Best Seinen Manga Recommendations (Page 2)

Sora Karin (Story), Kosuke Fushimi (Art)

Action, Fantasy, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Verbellum - War of Words follows Keiji Iruma, a high school student aspiring to become a screenwriter, who suddenly finds himself invited to a mysterious supernatural battle called "Verbellum," a deadly game where participants fight using powers derived from "verbs." Keiji obtains the verb "Open," granting him versatile abilities such as opening doors, wounds, and much more. The goal of the game is to collect passwords from other "verb" wielders to ultimately become the "Master of Words." Keiji teams up with his cousin Maki Hanazato and their ally Ririka Azuma to survive encounters with dangerous factions such as the "Senri Assassins" and confront the shadowy mastermind behind the game. This unique battle setting utilizes the power of verbs, leading not just to physical confrontations but also intense psychological and strategic warfare. Keiji, who struggles with lost memories, navigates a labyrinthine web of intrigue, betrayal, and tragedy. As the tournament escalates toward its climax, Keiji must rediscover both his abilities and his past to confront his ultimate enemy in this thrilling survival battle.

The BAND

Harold Sakuishi

Music & Idol, Ongoing Series, School, Seinen

"THE BAND" is a coming-of-age music manga centered around Yuhei Araki, a middle school student struggling with bullying. Yuhei finds solace and hope through music when attending a live concert with his mother, where he meets and quickly befriends Shintaro "Mataro" Ibata, a transfer student who shares his passion. Unfortunately, after just a year and a half, Mataro transfers away, leaving Yuhei feeling isolated once again. Bullying continues into Yuhei's middle school years, accompanied by other hardships like truancy and family tragedy. However, Yuhei’s life takes a major turn when he inherits a crescent-shaped guitar—a Kawai Moonsault—from his uncle, and reunites with Mataro. Together, they form an impromptu band in Nagoya’s lively Osu Kannon shopping street. Through music, Yuhei begins confronting his personal struggles, deepening friendships, and connecting with new bandmates. This story illustrates how music can break through isolation and darkness, highlighting the powerful growth and bonds of friendship among the young band members.

Police in a Pod

Miko Yasu

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life

Police in a Pod is a human comedy manga that follows the story of a rookie female police officer named Mai Kawai. The series begins just two weeks into her assignment at a local police box—known in Japan as a kōban—after graduating from the police academy with the naïve belief that becoming a cop would guarantee a stable life. However, the reality turns out to be far from what she imagined. Her daily routine is filled with exhausting tasks, harsh treatment from civilians, and unreasonable demands, leaving her physically and mentally drained. Feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of quitting, her life takes a turn when Seiko Fuji, a former ace detective who was “demoted” to kōban duty due to rumors of power harassment, suddenly appears as her new partner.

DRAFT KING

Tetsuro Kuromatsu

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Sports

DRAFT KING is set in the world of professional Japanese baseball, following the sharp-eyed veteran scout Gohara Ganriki and the rookie scout Kamiki as they navigate the behind-the-scenes world of scouting and draft negotiations. Gohara possesses an exceptional gift: the ability to spot a “Draft King”—a player who, regardless of their draft position, will ultimately rise to become a true star with the best career achievements. He often seeks out talent that no one else notices, from overlooked prospects to completely unknown players. The story spans high school, college, corporate league, and even independent league baseball, as Gohara’s unconventional scouting philosophy and Kamiki’s personal growth intertwine with the lives of the players, their families, and those working behind the scenes. It delves deep into the tense strategies before and after the draft, the rivalries between scouts, and the internal politics of baseball teams, offering a realistic portrayal of the sport’s off-the-field battles. While the teams and players are fictional, the manga occasionally references anecdotes about real-life stars such as Ichiro and Masumi Kuwata, adding an extra layer of authenticity that makes it a thrilling read for baseball enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Akagi

Nobuyuki Fukumoto

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

Akagi is a gambling manga that follows the rise of Shigeru Akagi, a mysterious white-haired genius with a demonic sense of intuition and nerves of steel, as he stakes his life in high-risk underground mahjong battles. Set in mid-Showa era Japan, the story begins when Nangō, a man drowning in debt, finds himself on the brink of ruin in a deadly mahjong match against the yakuza. At that moment, a strange boy named Akagi wanders in. Sensing his extraordinary nerve and sharp insight, Nangō entrusts Akagi to play in his place. Though it’s his very first time playing mahjong, Akagi takes control of the game and, in a battle where life and fate hang in the balance, instantly carves his name into the underworld. From there, Akagi faces one deadly opponent after another: the blind swindler Ichikawa, professional gamblers who live for deception, and ultimately the legendary Washizu Iwao, who wagers not only money but his very life in the infamous “Washizu Mahjong.” This grotesque game involves betting actual blood, with every round tightening the noose between life and death. In this ultimate clash, Akagi and Washizu collide in a relentless struggle of pride, obsession, and survival. Through extreme games of strategy, psychology, and fate-defying gambits, Akagi proves himself as a one-of-a-kind genius who transcends fear and conventional morality. The saga culminates in his fated duel with Washizu, a battle that cements Akagi’s status as a living legend whose name will be told for generations.

Konkatsu Battlefield 37

Kotori Inokuma

Comedy, Completed Series, Drama, Romance, Seinen

Yuka Akagi is a 37-year-old temp worker who's always been relatively attractive and never had trouble finding men—but somehow, she's still single. Thinking casually, "Maybe it's time I got married," she dives headfirst into the ruthless battlefield known as modern dating. Yuka tries everything: singles parties, dating apps, matchmaking services—but quickly discovers the path to marriage is tougher than expected. Her high expectations for looks and salary become obstacles, and her tendency to look down on others often backfires spectacularly. After a series of failed attempts, Yuka meets Aoshima, a coworker and veteran of the dating scene with eight years of battle scars. A quirky friendship blooms, alongside encounters with distinctive characters like the earnest yet unassuming Uchida and her former flame, Takashi. Funny, honest, and painfully relatable, Konkatsu Battlefield 37 captures the trials, laughs, and heartbreaks of navigating romance in your late thirties—offering humor, empathy, and encouragement to anyone who's ever braved the front lines of dating.

Gang King

Are You Lost?(Sounan desu ka?)

Daiju Yanauchi

Action, Comedy, Crime, School, Seinen

Gang King follows Katsunari Onishi, also known as "Jimmy," a high school delinquent fascinated by traditional Japanese tattoos. Inspired by a legendary tattoo artist named Katsu-Shin, who saved his life as a child, Jimmy tattoos himself and dreams of becoming the world's greatest tattoo artist. Entering Barajuuji High School, Jimmy meets a group of unique friends and together they navigate passionate friendships, intense rivalries, and gang conflicts. Renowned for his strength and unwavering integrity, Jimmy quickly gains respect. However, his growing influence catches the attention of Pinko, leader of the infamous gang "Justice," who views Jimmy as a threat. As tensions escalate, Jimmy and his friends face numerous conflicts that test their courage, loyalty, and values. With dreams, friendship, love, and unbreakable conviction, Gang King vividly portrays the journey of a young man growing into both a skilled tattoo artist and a stronger person amidst turbulent high school gang rivalries.

The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses

Kentaro Okamoto (Story), Riri Sagara (Art)

Adventure, Anime Adaptation, Completed Series, Ecchi, School, Seinen

Are You Lost? is a survival manga that follows four high school girls—Homare Onishima, Asuka Suzumori, Shion Kujou, and Mutsu Amatani—who are stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. With no adults around and no rescue in sight, the girls must rely on Homare’s impressive wilderness survival skills to stay alive until help arrives. The story blends humor with practical survival knowledge, offering insights into everything from desalinating seawater and securing drinking water, to foraging for food, starting fires, and crafting tools. Each episode delivers realistic survival tips in an engaging and often comical way. Despite the harsh conditions, the girls support each other through fear, loneliness, and the emotional challenges of island life. Their distinct personalities and evolving relationships drive the narrative as they learn to adapt, grow stronger, and survive together. Are You Lost? stands out as a compelling mix of survival drama, friendship, and light-hearted comedy—with an educational twist on how to survive in the wild.

The Man Who Killed Nobunaga

Kouji Seo

Comedy, Ecchi, Harem, Romance, Seinen

The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is a romantic comedy set in Familia, an old seaside café left behind by the protagonist's late grandmother. The story follows Hayato Kasukabe, a brilliant student who passed the entrance exam to the University of Tokyo. After a falling out with his grandmother, he returns to his hometown for the first time in three years—only to learn of her passing. His original plan is to tear down the café and turn the property into a parking lot. However, to his surprise, five beautiful and eccentric young women are already living there, claiming to be his grandmother’s “family.” Each of these girls carries personal baggage or painful memories and was taken in by the grandmother, who gave them a home and purpose at Familia. At first, Hayato constantly clashes with them, but as he learns more about their stories and the kindness of his late grandmother, he decides to reopen and rebuild the café. From running the business and dealing with rival cafés to navigating romantic entanglements among the five heroines, Hayato and the girls develop a deep, almost familial bond as they face daily chaos and heartfelt moments together. Blending cheeky humor, pop culture parodies, romantic tension, and touching themes of found family, The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses is a vibrant, feel-good story filled with laughs, charm, and just the right amount of spice.

Yutaka Tōdō (Manga), based on concept by Kenzaburō Akechi

Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, historical

The Man Who Killed Nobunaga: The Truth Behind the Honnoji Incident 431 Years Later is a historical manga that reexamines one of Japan’s greatest mysteries—the Honnoji Incident—through a bold and fresh perspective. Based on insights from a descendant of Akechi Mitsuhide, the manga challenges conventional history and shines a new light on the man long branded a traitor. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s suspiciously swift march toward Kyoto following Nobunaga’s assassination. It then travels back in time to depict the fateful first meeting between Mitsuhide and Oda Nobunaga, tracing the trust that developed between them. As Nobunaga pushes radical reforms, dreams of overseas conquest, and enforces a ruthless meritocracy, tensions within the Oda clan rise—setting the stage for a dramatic reckoning. Rather than portraying Mitsuhide’s betrayal as a petty act of revenge, the manga presents an alternative theory: that he acted out of a desire to stop Nobunaga’s descent into tyranny and to achieve lasting peace for Japan. This “new truth” turns the familiar narrative on its head. Alongside Mitsuhide and Nobunaga, powerful figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi are drawn into a thrilling political web of ambition and strategy. The manga brings to life the untold stories, human drama, and conflicting ideals behind this pivotal event in Japanese history—offering a captivating reimagining of a man history may have misunderstood. This is not just a retelling, but a compelling historical mystery that may forever change how readers view Akechi Mitsuhide—and the true meaning behind the fall of Oda Nobunaga.

Uramiya Honpo

Masanao Kurihara

Completed Series, Crime, Drama, Ecchi, Seinen, Slice of Life

Uramiya Honpo is a suspense manga that follows a secret organization offering revenge-for-hire services, punishing wrongdoers and evildoers on behalf of clients consumed by hatred and resentment. The protagonist, Shiori Hojo (known as “Uramiya”), is a professional avenger who hands out a black business card that reads, “We will avenge your grudge.” Depending on the nature of each request, she and her team deliver punishment ranging from social ruin to outright elimination of the target. However, Uramiya operates under her own strict moral code—if a client’s grudge turns out to be unjustified or based on lies, the revenge is redirected toward the client instead. Each story features new cases where victims of injustice, betrayal, or violence seek salvation through Uramiya Honpo. The team skillfully executes elaborate traps and psychological schemes to exact revenge, exposing the dark corners of modern society. From family murders and insurance fraud to workplace betrayals, abuse, and bullying, every episode explores both the emotional scars of the victims and the cruelty of their oppressors. With cold precision and no compromise, Uramiya delivers judgment where the law cannot reach. A chilling and thought-provoking critique of modern morality, Uramiya Honpo reveals the “ordinary evil” lurking behind everyday life—making it one of Japan’s most gripping revenge dramas.

100 Meters

Uoto

Completed Series, Drama, Seinen, Sports

100 Meters is a sports manga centered around Togashi, a boy born with extraordinary running talent. Despite being nationally ranked first since elementary school, Togashi initially has little passion for running itself. His outlook changes when he meets Komiya, a new transfer student who, despite lacking natural talent, consistently practices running every single day. Inspired by Komiya’s unwavering effort, Togashi experiences for the first time the thrill of competition and the fear of losing. However, from junior high onward, Togashi's once-bright talent begins to fade. After experiencing a humiliating defeat against a rival, he loses his passion for running altogether. He quits track during high school but eventually returns, motivated by his friends' enthusiasm. At the national high-school championships, Togashi encounters Komiya again—and once more, he suffers defeat. Ten years later, Togashi is running professionally under a corporate sponsorship, yet struggles with injuries and faces the risk of losing his contract. Amid these difficulties, he searches deeply for meaning in running and strives for a comeback. 100 Meters passionately captures the drama of youth, exploring themes of talent versus hard work, setbacks, and redemption.

Shima‑san

Heisei Haizanhei Sumire‑chan

Yōbundō Kawano

Drama, Ongoing Series, Seinen, Slice of Life

Shima-san is a heartwarming human drama set in a late-night convenience store called Better Days. The story revolves around Shima, an elderly, veteran clerk who is gentle, kind, and carries a mysterious past—evidenced by the tattoo on his back. Despite his enigmatic history, Shima approaches everyone with sincerity and warmth, whether they're new employees like the inexperienced Koseki, regular customers, or troubled youth who frequent the store. While initially appearing somewhat unassuming, Shima's calm demeanor and perceptive insights consistently help those around him, earning their trust and respect. Each chapter is a self-contained story, gradually revealing bits of Shima's past and philosophy on life. Through simple yet meaningful daily events, Shima-san gently explores themes of human kindness and the essence of living a meaningful life.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Satomi U

Comedy, Ecchi, Music & Idol, Ongoing Series, Seinen

Heisei Haizanhei Sumire-chan is a comedy manga about Sumire Tojo, a former idol group leader whose dreams of stardom failed during the Heisei era. Now, in the Reiwa era, she’s a 31-year-old unemployed woman who spends her days indulging in alcohol, cigarettes, and pachinko. Her cousin, Yusei, a high school student, sees potential in her wasted beauty and proposes they create a cosplay gravure photobook for sale at doujinshi events, as a way for her to make a comeback. Reluctantly, Sumire dives into cosplay photo sessions, doujin events, and other unconventional projects. Despite facing the harsh realities and setbacks of showbiz, continuous failures, and mounting debt, she perseveres in her quest for redemption in the new era. The manga humorously depicts the stark contrast between Sumire’s striking beauty and her messy, self-destructive lifestyle, complete with playful jokes and adult humor, portraying the amusing struggles of an almost-30 woman determined to reclaim her place in the spotlight.

Uoto

Completed Series, Seinen, historical

Set in a fictional medieval European-like country, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth portrays the passion and struggles of those who pursue the heliocentric theory—an idea deemed heretical and severely suppressed in that era. Rafał, a young boy with a genius intellect, is caught between his deep passion for knowledge and his religious beliefs. His life changes dramatically when he discovers an underground group dedicated to uncovering the truth about the Earth's movements. These scholars risk their lives, confronting betrayal, persecution, and despair, united by their conviction to preserve truth for future generations. Characters pass the torch across generations, tirelessly fighting to keep the flame of knowledge alive. This profound and sweeping drama explores themes of academic freedom, human dignity, and the weight of personal conviction.

Higanjima

Kōji Matsumoto

Completed Series, Horror, Seinen, Vampires & Zombies

Higanjima is a survival horror manga by Koji Matsumoto, set on an isolated island ruled by vampires. The story revolves around an intense battle between humans and vampires as they fight desperately to survive and escape the island. The protagonist is Akira Miyamoto, an ordinary high school student who embarks on a journey to the island known as "Higanjima" with his friends, searching for his older brother Atsushi, who disappeared two years earlier. Upon arriving on the island, Akira and his companions find themselves trapped in a relentless struggle against villagers turned vampires and grotesque creatures. These vampires must regularly consume human blood to prevent themselves from turning into hideous monstrosities. As a result, they capture humans as livestock, draining their blood to sustain their own existence. One by one, Akira’s friends are slain, yet the survivors continue to fight for their lives. Eventually reuniting with his long-lost brother Atsushi, Akira’s objective evolves from merely escaping the island to defeating the vampires’ leader, Miyabi, once and for all.

Host to Shachiku

Mitsuru Kawajiri

Drama, Seinen, Slice of Life

Host to Shachiku is a slice-of-life drama about two men living in completely different worlds: Naoto Suzuki, an overworked system engineer (a true corporate "shachiku" or company slave), and Ren Sasaki, the No.1 host in Kabukicho. The story unfolds in a gyudon (beef bowl) restaurant in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho at 5 a.m.—a time when Naoto is heading to work and Ren has just finished his shift. Despite living in opposite time zones, their paths cross for just 15 minutes each morning, marking the beginning of their shared breakfasts. At first, they're complete strangers who don’t even know each other's names. But through small conversations and quiet moments at the counter seats of a fast-food chain, they gradually grow closer. Though their lifestyles and values couldn't be more different, they begin to find small but meaningful commonalities—shared hobbies, similar family backgrounds—that turn their 15-minute breakfasts into a much-needed daily comfort. This manga captures the peaceful, healing moments tucked into a limited window of time—“15 minutes of breakfast”—blending warmth, kindness, and emotional connection. It’s a gentle story about two people cherishing the only moment in the day when their worlds align.

My Dress-Up Darling