Introduction
Manga is a popular form of Japanese entertainment that has been enjoyed for decades by people all over the world. Yakuza is a popular manga genre that focuses on the Japanese mafia and the world of organised crime. If you enjoy Yakuza stories, you’ll be pleased to know that there are numerous great manga that explore this theme.
This blog post will go over the 15 best Yakuza manga you should read right now. This list has something for everyone, from classics to new releases. So, whether you’ve been a fan of Yakuza stories for a long time or are new to the genre, keep reading to find your next favourite manga.
1. Look Back By Tatsuki Fujimoto
Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of popular manga series such as “Fire Punch” and “Chainsaw Man,” wrote and illustrated “Look Back,” a one-shot manga. Despite being a stand-alone work, “Look Back” has received critical acclaim and has established itself as one of the must-read Yakuza manga of recent times.
The plot revolves around two high school students, Mirai and Haru, who want to be manga artists. Mirai is gifted but lacks self-confidence, whereas Haru works hard but struggles with creativity. As they collaborate to create their own manga, they face challenges and obstacles that put their friendship and love of art to the test.
While “Look Back” is not your typical Yakuza manga, it has a compelling storyline and engaging characters that make it a must-read for any manga fan. It delves into themes such as self-discovery, perseverance, and the difficulties of pursuing one’s dreams. So, if you’re looking for a thought-provoking manga that will stick with you, “Look Back” is an excellent choice.
2. Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo
Tatsuya Endo’s manga series “Spy x Family” is written and illustrated by him. It tells the story of Twilight, a spy assigned to infiltrate an elite school in order to gather information about a potential threat to the government. To accomplish this, he must establish a family, which leads him to adopt a telepathic girl named Anya and marry an assassin named Yor. What follows is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a family that is not what it appears to be.
While “Spy x Family” isn’t your typical Yakuza manga, it does contain elements of organised crime and espionage that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a unique premise, endearing characters, and an engaging storyline that keeps readers interested from beginning to end. The manga’s art style is also excellent, with clean lines, expressive characters, and dynamic action sequences that make it a visual treat.
“Spy x Family” is an excellent choice if you want a Yakuza manga with a twist. It’s an entertaining, action-packed, and heartwarming series that will leave you wanting more.
3. Choujin X By Sui Ishida
Sui Ishida, the creator of the popular series “Tokyo Ghoul,” wrote and illustrated “Choujin X.” The plot revolves around a group of people who have become infected with a virus that grants them superhuman abilities. The virus, however, has a catch: it shortens the person’s lifespan. To find a cure, they must band together and take on the organisation that created the virus.
While “Choujin X” is not a traditional Yakuza manga, it does contain elements of organised crime and corruption that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a unique premise, intense action scenes, and complex characters that keep readers guessing. Furthermore, the art style of the manga is stunning, with detailed character designs and breathtaking landscapes that bring the story to life.
If you enjoy action-packed manga with a sci-fi twist, “Choujin X” is a must-read. It’s an engrossing series about mortality, morality, and the consequences of playing God. So, if you’re up for a wild ride, buckle up and prepare to join the fight against the virus.
4. The Elusive Samurai By Yusei Matsui
Yusei Matsui, the creator of the popular series “Assassination Classroom,” wrote and illustrated “The Elusive Samurai.” The plot takes place in the 16th century and follows the exploits of a young samurai named Hojo Takatoki, who is determined to change the course of history by averting a disastrous event.
While “The Elusive Samurai” isn’t technically a Yakuza manga, it does contain elements of samurai culture and political intrigue that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has an engaging historical setting, well-developed characters, and intricate plotlines. The manga’s art style is also stunning, with detailed character designs and breathtaking landscapes that transport readers back in time.
If you like historical manga with a twist, “The Elusive Samurai” is an excellent choice. It’s an exciting series that delves into themes such as loyalty, honour, and the consequences of one’s actions. So, if you’re looking for an epic journey through feudal Japan, pick up a copy of “The Elusive Samurai” and prepare to be transported back in time.
Undead Unluck By Yoshifumi Tozuka
Yoshifumi Tozuka’s manga series “Undead Unluck” is written and illustrated by him. The plot revolves around an undead boy named Andy and a girl named Fuuko, who possesses the ability to cancel out any type of luck. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find a cure for Andy’s condition while evading the perilous organisation that seeks to exploit their abilities.
While “Undead Unluck” isn’t strictly a Yakuza manga, it does contain supernatural powers, dangerous organisations, and action-packed battles, making it an excellent addition to this list. It has a unique premise, endearing characters, and intense fight scenes that keep readers interested from beginning to end. Furthermore, the art style of the manga is fantastic, with detailed character designs and explosive action scenes that make it a visual treat.
“Undead Unluck” is an excellent choice if you want a manga with a supernatural twist and a lot of action. It’s a show that delves into themes like friendship, sacrifice, and the true meaning of life. So, if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world adventure, join Andy and Fuuko on their quest to find a cure for his condition.
Highway Star By Katsuhiro Otomo
-Katsuhiro Otomo, the creator of the classic manga and anime series “Akira,” wrote and illustrated “Highway Star.” The plot revolves around a group of motorcycle racers who compete in illegal races on Tokyo’s highways. The racers are pitted against not only each other, but also the police and rival gang members.
While “Highway Star” isn’t strictly a Yakuza manga, it does contain elements of street racing, gang violence, and criminal activity that make it an excellent addition to this list. It depicts the world of illegal racing and the dangers that come with it in a gritty and realistic manner. Furthermore, the manga’s art style is stunning, with detailed motorcycle depictions and thrilling racing scenes that bring the story to life.
If you enjoy adrenaline-fueled manga with a dark undercurrent, “Highway Star” is an excellent choice. It’s a show that delves into themes like loyalty, rivalry, and the thrill of the race. So, if you’re ready to rev your engines and hit the open road, join the “Highway Star” racers and see if you have what it takes to win.
+Nights With A Cat By Kyuryu Z
Kyuryu Z’s manga series “Nights With A Cat” is written and illustrated by him. The plot revolves around Nao, a young woman who is struggling to find her place in life. She meets a mysterious black cat named Mamoru who can speak and offers to be her mentor one day. They embark on a journey of self-discovery together, as Mamoru teaches Nao important life lessons through their nightly conversations.
While “Nights With A Cat” isn’t strictly a Yakuza manga, it does contain themes of self-discovery, mentorship, and the difficulties of navigating adulthood that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a heartwarming and poignant story that explores the difficulties of discovering one’s life’s purpose. Furthermore, the manga’s art style is stunning, with intricate details and expressive character designs that capture the story’s emotional depth.
“Nights With A Cat” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a manga with a more introspective and reflective tone. It’s a show about self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of human connection. So, if you’re up for a journey of self-discovery and reflection, join Nao and Mamoru on their nightly conversations and see where they go.
Kaiju No. 8 By Naoya Matsumoto
Naoya Matsumoto’s manga series “Kaiju No. 8” is written and illustrated by him. The plot revolves around a man named Kafka Hibino, who aspires to join the Defense Force, an organisation dedicated to protecting Japan from giant monsters known as kaiju. Kafka, on the other hand, is rejected due to his lack of physical prowess. While working as a janitor at a Defense Force research facility, Kafka is exposed to a mysterious substance that transforms him into a kaiju-human hybrid, granting him the ability to fight the very creatures he once admired.
While “Kaiju No. 8” is not a traditional Yakuza manga, it does contain elements of monster fighting and government conspiracies that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a unique and engaging story that combines classic Japanese monster movie themes with the action-packed battles of modern shonen manga. The manga’s art style is also dynamic, with detailed depictions of kaiju battles and Kafka’s transformations that evoke awe and wonder.
If you enjoy epic battles and massive monsters, “Kaiju No. 8” is an excellent choice. It’s a show about heroism, self-discovery, and the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation. So, if you’re ready to face the kaiju and protect Japan from their wrath, join Kafka and the Defense Force in their struggle for survival.
Sakamoto Days By Yuto Suzuki
Yuto Suzuki’s manga series “Sakamoto Days” is written and illustrated by him. Taro Sakamoto, a former hitman who has retired from the criminal life and now runs a small convenience store, is the protagonist of the story. His peaceful life is disrupted, however, when his past returns to haunt him, and he must protect his family and friends from dangerous assassins on the hunt for him.
While “Sakamoto Days” isn’t a Yakuza manga in the traditional sense, it does contain elements of the criminal underworld, action, and humour that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a distinct and entertaining story that combines the exciting action of a hitman story with the wit and heartwarming moments of a slice-of-life manga. The manga’s art style is also bold and dynamic, with detailed depictions of action scenes and expressive character designs that capture the story’s emotional depth.
“Sakamoto Days” is an excellent choice for a manga that combines action and humour. It’s a show about family, friendship, and the struggle to leave a life of crime behind. So, if you’re ready to go on an adventure with Taro Sakamoto to protect his loved ones, pick up a copy of “Sakamoto Days” and prepare for a wild ride.
Is Love The Answer? By Isaki Uta
Isaki Uta’s manga series “Is Love The Answer?” was written and illustrated by him. Shuri Takano, a college student, is forced to drop out and work for a yakuza family in order to pay off her father’s debt. When she meets a fellow yakuza member named Maki Higuchi, however, she begins to doubt her loyalty to the organisation and whether love is worth risking everything for.
While “Is Love The Answer?” is a new series, it has quickly gained popularity among Yakuza manga fans. It has an intriguing story that delves into the complexities of the criminal underworld as well as the power of love to change people’s lives. Furthermore, the manga’s art style is clean and simple, with expressive character designs that capture the story’s emotions.
“Is Love The Answer?” is an excellent choice for a manga that combines romance and crime. It’s a show that explores themes of love, loyalty, and self-discovery in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the world of yakuza romance, pick up a copy of “Is Love The Answer?” and find out what fate has in store for Shuri and Maki.
Mashle: Magic and Muscle by Hajime Komoto
Hajime Komoto’s manga series “Mashle: Magic and Muscle” is written and illustrated by him. The story is set in a world where magic is everything and those who lack it are considered inferior. Mash Burnedead is a young man born without magical abilities who compensates with incredible physical strength. When he enrols in a prestigious magic school, he must rely on his strength to overcome the challenges of a world ruled by magic.
While “Mashle: Magic and Muscle” is not a traditional yakuza manga, it does contain themes of power struggles, hierarchy, and combat that make it an excellent addition to this list. It has a one-of-a-kind and captivating story that combines magic and muscle in an exciting and humorous way. Furthermore, the art style of the manga is bold and dynamic, with detailed depictions of action scenes and expressive character designs that capture the spirit of the story.
“Mashle: Magic and Muscle” is an excellent choice if you want a manga that combines action, magic, and humour. It’s a series that delves into themes like strength, perseverance, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world that prioritises magic above all else. So, if you’re ready to join Mash Burnedead on his quest to become the world’s strongest, pick up a copy of “Mashle: Magic and Muscle” and see what adventures await you.
Yona Of The Dawn By Mizuho Kusanagi
Mizuho Kusanagi’s manga series “Yona of the Dawn” is written and illustrated by him. Yona, Princess of the Kingdom of Kouka, is forced to flee her palace after her father is murdered by her childhood friend and crush, Soo-Won. Yona embarks on a journey to reclaim her throne, aided by her devoted bodyguard, Hak, and a band of powerful warriors known as the Four Dragons.
While “Yona of the Dawn” is not a traditional yakuza manga, it shares many themes with the genre, such as power struggles, vengeance, and loyalty. The manga’s world is rich and detailed, full of political intrigue and complex relationships. Furthermore, the art style is lovely and intricate, with detailed character designs and sweeping landscapes that help to bring the story to life.
“Yona of the Dawn” is an excellent choice if you want a manga with a captivating story and beautiful artwork. It’s a show about friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world full of chaos and conflict. So, if you’re ready to embark on an epic adventure with Yona and her companions, pick up a copy of “Yona of the Dawn” and enjoy the thrill of adventure.
Noragami: Stray God by Adachitoka
Adachitoka’s manga series “Noragami: Stray God” is written and illustrated by him. The plot revolves around Yato, a minor god who aspires to become a well-known and respected deity. His dreams, however, are far from reality, as he spends his days doing odd jobs for people and struggling to make ends meet. Yato meets Hiyori, a high school girl who becomes entangled in his world of gods and spirits, one day.
While “Noragami: Stray God” isn’t a traditional yakuza manga, it does feature themes of power struggles, loyalty, and supernatural abilities, making it an excellent addition to this list. Yato and his companions must face gods, spirits, and monsters in the manga’s unique and imaginative world. Furthermore, the art style is stunning, with intricate depictions of action scenes and detailed character designs.
“Noragami: Stray God” is an excellent choice if you want a manga that combines action, comedy, and supernatural elements. It’s a show about friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world full of gods and monsters. If you want to join Yato and Hiyori on their adventures, pick up a copy of “Noragami: Stray God” and prepare to be blown away.
Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu
Yukinobu Tatsu’s manga series “Dandadan” is written and illustrated by him. The plot revolves around a group of four men who work as private detectives in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district, which is notorious for its nightlife and organised crime. The detectives become involved in various cases that take them on a wild ride through Kabukicho’s seedy underbelly.
While “Dandadan” isn’t a traditional yakuza manga, it does contain themes of crime, corruption, and the fight for justice that make it an excellent addition to this list. With detailed depictions of the Kabukicho district and its inhabitants, the manga has a gritty and realistic tone. Furthermore, the characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their stories.
“Dandadan” is an excellent choice if you want a manga that combines crime, drama, and mystery. It’s a show about the dark and dangerous world of Kabukicho, as well as the people who work to make it a better place. So, if you want to join the “Dandadan” detectives on their investigations, pick up a copy of the manga and prepare to be hooked.
Dr. Stone by Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi
“Dr. Stone” is a manga series written and illustrated by Riichiro Inagaki. The plot revolves around Senku, a high school student who awakens after being petrified for thousands of years to discover that humanity has been reduced to a primitive state. Senku uses his scientific knowledge to rebuild civilization and solve the mystery of petrification.
While “Dr. Stone” isn’t a traditional yakuza manga, it does contain themes of power struggles, alliances, and the struggle for survival that make it an excellent addition to this list. The manga has a distinct and engaging storyline, with a focus on science and innovation that distinguishes it from other manga series. The characters are also well-developed and likeable, with distinct personalities that set them apart.
“Dr. Stone” is an excellent choice if you want a manga that combines science, adventure, and action. It’s a show about the power of human knowledge and the ability to overcome even the most difficult challenges. So, if you want to join Senku on his quest to rebuild civilization, pick up a copy of “Dr. Stone” and prepare to be blown away.
Conclusion
Finally, if you enjoy yakuza manga, then these 15 series are a must-read. Each of these manga has a distinct storyline, well-developed characters, and captivating artwork that will keep you engrossed from start to finish. This list has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a classic yakuza story, a twist on the genre, or something completely different.
These manga, ranging from “Look Back” and “Spy x Family” to “Choujin X” and “Dr. Stone,” will keep you entertained for hours. So, get a copy of your favourite series and start reading right away. Who knows, you might find your new favourite manga!
