The manga series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Koyoharu Gotouge has reached a global milestone, with over 220 million copies in print as of July 17. Publisher Shueisha announced that this total includes 164 million copies in Japan and 56 million overseas, with digital editions included. Since its last reported figure of 150 million copies in February 2021, the series has grown by an impressive 70 million copies in just four and a half years. Shueisha commented, “Even after the series concluded, its popularity remains overwhelming.”

When the TV anime premiered in April 2019, the series had a circulation of just 3.5 million copies. However, the anime sparked a phenomenon that propelled its popularity. By the end of September 2019, the total had jumped to 12 million copies, then 25 million by December 4. The momentum continued: 40 million by February 2020, and 100 million by October 2, 2020. By December 4, 2020—when the final 23rd volume was released—the total reached 120 million. Shueisha attributed the subsequent rise to ongoing reprints fueled by the massive success of the franchise’s film adaptations.

When Demon Slayer hit 150 million copies in February 2021, Shueisha stated, “The popularity has persisted after the conclusion of the series, with hit films and repeated reprints pushing the total past 150 million.”

Other Shueisha works that have surpassed 100 million copies include KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops, Dragon Ball, the JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure series, Slam Dunk, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Kingdom, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

About Demon Slayer

Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020, Demon Slayer is set in the Taisho era, where man-eating demons roam the land. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a boy who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after his family is slaughtered by demons and his sister Nezuko is turned into one. Tanjiro’s quest to avenge his family and restore his sister’s humanity lies at the heart of the narrative.

The anime adaptation Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc aired from April to September 2019 and became a major hit. The subsequent film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, premiered in October 2020 and grossed approximately 51.7 billion yen worldwide, further fueling the franchise’s popularity.

The series has since expanded into games and stage productions. The anime Entertainment District Arc aired in December 2021, followed by the Swordsmith Village Arc in April 2023. Most recently, the Hashira Training Arc aired from May to June 2024. The story will continue in a trilogy of films adapting the Infinity Castle Arc, with the first installment—Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc: Part 1 – Akaza Returns—premiering on July 18.

About the Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

In 2013, Koyoharu Gotouge won honorable mention in the 70th JUMP Treasure Newcomer Manga Awards for the one-shot Kagarigari(過狩り狩り). They went on to publish additional one-shots such as Monju Shiro Kyodai(文殊史郎兄弟), Rokkotsu-san, and Haeniwa no Zigzag(蠅庭のジグザグ), before beginning serialization of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba in the 11th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump in 2016. The series concluded in the 24th issue of 2020.

Key Milestones in Print Volume (According to Shueisha)

Apr 6, 2019: 3.5 million copies (during TV anime broadcast)※ Reached 5 million with the volume released April 9
End of Sep 2019: 12 million copies (end of anime broadcast)
Dec 4, 2019: 25 million copies
Feb 4, 2020: 40 million copies
May 13, 2020: 60 million copies※ Manga serialization ended on May 18
Jul 3, 2020: 80 million copies
Oct 2, 2020: 100 million copies※ Film Mugen Train released on Oct 16
Dec 4, 2020: 120 million copies※ Final Volume 23 released
Feb 15, 2021: 150 million copies
Jul 17, 2025: 220 million copies

Source : ORICON NEWS