In a monumental achievement for the world of manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has officially surpassed Dragon Ball to claim second place in Japan with 164 million copies sold. This staggering milestone underscores the series’ lasting cultural impact and commercial dominance.
A New Benchmark in Japanese Manga
According to recent data, Demon Slayer has achieved approximately 164 million sales in Japan alone, contributing to over 220 million copies worldwide. This surge sees the series leapfrog Dragon Ball—a titan in its own right—into the second-highest ranked position in the Japanese market.
Analysts note that achieving such numbers after the series’ serialized conclusion speaks volumes about its enduring popularity.
What This Means for the Franchise
- Cultural reach: From a highly competitive serialized run in Japan to a global multimedia presence, Demon Slayer’s ascent is a marker of how manga can break legacy records and sustain momentum over time.
- Brand strength: With strong sales, movies, merchandise and streaming adaptation, the franchise is firmly embedded in the pop-culture ecosystem—opening doors for future spin-offs, licensing deals and global outreach.
- Industry implications: For publishers and creators, this underscores that even completed series can continue to grow through digital, re-prints, international markets and smart licences.
Why the Timing Matters
Demon Slayer’s surge comes at a point where many long-running series plateau after their conclusion. Yet this series has managed to grow even post-serialization—partly thanks to ongoing marketing, new media adaptations and its global fan-base. Its surpassing of Dragon Ball is as much symbolic as commercial.
As one Reddit contributor observed:
“Demon Slayer has sold 220 million copies—164 million in Japan and 56 million internationally.”
While exact comparative numbers for Dragon Ball differ, this feat clearly signals a generational shift in manga dominance.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
While Demon Slayer now holds the #2 spot in Japan, the throne remains with One Piece—the only series still ahead in cumulative sales in Japan. The question now: will Demon Slayer aim for the top, or will One Piece continue to widen its lead?
For fans and industry watchers alike, the coming years will be telling. Will re-issues, international growth, digital editions and new media keep Demon Slayer’s momentum alive? Or will other contenders emerge to challenge the stranglehold of the big three?
Final Thoughts
This milestone for Demon Slayer isn’t just about raw numbers—it’s a testament to storytelling, cultural resonance and strategic longevity. It stands as proof that a well-crafted narrative, backed by compelling adaptation and global strategy, can rewrite history books. For fans of manga, this moment marks a clear generational transition—where today’s heroes can outshine yesterday’s legends.
