crunchyroll’s official announcement, A-1 Pictures will return to animate the film, with Crunchyroll and Aniplex among its production partners. A release date has not yet been confirmed.
Animation producer Atsushi Kaneko has also expressed ambitions to make the franchise as recognizable in Japan as Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto. Speaking to Screen Rant at Anime Expo 2025, Kaneko said, “But if season three happens, that’s when I want to truly break that boundary.”
For now, Solo Leveling’s 25th-place ranking represents a significant achievement for a Korean comic in Japan’s competitive manga market. The upcoming movie could introduce the series to more viewers, potentially encouraging additional readers to explore its completed story.
