Demon Slayer exceeds 220 million copies worldwide, Shueisha confirmed on the 17th, marking another major milestone for the global manga phenomenon. The total includes 164 million copies in Japan and 56 million abroad, counting both print and digital formats.
This announcement comes more than four years after the series concluded. Despite that, demand for the manga remains strong. Back in February 2021, sales had topped 150 million. Since then, an additional 70 million copies have been distributed globally.
Shueisha credited the manga’s continued success to enduring fan enthusiasm. “It has enjoyed overwhelming popularity even after the serialization ended,” the publisher explained.
Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba was created by Gotouge Koyoharu. Although early sales were modest, the series saw explosive growth following its anime debut.
As of April 6, 2019, just before the anime aired, the manga had sold 3.5 million copies. However, the anime’s release transformed it into a national sensation. By September 2019, sales surged to 12 million. That figure rose to 25 million in December and hit 40 million by February 2020.
Soon after, the manga surpassed 100 million copies by October 2, 2020. On December 4 of the same year, when the final volume launched, the number jumped to 120 million. Two months later, it crossed 150 million. Shueisha credited the movie’s global success and continuous reprints for the surge.
Today, Demon Slayer exceeds 220 million copies worldwide, placing it among Japan’s top-selling manga. It now joins other Shueisha titles with over 100 million total sales, such as ONE PIECE, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Slam Dunk, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Jujutsu Kaisen.
Remarkably, the franchise continues to grow without any new manga chapters. Fans keep collecting volumes, thanks in part to the ongoing anime, merchandise, and theatrical films.
Clearly, Demon Slayer exceeds 220 million copies worldwide not just through nostalgia, but through sustained cultural relevance. Its legacy continues to inspire readers and viewers across the globe.
