Survey Reveals Declining Interest in Manga Among Younger Generations in Japan
Thursday 5 June, 2025 – A recently conducted survey has shed light on a concerning trend in Japan: young people are losing interest in manga, the country’s beloved comic book medium. The survey, published on Japanese site PR Times in March, found that while 70% of those in their 40s still read manga, the figure drops to just 40% for those in their 20s. The group in their 30s, who were raised on the internet, are evenly divided at 50%, marking a significant shift in the medium’s popularity.
Marta Synelnyk, Content Writer at PDF Guru, a file-editing platform that commissioned the survey, explains, “Manga’s enduring appeal in Japan is at a crossroads. While older generations continue to uphold its legacy, younger audiences are increasingly drawn to digital alternatives.” The aim of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the publishing industry in Japan, and it targeted a total of 2,000 people (901 men and 1,099 women).
Manga has been a popular form of entertainment in Japan since the end of World War II, with young people growing up reading iconic titles such as “Doraemon.” As they transition into adulthood, their interests may shift to more mature series like “Attack on Titan” or “Case Closed,” featuring the popular kid detective Conan. Manga’s popularity has also spread internationally, particularly in the U.S. with the launch of an English version of the popular magazine Shonen Jump in 2002. However, the survey results suggest that the medium’s popularity in Japan itself may be declining.
Synelnyk points out, “Early exposure is pivotal – 57% of readers started in elementary school, cementing lifelong habits. Though over 60% of respondents reported reading manga, only 23% read it regularly, a significant drop from its perceived ubiquity.” The survey also found that manga readers have diverse interests, with 56% preferring action-adventure themes and 42% favoring more mature, psychological or thriller content. Other genres such as romance, everyday life, fantasy, comedy, horror, and sports also registered notable interest, ranging from 17% to 32%.
Gender also plays a role in manga preferences, with men more likely to choose action-heavy themes (65%) and printed magazines (48%), while women tend to favor romance-focused titles (47%) and digital reading (40%). Physical bookstores (41%) and free manga apps or websites (40%) are the primary sources for obtaining manga, with lesser-used options including manga rental shops (7%) and libraries (5%). When it comes to keeping up with industry trends, digital channels are the most popular, with 40% of respondents using social media and 38% relying on industry websites and blogs.
Synelnyk concludes, “To thrive, manga must embrace digital formats and target elementary-aged readers, ensuring its cultural grip endures. Manga’s next chapter depends on recapturing Japan’s youth.”
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