On the 21st, Akita Shoten announced that the cumulative circulation of the martial arts manga series 'Baki' (author: Keisuke Itagaki) has surpassed 100 million copies. This milestone was reached 33 years after the series began in 1991. To commemorate this achievement, various special events are being held, and a thank-you message from popular character Yujiro Hanma (voiced by Akio Otsuka) has been released to readers.

Serialized in 'Weekly Shonen Champion' (Akita Shoten) since 1991, the 'Baki' series is a popular martial arts manga that centers around the fierce battles between the protagonist, Baki Hanma, the youngest champion of the underground arena, and his father, Yujiro Hanma, known as the "strongest creature on earth." Their epic father-son battle concludes with both sides claiming victory, temporarily settling their long-standing feud. Currently, the sixth part of the series, 'Baki Rahen,' is ongoing, featuring the return of many classic characters.

The series has also been adapted into anime, with the first part, 'Grappler Baki,' airing in 2001. The second part, 'Baki,' aired in 2018, and the third part, 'Baki Hanma,' began airing in 2021.

As part of the commemorative projects, a PV featuring Yujiro Hanma's words of gratitude for surpassing 100 million copies has been released. The PV includes messages for new potential readers, referencing famous quotes from the series, and ends with an appeal to the media related to his birth scene. The video is available on the official Baki series YouTube channel and will be shown on the large screen at Studio Alta in Shinjuku from today, the 21st.

Additionally, to celebrate the 100 million copies milestone, a campaign on the comic site "Champion Cross" will allow free access to all chapters of the 'Baki' series, including spin-offs, for two weeks. Furthermore, a figure depicting Yujiro Hanma in a split stance will be available for purchase. The K18 yellow gold version is limited to 30 units, priced at 3.85 million yen (with a handwritten signature by the author, Keisuke Itagaki, on the back panel of the display case), and the SV925 (rhodium-plated) version is limited to 100 units, priced at 385,000 yen.

Full Comment from Yujiro Hanma

"'Baki' series surpasses 100 million copies!
I express my gratitude to the readers.
To those who have watched my son's growth together until today, let me say one thing.
If you want to become strong, read thoroughly!
Read day and night!
Read and read until you’ve read it all!
If there are any who haven't read it yet,
Seeing is believing,
And experiencing is even better.
And to the media,
Cover this milestone of 100 million copies!"

Source : ORICON NEWS