Best Seinen Manga Recommendations

Chuya Koyama

Anime Adaptation, Comedy, Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

After witnessing a mysterious UFO as children, Mutta Nanba and his younger brother Hibito promise each other, "Let's become astronauts together." Nineteen years later, in 2025, Hibito has realized their childhood dream and become an astronaut. He is preparing to make history as the first Japanese astronaut to walk on the moon as part of the first crew to undertake a long-term lunar mission. In stark contrast, Mutta's life is stuck in frustration and regret. Recently fired from his job after headbutting his boss, he's drifting through a disappointing existence—until an unexpected letter from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) arrives. It informs him that he's passed the initial screening for astronaut candidates—an application secretly submitted by Hibito, who never gave up their shared dream. Though Mutta had long ago abandoned the idea of space exploration, this letter reignites his determination, motivating him to once again reach for the stars alongside his brother.

Yasuhisa Hara

Action, Ongoing Series, Seinen, historical

Ancient China, Warring States Era — 3rd Century BC. An age of relentless warfare, where kingdoms clash and chaos reigns. Shin, a war orphan living as a servant, dreams of rising through the ranks to become the Greatest General Under the Heavens. With unshakable resolve and a growing skill with the sword, he vows to make his name known on the battlefield. One day, Shin crosses paths with a young man destined to become Ei Sei, the future king of Qin. Their fateful meeting sets in motion an extraordinary journey toward the unification of all China. Ambition. Betrayal. Loyalty. Brotherhood. As armies collide and ideals are tested, the saga of those who stake their lives on the battlefield unfolds with overwhelming intensity and emotion. A boy chasing the path of a great general. A king determined to rise above a fractured world. Their intersecting dreams ignite a grand, blood-soaked tale of power, destiny, and iron conviction. Kingdom is a breathtaking historical action epic where glory is earned and history is written in steel and sacrifice.

Kanehito Yamada (Story), Tsukasa Abe (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Drama, Fantasy, Magic, Ongoing Series, Seinen

The hero’s journey has come to an end. After defeating the Demon King and bringing peace to the world, the legendary party disbands. Among them was Frieren, an elven mage who lives for over a thousand years. For her, the ten-year journey alongside her human companions was but a fleeting moment. But when she parts ways with them, Frieren is confronted—for the first time—with the weight of time and the fragility of human life. Haunted by memories of the late Hero Himmel, she sets out on a new journey. This time, she’s joined by new companions: Fern, her young mage apprentice, and Stark, a brave but awkward warrior. What begins as a path of remembrance slowly becomes something more—a quiet quest to understand the meaning of emotion, connection, and what it truly means to live. A contemplative fantasy steeped in magic, melancholy, and tenderness, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a poignant tale of life, death, and the bonds that endure beyond time.

Makoto Isshiki

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Music & Idol, Seinen

Forest of Piano follows the journey of Kai Ichinose, a young boy who grows up in the red-light district known as "Mori no Hashi" (Forest's Edge). Kai discovers an abandoned piano in the forest and, using it as a toy, cultivates his extraordinary talent through self-teaching. One day, he meets Shuhei Amamiya, a transfer student whose father is a world-famous pianist, and Sosuke Ajino, a former prodigy turned music teacher who recognizes Kai’s remarkable gift. Under Ajino's mentorship, Kai overcomes challenging circumstances and his own troubled background, steadily growing as a pianist. Eventually, alongside rivals and friends, including Shuhei, Kai challenges the grand stage of the prestigious Chopin Competition. Forest of Piano is a moving story about the passion for music, friendship, and personal growth.

Taashi

Crime, Ongoing Series, Seinen

"Donketsu" is an authentic Yakuza manga set in Kokura, Kitakyushu. The protagonist, Masatoshi Sawada (nicknamed "Rokemasa"), belongs to the Kozuki-gumi of the Gachirin-kai syndicate. Rokemasa is infamous for a legendary incident that occurred 20 years ago when he fired a rocket launcher into a rival group's office. However, his reckless and violent behavior makes him an outcast within his own organization, still stuck at the lowest rank of the yakuza hierarchy even in his late 40s. Despite his rough reputation, Rokemasa uses his overwhelming strength and fearless attitude to stir up conflicts and trouble throughout Kitakyushu’s criminal underworld. Around him gathers a colorful cast of characters, including Tatsuo Uchimura, a young marijuana dealer, and various unique yakuza figures. The story is full of intense battles, humorous moments, and deeply emotional episodes. This manga vividly portrays Rokemasa's wild daily life, the younger generation inspired by him, and the authentic gangster culture of Kitakyushu, complete with local dialect and gritty realism. It seamlessly blends violence, comedy, and human drama into an unparalleled form of entertainment.

Aka Akasaka (Story), Mengo Yokoyari (Art)

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

"Idols lie to give their fans dreams." Goro, an obstetrician in a quiet countryside town, has one true obsession—Ai Hoshino, a charismatic 16-year-old idol and center of the rising group B-Komachi. Adored for her beauty and mysterious charm, Ai has taken the nation by storm. But one day, Ai appears before Goro with a shocking secret—she’s pregnant and seeks his help for a confidential birth. That fateful encounter sends Goro’s life spinning out of control… and the story soon shifts to the dazzling world of show business, where fame glitters and shadows loom large. Ai’s children, Aqua and Ruby, grow up harboring hidden truths and emotional scars. As they step into the harsh world of entertainment, they each chase their place under the spotlight—confronting betrayal, ambition, and heartbreak. Behind the glamour lies a web of lies and truths. And at the heart of it all, a chilling mystery unfolds—a tale of love, fame, and a calculated revenge sparked by a single tragic event. Oshi no Ko is a gripping drama where devotion, deception, and destiny collide in the name of "idol worship."

Ken Wakui

Completed Series, Crime, Seinen

Shinjuku Swan is an underground human drama that follows the rise of Tatsuhiko Shiratori, a 19-year-old man navigating the gritty streets of Tokyo’s infamous Kabukicho district as a “scout” for the adult entertainment industry. After moving to Tokyo and losing all his money—hitting rock bottom after a failed attempt at pachinko—Tatsuhiko is rescued by Makoto, a senior figure in the scouting company Burst. Taking up Makoto’s offer, Tatsuhiko steps into the world of street scouting, initially confused and hesitant about the nature of the job. However, he soon makes a firm decision to rise to the top, fighting alongside a cast of eccentric and ambitious coworkers. The scouting industry is a ruthless world ruled by money and violence. Tatsuhiko tries to survive by scouting women and earning referral fees, but he quickly finds himself entangled in turf wars, confrontations with yakuza, illegal drug deals, and betrayals by those he trusted. Amid the chaos and life-threatening situations, Tatsuhiko undergoes intense personal growth, experiencing deep emotional struggles and moral dilemmas in his journey to make it big.

Hitoshi Iwaaki

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, historical

Set in 4th-century BCE Ancient Greece, Historie follows the remarkable life of Eumenes, who eventually becomes a key general and strategist for the Kingdom of Macedonia. Orphaned at a young age, Eumenes rises through his exceptional intelligence, determination, and integrity. The story begins in his childhood, meticulously detailing how Eumenes meets the young prince Alexander—later known as Alexander the Great—and gradually earns his trust as an indispensable advisor. Using intellect as his weapon, Eumenes navigates philosophy, politics, and military strategy, becoming pivotal in shaping an era defined by ambition, warfare, and cultural upheaval. Amid power struggles and brutal realities of war, Eumenes remains steadfast in his beliefs, though he continually wrestles with internal conflicts. The narrative intricately portrays historical events such as Alexander’s famous campaigns and Macedonia’s internal political struggles, capturing the complexity of ancient society through Eumenes’s unique perspective. Historie excels in showcasing authentic ancient military tactics, political intrigues, and the nuanced dynamics between royalty and common citizens. Beyond a gripping tale of one strategist's journey, the manga offers an immersive glimpse into the heart of Ancient Greek civilization itself.

Kengo Hanazawa

Action, Ongoing Series, Seinen

In Under Ninja, the shadowy world of ninjas didn’t disappear after World War II—they just went underground. Secretly active across the globe, these covert operatives continue their missions into the present day. Enter Kuro Kumogakure, a low-ranking ninja with no assignments, spending his days bored and unemployed in a run-down apartment. One day, he's unexpectedly ordered to investigate Under Ninja (UN), a mysterious organization that's remained hidden for over 70 years since the war. To uncover UN’s activities, Kuro infiltrates Koudan High School disguised as a student. Now, he must balance blending into normal school life with untangling the secrets of this elusive group. A unique blend of comedy, espionage, and action, Under Ninja is a fresh twist on modern ninja tales, combining undercover antics, secret missions, and high school chaos.

Shuuzou Oshimi

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Slice of Life

His name is... Fujii. He doesn’t possess any special powers. He’s not trying to become someone important. He simply exists—like something by the side of the road. School life, job hunting, casual conversations, quiet worries. Fujii drifts through the everyday moments we all know too well—but always just a little off. That slight misalignment makes him oddly funny, faintly melancholic, and strangely unforgettable. Fujii isn’t extraordinary, yet he makes the ordinary feel profound. His words, his silences, his awkward grace—each leaves behind a quiet echo in the reader’s heart. A story that’s both humorous and strangely moving. Relaxing yet thought-provoking. A “gentle shock” that reveals the strange just beside the familiar.

Satoru Noda

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

Set in Hokkaido at the end of the Meiji era, Golden Kamuy follows Saichi Sugimoto, a battle-hardened ex-soldier known as “Immortal Sugimoto.” In order to fulfill a fallen comrade’s last wish and secure a fortune, he sets his sights on a legendary hidden stash of gold. The key to the treasure? A cryptic map tattooed on the bodies of escaped prisoners. Along the way, Sugimoto partners with Asirpa, a brave and resourceful Ainu girl with deep knowledge of the land and a personal quest for truth surrounding her father's death. Their bond grows stronger as they journey across the harsh northern wilderness. What follows is an exhilarating blend of survival, cultural exploration, gourmet adventures, and a deadly battle for gold, where cunning and brute strength collide. As greed, justice, and betrayal intertwine, the quest for the gold escalates into a sprawling conspiracy that threatens to engulf even the nation itself. Thrilling, emotional, and utterly unique—Golden Kamuy is a masterful tale of riches, honor, and the human spirit set against the frozen frontier.

Keigo Shinzō

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Slice of Life

"Hirayatsumi" is a slice-of-life drama following Hiroto Ikuta, a carefree 29-year-old part-timer. Living without a steady job or a romantic partner—and without any particular worries about his future—Hiroto unexpectedly inherits a small single-story house ("hiraya") in Asagaya from his elderly neighbor, Hanae Wada. Soon afterward, his 18-year-old cousin Natsumi arrives from Yamagata to attend art school, and they begin living together. Friends carrying their own troubles and various unique individuals gradually gather around Hiroto, creating a warm and lively community within the little house. Set against a relaxed, gentle atmosphere, the characters each confront their own lives, discovering small everyday joys and personal growth along the way. It’s a comforting, heartwarming tale perfectly suited for the modern reader seeking solace.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Kaiji: Against All Rules is the second major arc of the Kaiji series, following Kaiji as he’s thrown into Teiai Group’s brutal underground forced labor camp and struggles to claw his way back to freedom through life-or-death gambles. Drowning in debt, Kaiji is sent to the subterranean prison, where the foreman Ōtsuki runs a rigged dice game called Chinchirorin. By exposing Ōtsuki’s elaborate cheating and turning the tables, Kaiji wins back the trust of his fellow inmates and eventually earns a rare chance to leave the underground—for just 20 days. With only a small sum of cash and a limited window of freedom, Kaiji sets his sights on paying off the debts of 45 fellow prisoners, searching desperately for a single gamble that could change everything. On the surface, Kaiji meets a new partner, Kōtarō Sakazaki, and together they set their eyes on Teiai’s most infamous underground casino attraction: The Bog, an enormous pachinko machine designed to be unbeatable. With Sakazaki and the fixer Endō at his side, Kaiji devises ingenious counter-schemes and massive setups to dismantle Teiai’s rigged system. After a grueling battle of wit, endurance, and luck, Kaiji finally topples The Bog and walks away with over 700 million yen. But true to the spirit of Kaiji, even after securing such a staggering victory, he cannot escape without twists of fate and cruel reversals. Kaiji: Against All Rules is a story of ultimate gambles, unbreakable camaraderie, and the raw greed and weakness of humanity, told through one of the most iconic “turnaround dramas” in modern manga.

Shōhei Manabe

Completed Series, Crime, Seinen

Yamikin Ushijima-kun is a hard-hitting social drama manga centered on Kaoru Ushijima, the president of Cow Cow Finance, an underground loan shark business that lends money at illegal, exorbitant interest rates. The series exposes the downfall and harsh realities of people who live on the fringes of modern society. Each arc introduces different debtors—ranging from hostesses, hosts, sex workers, part-timers, salarymen, and housewives. Their lives spiral out of control after borrowing money too easily, only to face Ushijima’s ruthless debt collection methods. As they sink deeper, the manga vividly depicts their self-destruction, dependence on others, and the brutal logic of the underworld, showing how difficult it truly is to “be saved” or to “escape.” Ushijima himself, while cold and unyielding, has his own philosophy and sense of camaraderie. Throughout the story, he becomes entangled with debtors, criminals, and allies alike, as violent turf wars, betrayals, and cunning survival strategies unfold. His subordinates—such as Kadarazaki and Takada—also experience growth, treachery, and personal struggles, while the fierce conflict with yakuza boss Namenuma becomes one of the central arcs. What sets the series apart is its uncompromising realism. No convenient happy endings, only the stark truths of capitalism’s dark side, human weakness, and life at society’s bottom rung. Yamikin Ushijima-kun is a relentless ensemble drama that delivers a chilling reminder of consequence, survival, and the cost of desperation.

Shōhei Manabe

Crime, Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Kujou no Taizai is a hard-hitting legal drama manga that follows Taiza Kujou, a highly skilled lawyer who deliberately takes on only the most troublesome and controversial cases. The series paints a gritty and realistic picture of Japan’s modern legal system and its ties to the underworld. Kujou specializes in handling requests from semi-gang groups, yakuza, ex-convicts, and other shady figures. Prioritizing law and his client’s interests over morality, he defends them with a relentless, belief-free stance. Though society condemns him as a “corrupt lawyer,” Kujou himself admits that he puts the client’s benefit above the victim’s suffering, shaking up the courtroom with outcomes that defy conventional justice. The manga dives into cases ripped straight from modern headlines: drunk-driving hit-and-runs, drug possession, financial fraud, welfare scams, inheritance disputes in nursing homes, and corruption in large hospitals. Through these, Kujou consistently pursues the most advantageous solution for the accused, regardless of public opinion. Beyond the cases, the story weaves in the motives and struggles of his office staff, clients, rival prosecutors and lawyers, police officers, and figures from the criminal underworld. This creates a tense human drama where law and ethics clash, and life-or-death gambits unfold. With Kujou’s cold conviction, unyielding devotion to his clients, and unflinching gaze at the darkness of law and society, Kujou no Taizai delivers a sharp, provocative look at justice in modern Japan.

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Seinen, Strategy & Board Games

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a survival gambling manga that follows Kaiji Itō, a down-and-out young man whose life takes a dark turn when he’s dragged into the world of underground gambling after being saddled with debt. Kaiji is forced to repay the loans of a former coworker for whom he acted as a guarantor. Desperate, he boards the Espoir (the “Ship of Hope”), where debtors can gamble their way to freedom—or ruin. The first game, “Restricted Rock-Paper-Scissors,” throws him into a brutal psychological battle filled with betrayals, deception, and the darkest sides of human nature. From there, Kaiji is pulled into ever more extreme life-or-death games, such as the perilous “Steel Beam Crossing” and the intense “E-Card,” each demanding not only luck but also wit, courage, and the ability to manipulate others. Through these trials, Kaiji experiences trust, betrayal, despair, and fleeting moments of hope, confronting both his own weaknesses and the ruthless greed of the Teiai Corporation, the shadowy organization behind the games. While Kaiji manages to achieve stunning turnarounds through ingenuity and guts, his winnings are often stolen or squandered, underscoring the harsh, unforgiving nature of the world he’s trapped in. Blending psychological warfare, high-stakes gambles, and raw human drama, Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a gripping modern suspense manga that lays bare the extremes of human desire and survival.

Makoto Yukimura

Action, Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Ongoing Series, Seinen

11th-century Northern Europe— An age of Vikings, where war, conquest, and plunder reign supreme. In a brutal world ruled by the sword, the fate of one young boy begins to shift. His name is Thorfinn. After witnessing the death of his father, the legendary warrior Thors, Thorfinn grows up on the battlefield, fueled by a burning desire for revenge. But beyond the violence, he begins to confront deeper questions—ones that rage and hatred alone cannot answer. What does one truly gain through fighting? What is real strength? As Thorfinn is torn between vengeance and purpose, his journey takes a new direction—toward Vinland, a distant land free from bloodshed and war. No longer driven by revenge, he sets out in search of peace, forgiveness, and redemption. With breathtaking battles, rich historical detail, and powerful philosophical themes, Vinland Saga is a soul-stirring Norse epic that explores what it means to be human in a world shaped by violence.

Shinichi Ishizuka

Drama, Music & Idol, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Blue Giant follows the journey of Dai Miyamoto, a young man whose life is forever changed when he discovers jazz. Captivated by the sound of the saxophone during high school, Dai becomes fiercely determined to express his deepest emotions through music. Completely self-taught, Dai dedicates himself to mastering the saxophone, passionately practicing alone and relentlessly pursuing his own unique sound—even without a mentor or fellow musicians to guide him. Eventually, Dai moves to Tokyo, where he encounters like-minded musicians, forming a band that pushes each member to their limits. Together, they navigate the demanding world of jazz clubs, music festivals, and live performances, steadily earning recognition for their raw talent and burning passion. Blue Giant captures not only the thrilling essence of live jazz performances but also the struggles, growth, and friendships forged through the pursuit of dreams. Readers are drawn deeply into Dai’s heartfelt journey, experiencing every triumph and challenge alongside him. A powerful and inspiring portrayal of passion, dedication, and musical expression—this manga truly resonates with anyone who has ever chased a dream.

Umikaze Minamino (Story), Kabuto Kodai (Art)

Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Isekai, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden tells the story of a legendary warrior known as the "God Slayer," who, yearning for combat even at the brink of death, reincarnates into the future. Her soul inhabits the frail body of Nia Liston, a sickly noble girl. Initially struggling with the weakness of her new form, she harnesses her inner "Qi" to gradually restore her health and strength. Despite her delicate appearance, Nia possesses extraordinary combat prowess and an insatiable thirst for battle, effortlessly defeating powerful foes even in everyday life. Using her noble status, she engages in diverse pursuits, from academy life to serving as a personality at a broadcasting station. Eventually, she earns a staggering one billion Clams, enabling her to organize a global martial arts tournament. This story vividly captures Nia’s thrilling journey as she seeks formidable opponents, brilliantly showcasing her unstoppable pursuit of battle.

Tennoji Dai (Story), Watanabe Michio (Art)

Crime, Seinen

Hakuryu centers around Tatsuya Shirakawa—known as "Hakuryu" (White Dragon)—the ambitious and intelligent young second-in-command of the Kurosu-gumi, a yakuza group based in Shibuya. Originally a small-scale criminal organization, the Kurosu-gumi rapidly expands its influence under Hakuryu’s exceptional intellect and strategic prowess, eventually extending its power into major metropolitan areas such as Roppongi. Acting as a surrogate leader for the aging boss Kansuke Kurosu, Hakuryu skillfully navigates intricate power struggles, gang rivalries, and delicate negotiations with the police and other crime syndicates. The narrative weaves together various modern societal issues—from pharmaceutical company scandals and corrupt martial arts organizations to nuclear-industry manipulation and baseball gambling—to depict how the Kurosu-gumi generates revenue and sustains itself. Central to the story are Hakuryu’s calm, calculated decisions, his foresight, and the deep loyalty and bonds he shares with his fellow gang members. The manga also depicts intense conflicts with the Oudo-kai, Kanto's largest organized crime syndicate. With its realistic portrayal of yakuza life and sharp commentary on contemporary social problems, Hakuryu delivers a gritty, compelling, and thought-provoking story.