8 Popular Japanese Manga for Teens

Here’s a list of popular Japanese manga series that are loved by teens. These manga series offer captivating story lines, diverse characters, and engaging artwork that have captured the hearts and imaginations of teens around the world. Each series brings its own unique blend of action, adventure, and drama.

“Naruto” by Masashi Kishimoto

“Naruto” follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who aspires to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. Along with his friends and teammates, Naruto trains, battles powerful enemies, and discovers the secrets of his own lineage in a world filled with ninja clans and epic battles.

Naruto was first released in 1999 and spans across 72 volumes.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” by Koyoharu Gotouge

Set in Taisho-era Japan, the story revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy whose family is slaughtered by demons, leaving only his sister Nezuko alive, albeit transformed into a demon. Determined to avenge his family and find a cure for Nezuko, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps and embarks on a perilous journey to eradicate the demons.

“One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda

Set in a world of pirates and treasure hunting, “One Piece” follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they sail the Grand Line in search of the ultimate treasure, the One Piece. Along their journey, they encounter powerful foes, form alliances, and strive to achieve their dreams in a world filled with adventure and humor.

One Piece was first released in 1997 and is still running. It has 106 volumes as of 2023.

“My Hero Academia” by Kohei Horikoshi

Japanese title: 僕のヒーローアカデミア Boku no Hīrō Akademia

In a world where superpowers, known as “Quirks,” are the norm, a young boy named Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero despite being born without any powers. When he receives the opportunity to attend U.A. High School, a prestigious institution for aspiring heroes, Izuku begins his journey to prove himself and protect others.

“Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama

Japanese title: 進撃の巨人 Shingeki no Kyojin

Set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures called Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the fight against the Titans. Filled with intense action, political intrigue, and dark mysteries, the series explores the struggle for survival and the mysteries surrounding the Titans.

“Fullmetal Alchemist” by Hiromu Arakawa

Japanese title: 鋼の錬金術師 Hagane no Renkinjutsushi

The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who practice alchemy in a world where it is a scientific art form. In their quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone and restore their bodies, which were lost in a failed alchemical experiment, the brothers uncover deep conspiracies and face the consequences of tampering with the laws of nature.

Also available as an online manga.

“Tokyo Ghoul” by Sui Ishida

Japanese title: 東京喰種 Tōkyō Gūru

In a world where ghouls, humanoid creatures that feed on human flesh, coexist with humans, the story centers around Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a fateful encounter. As he grapples with his newfound identity and the moral complexities of being a ghoul, Kaneki becomes embroiled in a dangerous world of supernatural conflicts.

“Haikyu!!” by Haruichi Furudate

This sports manga focuses on Shoyo Hinata, a determined and short-statured volleyball player who aims to become the best despite his physical limitations. Hinata joins his high school volleyball team and forms a competitive rivalry with the talented setter, Tobio Kageyama. Together, they work towards their goal of winning the national championship.