Written by One Piece has been dominating the manga world for years; however, even after that, the Pirate King can’t stay on top forever. Every year, new stories win readers over with new ideas, memorable characters, and emotional moments that leave a lasting impression.
Oricon Japan’s latest 2026 reader survey (via Oricon Japan) gives us a closer look at those changing tastes. Based on votes from 10,564 readers who used digital manga platforms over the past year, these are the six manga that readers recommended ahead of One Piece – and what makes each of them so special.
6. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Battles Still Leave a Mark
Yuji from Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. | Credit: MAPPA
Even though the original Jujutsu Kaisen manga has already ended, fans clearly have not moved on from it. Gege Akutami‘s story delivered one unforgettable fight after another, especially during the Shinjuku Showdown arc, where Gojo Satoru, Sukuna, and Yuji Itadori gave readers some of the series’ biggest moments.
The survey shows that the manga was especially popular among younger readers, with men making up around 60 percent of its votes. That isn’t surprising when you remember how often fans praised its fast-paced battles and shocking twists. Few modern shonen series kept readers guessing until the very end quite like Jujutsu Kaisen.
5. Don’t Call It a Mystery Shows Action Isn’t Everything
The cover image from Don’t Call It a Mystery. | Credit: Seven Seas Entertainment
This one shows that every story does not necessarily need to show superhuman feats or exciting battle scenes to be engaging. What makes Don’t Call It a Mystery amazing is the clever conversations, engaging mysteries, and the unusual problem-solving tactics used by the main character, Totonou Kunou.
According to the survey, the manga was very much favored by women, particularly those aged over 60 years old. Apart from that, the popular drama adaptation by Japan’s Fuji TV brought new fans into the series. Here, each case becomes even more engaging because it encourages readers to think and solve the mysteries alongside Totonou.
4. Demon Slayer Continues to Win New Fans
Tanjiro in Demon Slayer. | Credits: Ufotable
Many stories lose their charm after it ends, but Demon Slayer is a rare exception. Tanjiro Kamado’s journey has stayed strong, mostly due to the stunning anime adaptation by Ufotable and the ongoing movies related to the Infinity Castle arc.
The poll shows almost equal support from both men and women, proving just how wide its audience has become. Emotional family bonds, heartbreaking sacrifices, and beautifully animated sword fights continue to make Demon Slayer one of Japan’s biggest classics of recent times.
3. SPY×FAMILY Never Fails to Make Readers Smile
A still from the Spy x Family anime. | Credit: Wit Studio and CloverWorks
There are very few manga that can switch from comedy to emotional family moments as smoothly as Spy x Family. The story follows a fake family, but over time, Loid, Yor, and Anya begin to feel like a real one.
Many of the voters especially commented that they found “Anya cute” as she remains the biggest reason many readers keep coming back. Whether she is misunderstanding adult conversations or accidentally saving the day, she brings endless charm to every chapter. The series has also expanded its spy missions and family drama without losing the warmth that made fans fall in love with it.
2. Frieren Reminds Readers That Every Journey Matters
A still from Frieren Season 2. | Credit: Madhouse
Usually, fantasy stories end with the final battle when the hero defeats the main villain. However, Frieren takes a different approach and starts from the end instead, revealing what happens when the adventure is finally over.
The series became even more popular with each anime season getting adapted, and we have to admit that Madhouse did a great job there as well. Its biggest strength has always been its emotional storytelling – through Frieren’s long life, readers quietly explore friendship, loss, and the value of spending time with the people who matter.
1. The Apothecary Diaries Solved Its Way to the Top
Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. | Credit: Toho and OLM
The biggest surprise isn’t that The Apothecary Diaries ranked first – it’s how comfortably it did so. Maomao has become one of manga’s most loved female leads thanks to her intelligence, curiosity, and ability to uncover palace secrets that others miss.
The manga received nearly 82% of its votes from women, with especially strong support from readers over 60. Instead of relying on action, it keeps readers hooked through clever mysteries, political drama, and the slow-growing relationship between Maomao and Jinshi. Every new case makes it even harder to put down.
One Piece Still Has One Treasure Left to Claim
Missing out on the top six recommended doesn’t change what One Piece has achieved. After more than 25 years, Eiichiro Oda‘s masterpiece continues to be one of Japan’s biggest manga, with the Final Saga delivering huge moments through the Egghead Arc and the ongoing Elbaf Arc.
The survey shows that almost 80 percent of One Piece‘s votes came from men, while its biggest age group was readers in their teens and twenties. Many fans also shared that they have followed Luffy’s adventure for years and simply want to see how the search for the One Piece treasure finally ends. That kind of loyalty is something very few series can match.
Here is a quick overview of all the manga we have discussed above, along with the votes they have received from the new Oricon Japan survey –
RankManga TitleTotal VotesManga Rating (MAL)1The Apothecary Diaries12008.68 / 102Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End11188.87 / 103SPY×FAMILY8318.45 / 104Demon Slayer6858.10 / 105Don’t Call It a Mystery6538.19 / 106Jujutsu Kaisen5878.18 / 107One Piece5579.21 / 10
Now the big question: Which manga do you think deserved the No. 1 spot, and should One Piece have ranked higher? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
