It has been announced that the total number of copies of the manga "Kagurabachi," currently being serialized in "Weekly Shonen Jump" (Shueisha), including digital versions, has surpassed 3 million. The latest volume, volume 9, was released on October 3rd, bringing the total to over 3 million. The series is Takeru Hokazono 's first serialized work, and began serialization in September 2023. As of May 2, 2024, when volume 2 was released, the total number of copies sold was approximately 200,000. As of July 4, 2024, when volume 3 was released, the total number of copies sold was 350,000. As of December 4, 2024, when volume 5 was released, the total number of copies sold was 1.3 million. As of May 2, 2026, when volume 7 was released, the total number of copies sold had exceeded 2.2 million.
On the obi of the latest volume 9, Kohei Horikoshi , known for " My Hero Academia ," commented, praising the work, saying, "The fate and relationships are expressed through the composition alone, and I thought, 'This is genius.'" The obi also features an illustration of Chihiro, the main character of " Kagurabachi," drawn by Horikoshi. This is the second time Horikoshi has commented on an obi, following the first volume.
Issue 45 of the serialized magazine "Weekly Shonen Jump," which goes on sale on October 6th, will feature a special interview between Tonozono and Horikoshi, as well as illustrations of Chihiro drawn by Horikoshi and Deku (Midoriya Izuku), the main character of "My Hero Academia," drawn by Izuku Midoriya. There will also be a campaign where 500 people who purchase the latest 9th volume will be entered into a lottery to win a double-sided clear file with each illustration designed on it. Special illustration cards (3 types in total) will be distributed at some bookstores. Distribution methods vary depending on the bookstore.
To commemorate the second anniversary of the series' serialization, the first character popularity poll will be held. Details will be announced in issue 45 of Weekly Shonen Jump. The official website for the series, available in both Japanese and English, has also been opened.
"Kagurabachi" is a sword-fighting action story by Tonozono. The story follows Chihiro, a boy who aspires to be a swordsmith, who trains every day under his father, a swordsmith, until one day tragedy strikes... It also garnered attention after being selected as the top manga in the comics category of the "Next Manga Awards 2024."
