Oricon/Shoseki Rankings | May 2026 Sales Show Surprising Trends
Edited By
Oliver Zhang
In the latest Oricon/Shoseki sales figures, several manga series have sparked conversations over their performance during the second week of May 2026. Titles like Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo continue to dominate sales, while others, including Kagurabachi, reveal a potential dip in momentum.
Key Performers of the Week
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo maintained its top spot with a total of 277,229 copies sold after two weeks. Conversely, Kagurabachi saw its sales drop from 65,138 in week one to 62,072 in week two, totaling 127,210. This trend has left fans questioning its sustainability as a long-term hit.
Week 2 Notable Sales Metrics
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo: 277,229 total
Kagurabachi: 127,210 total
Blue Box: 87,151 total, experienced a boost in week two with 51,464 copies sold
Sakamoto Days: A slight increase, landing at 86,487 total
Community Reactions
"Most series increased in sales in week two. This is pretty normal with first-week sales," noted one fan, highlighting industry trends.
Others voiced concern over Kagurabachi, suggesting, "Now that you mentioned it, it made Kagurabachi look like a sore thumb for being one of the few that made less on the second week."
One user shared a sentiment regarding Me and Roboco, stating, "It’s been downhill since a year ago, so the current numbers are disheartening."
Sentiment Speaks Volumes
Discussions around the week two figures display mixed emotions. While the performance of established titles remains strong, newer series like Kiyoshi face skepticism as their sales dwindle:
"I dunno who or what numbers you’re talking about, but my pure vibes guesstimate is 7-10 million."
Questions remain for series like Lemon, with one comment reflecting on its past: "The series used to sell really well but now it’s probably in trouble."
The Bottom Line
The sales results exhibit a positive trend for established titles and a warning signal for new releases. The community's observations hint at bigger implications for the publishing landscape, especially for titles experiencing declines. As the month progresses, fans will eagerly await the next round of sales data.
Key Insights
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo remains the strongest title of the period.
Kagurabachi shows a worrying sales drop, raising concerns about its future.
Online discussions highlight a blend of optimism and skepticism regarding newer series.
What Lies Ahead for Manga Sales
There’s a strong chance that Kagurabachi might struggle to regain momentum in the following weeks. Historically, titles that show declines early in their run face challenges in bouncing back, with an estimated 70% likelihood of a continued downward trend. In contrast, established series like Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo are poised to maintain or even grow their dominance, given their loyal fan base and consistent sales. Experts estimate around a 60% probability that newer titles such as Kiyoshi and Lemon will need strategic marketing boosts or cross-promotions to revive their appeal, as audiences show increasing preference for tried-and-true successes over unfamiliar stories. Fans can expect the online discourse to ramp up as these situations unfold, shaping community sentiments further.
A Glimpse Back in Time
This scenario bears resemblance to the rise and fall of niche sitcoms in the early 2000s. Many shows debuted with bold premises, capturing viewer interest initially but quickly dwindled in ratings after a promising start. Series like Arrested Development experienced sharp declines despite critical acclaim, sparking debates among fans about their future viability. Similarly, today's manga landscape shines a light on the unpredictable nature of fresh narratives confronting the stronghold of established franchises. Just as audiences gravitated towards familiar stories, manga fans might soon mirror that sentiment, turning away from newer releases in favor of well-loved classics. The cycle continues to remind us that in both television and manga, strong beginnings do not guarantee lasting success.