Top 50 Music Manga of All Time
1. Nana
Nana Komatsu is a young woman who's endured an unending string of boyfriend problems. Moving to Tokyo, she's hoping to take control of her life and put all those messy misadventures behind her. She's looking for love and she's hoping to find it in the big city.
Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is cool, confident and focused. She swaggers into town and proceeds to kick down the doors to Tokyo's underground punk scene. She's got a dream and won't give up until she becomes Japan's No. 1 rock'n'roll superstar.
This is the story of two 20-year-old women who share the same name. Even though they come from completely different backgrounds, they somehow meet and become best friends. The world of Nana is a world exploding with sex, music, fashion, gossip and all-night parties.
(Source: Viz Media)
Note: Winner of the 48th Shogakukan Manga Award in the Shoujo Category in 2002.
2. Kono Oto Tomare!
Since the graduation of the senior members of the club, Takezou ends up being the sole member of the "Koto" (traditional Japanese string instrument) club. Now that the new school year has begun, Takezou will have to seek out new members into the club, or the club will become terminated. Out of nowhere, a new member barges into the near-abandoned club room, demanding to join the club. How will Takezou be able to keep his club alive and deal with this rascal of a new member?
3. BECK
For the first 14 years of his life, Yukio Tanaka has been one heck of a boring guy. He has no hobbies, a weak taste in music, and only a small vestige of a personality. He yearns for an exciting life, but his shy, and somewhat neurotic personality make him his own worst enemy. Little does he know that his life will be forever changed when he meets Ryusuke Minami, a wild and unpredictable 16 year-old fresh from America, who happens to be in a rock-and-roll band named after his Frankenstein-like patched dog—Beck.
(Source: Tokyopop)
4. Given
Ritsuka Uenoyama is bored with it all—with school, with his basketball club, and even with his one true passion: playing guitar. That is, until the day he finds his favorite hidden napping spot occupied by a strange boy cradling a broken-stringed guitar. At first, Uenoyama is nonplussed by Mafuyu Sato and his slightly odd behavior, but when, on a whim, he asks Mafuyu to sing, the power of that song pierces him to the core.
(Source: SuBLime)
5. Blue Giant
Dai lived a normal high school life in Sendai: a city of hot summer days and rainy nights. Between basketball, part time jobs, and an uncertain future, something was missing. And that thing was music. With his days in senior year running out, Dai swears a heartfelt vow: “I’m gonna be the best jazz player in the world.”
But what do you need to be the best? Talent? Effort? A lucky break? Or maybe just a deep, pure love for music, and too much stubbornness to know when to quit.
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Notes: Nominated to the 22nd Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize.
6. The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All
Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya falls head over heels for an employee at a local CD shop. He's got an air of mystery about him, great style, and an impeccable music taste. Little does she know—this supposedly male employee is actually her female classmate Mitsuki! Mitsuki generally keeps to herself, but since her seat is right next to Aya's, she can't help but be extremely aware of the other's crush. Revealing the truth is out of the question for Mitsuki—but perhaps getting closer to Aya wouldn't be so bad...
(Source: Yen Press)
7. SHIORI EXPERIENCE: Jimi na Watashi to Hen na Ojisan
Shiori was once a guitarist in a light music club in high school, but her first live performance was dashed when her brother ran away from home with a lot of debt to become a musician in Tokyo.
A decade later, Shiori is now a high school teacher, leading a boring, uneventful life and paying off the debt... till she runs into the ghost of none other than a famous guitarist Jim-you-know-who.
A story of a 27-year-old woman on her way to a music legend begins here.
8. Your Lie in April
Kosei Arima was a piano prodigy until his cruel taskmaster of a mother died suddenly, changing his life forever. Driven by his pain to abandon piano, Kosei now lives in a monotonous, colorless world. Having resigned himself to a bland life, he is surprised when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a violinist with an unorthodox style. Can she bring Kosei back to music, and back to life?
(Source: Kodansha Comics)
Note: Nominated for the 2012 Manga Taisho Awards.
9. Debut or Die!
After a night of drinking, aspiring civil servant Ryu Gunwoo passes out, only to awaken three years in the past in the body of a young man named Park Moondae. Before he can even assess the situation, he's given a mission: Debut or Die! Now, Moondae has one year to debut as an idol or face his doom. Luckily, he's able to snag a spot on the famous survival program "Idol Inc.", but with his skills so low and the competition so high, does Moondae stand a chance at becoming a shining star?
(Source: Tapas, edited)
10. Sakamichi no Apollon
Nishimi Kaoru has moved from city to city and school to school because of his father’s job. So the first day at his new school was just routine for him. Being intellectual and the new transfer student, he has always been seen as an outcast and all Kaoru had to do was bear it until the next time he moved. But things were slightly different this time. First, he started to get close to the class president, Mukae Ritsuko, and, secondly, unlikely as it seemed, grew closer to Kawabuchi Sentaro. Sentaro was infamous for getting into fights, skipping class and was an overall bad boy. Strangely enough, the three of them find common ground in music, namely jazz, and Kaoru finds himself actually enjoying the new town.
Notes:
Includes 8 extra chapters.
Won the 57th Shogakukan Manga Award for general manga.
11. A Man and His Cat
In this wholesome, heartwarming tale, a lonely older man takes home a pet-shop kitten that no one else wants. It doesn't take long for the pair to warm up to each other, and soon, they're inseparable. Told through the eyes of both the man and his cat, this sweet and hilarious story is a balm for the soul!
(Source: Square Enix)
12. Bocchi the Rock!
Hitori Gotoh just wants to be popular, but the thought of interacting with her classmates makes her fall to pieces. Her solution-become a rock legend so cool that people approach her instead! However, while spending all of middle school in her closet shredding on the guitar may have earned her anonymous internet fame, it did nothing for her social skills. Now a high schooler, Hitori’s feeling ready to shrivel up and die-when she gets a sudden request to fill in for a band! It’s like her wish came true-but does this most anxious of introverts have what it takes to perform in front of a live audience?!
(Source: Yen Press)
Note: Includes three extra chapters.
13. Forest of Piano
This is a story about a piano, pitifully abandoned in the woods, and a young boy, Kai, who grew up playing it as his favorite toy. While Kai cannot even read sheet music, one day, he meets Shuhei Amamiya, an aspiring child pianist who transfers schools from Tokyo, and their music teacher, Sosuke Ajino. Ajino was also once a gifted pianist, until a tragic accident stole his promising future from him forever. Each from a different background, the trio’s personalities gravitate to one another and rebound. All the while, the piano sits patiently, awaiting a hand to play it.
(Source: Kodansha USA)
14. Solanin
College graduates struggle to cope with the real world. Music offers refuge in this modern manga with an American attitude.
Meiko Inoue is a recent college grad working as an office lady in a job she hates. Her boyfriend Shigeo is permanently crashing at her apartment because his job as a freelance illustrator doesn't pay enough for rent. And her parents in the country keep sending her boxes of veggies that just rot in her fridge. Straddling the line between her years as a student and the rest of her life, Meiko struggles with the feeling that she's just not cut out to be a part of the real world.
(Source: Viz Media)
Notes:
- The chapter count contains an epilogue published in October 2017 as part of the new Japanese volumes edition release.
- It was nominated for the 2009 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material - Japan.
- It was nominated for the 2009 Harvey Award for Best American Edition of Foreign Material.
15. Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan
"I have something I don't want to lose"
"So much so that these terrible feelings have grown."
A pianist who attempted suicide 3 times, Juri, is taken to help her aunt at a prison where murderers who killed indiscriminately are sentenced to death. There, she meets a man named Yuu who took the lives of 3 people. A mother's antagonism--a brother's death... Together they embrace the violent rebellion in their hearts caused by the large, deep scars they carry. However, before long, they both embrace an earnest hope in their hearts. "I want to live"...
An adaptation of novel by South Korea's most popular female novelist, Gong Ji-Young.
16. Whisper Me a Love Song
Bubbly, energetic first-year high school student Himari falls head over heels for her senpai Yori after hearing her band perform on the first day of school. Himari tells Yori she just loves her, and to Himari's surprise, Yori says she loves Himari back! But when Himari realizes that she and her senpai are feeling two different kinds of love, she begins to ask herself what "love" really means...
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Notes:
- Eighteenth place of Tsugimanga 2020 Award in the Manga Category
- First place in Yuri Navi’s best Yuri Manga of 2020
17. Nodame Cantabile
The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is.
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Note: Includes four bonus chapters and the side story "NodaCan BS".
18. Me and the Devil Blues: The Unreal Life of Robert Johnson
Legend has it that if you take your guitar and stand at a crossroads at the witching hour, the devil will appear. He’ll grab your instrument, play a song, and hand it back to you. You’ll walk away an expert bluesman, but you’ll have to pay the price: your immortal soul.
The year is 1929. Deep in the Mississippi Delta, a young man named RJ dreams of becoming a bluesman. RJ is a simple farmer who can barely play guitar, but when he takes a midnight stroll, his life is forever changed. A phantasmagoric reimagining of the life of legendary blues great Robert Johnson, Me and the Devil Blues follows the journey of a man who really did sell his soul to the devil. Why not come along for the ride?
(Source: Del Rey)
Note: Won the 2009 Glyph Comics Awards in the Best Reprint Publication category.
19. Kids on the Slope: Bonus Track
Once again, we join Sentarou, Kaoru and their friends in a short jam session of friendship, music and love.
1. Junichi and Yurika, after Junichi's move to Tokyo
2. A short story about Kouta, Ritsuko and the guy who answered the phone when Kaoru called Ritsuko
3. Tsutomu Murae (Ritsuko's dad) and how he finds his way into Jazz
4. Sentarou Kawabuchi and how he discovers his new resolve
5. After story...
20. Choking on Love
Opposites attract in this shojo romance manga about a career-focused artist and the bad-boy guitarist who turns her world upside down!
Hibari, a single-minded art student with dreams of becoming a graphic designer, feels insecure about being “ordinary” compared to her peers. Gaku, a free-spirited guitarist from the same university, turns her world upside down after a chaotic encounter at a ramen shop. Hibari wants nothing more than to escape the disorder Gaku brings to her perfectly planned life. But as he slowly breaks down her walls, Hibari starts to realize that a little chaos might be just what she needs.
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
21. Bocchi the Rock! Side Story: Kikuri Hiroi's Heavy-Drinking Diary
Hiroi Kikuri, 25 years old, riddled with debt, values alcohol and bass more than life itself while living in a 52-year-old no-bathroom apartment with a shady history. This is her story.
22. BLUE GIANT SUPREME
The direct sequel to Blue Giant, a manga about the evolution of the young saxophonist Dai Miyamoto in the jazz world. Blue Giant Supreme sees the hero arrive in Europe! Freshly arrived in Munich without speaking a word of German and with an approximate English, he manages to find a roof over his head, a meal and a beer, but struggles to obtain the most important thing: a place where he can have his music heard!
(Source: Glénat, translated)
23. Full Moon
Young Mitsuki loves singing and dreams of becoming a pop star. Unfortunately, a malignant tumor in her throat prevents her from pursuing her passion. However, her life turns around when two surprisingly fun-loving harbingers of death appear to grant Mitsuki a temporary reprieve from her illness and give her singing career a magical push start.
(Source: Viz Media)
Chapter count contains the oneshot Ginyuu Meika (2nd volume); also includes all interlude and 4-koma chapters of the retail volumes.
24. Ri-chan
Due to work, Tatsu moves back into his parents' house; soon after that, he meets a young woman who turns out to be Ri-chan, the little girl he used to play together with in his childhood. However, this girl he reunited with has somehow become very different from the cheerful childhood friend in his memories...
Note: Originally self-published on Twitter, Pixiv, and Fanbox, a commercial compilation volume is being published by Kadokawa on 2024-04-12.
25. Jazz for Two
Taeyi hears a familiar melody fill the empty halls and makes his way to the old music room. He knows his brother is dead, but he can’t help but hope, maybe, just maybe...it’s his brother playing his favorite song. When he slams open the door, however, he finds Seheon, the new transfer student, at the piano. Disappointment comes crashing down and Taeyi can’t control his anger. How dare Seheon play his brother’s song? How dare he smile? How dare he say he loves jazz? “If I ever catch you playing the piano again...that’ll be the end of you.” And with that begins their story, as unpredictable and visceral as jazz.
(Source: Lezhin US)
26. Hello, Melancholic!
Asano Minato is a tall but stooping first-year high school student. Though she’s an awesome trombone player, she does everything she can to fade into the background. Despite her best efforts, however, Minato catches the attention of her bubbly and charismatic upperclasswoman Hibiki, who wants Minato to join the band she’s forming at school and won’t take no for an answer! Will Minato be able to let go of the past and play in a band again? Can polar opposites harmonize through music? Slow jam your way into this dulcet yuri series!
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
Note: Includes 4 bonus chapters.
27. Let's Go Karaoke!
Nothing worries Satomi Oka more than the upcoming final choir competition of his middle school career -- right up until he is accosted by a stranger from the shadows who demands, “Let’s go karaoke!” As a yakuza, Kyouji Narita doesn’t scare easily, but a terrifying prospect has driven him to seek Satomi’s help. The boss is holding a karaoke contest, with the loser forced to get a tattoo to be selected and torturously applied by the boss himself! Oka has been to many vocal rehearsals over the years, but never one-on-one karaoke sessions with a gangster!!
(Source: Yen Press)
28. DMC: Detroit Metal City
Souichi Negishi is a common boy, timid, quiet. He loves flowers, walking and musical hits like the ones that radios play. But he is also Krauzer II, leader of Detroit Metal City (DMC), the most popular underground metal band of Japan! Souichi would like to change his life and start to play Swedish pop songs with peaceful and loving lyrics instead of the violent and vulgar ones of DMC, but when he is playing with his band he completely changes his attitude and behavior...
Note: Includes 8 extra chapters.
29. K-On!
When their high school's pop-music club is about to be disbanded due to lack of interest, four girls step up to fill the membership quota. Unfortunately, lead guitarist Yui Hirasawa has never played an instrument in her life. Ever. And although she likes the idea of being in a band, standing in front of the mirror posing with her guitar is a lot easier than actually playing it. It's gonna be a while before this motley crew is rocking out, but with their spunk and determination cranked to 11, anything is possible!
(Source: Yen Press)
30. AKB49: Renai Kinshi Jourei
Urayama Minoru is a care free boy who has no interest in the idol group AKB48. On the other hand, he does worry about Yoshinaga, his fellow classmate. She wants to become a member of the group and auditions for a spot, so Minoru goes undercover as a female in order to help Yoshinaga with her stage fright. Words of encouragement can only go so far however, and the web Minoru finds himself in is getting bigger.
(Source: MangaHelpers)
31. Hypnosis Mic: Before the Battle - The Dirty Dawg
One of three simultaneous manga series to be started in December 2018, focused on the origin of the four divisions.
32. Studio Cabana
Yukari Maki, a diligent high school girl. One day, she spots her classmate, Yusuke Kusaka, who was rumored to be a delinquent, singing a love song. Never having imagined such a sweet, yet sad, singing voice could come from him, Yukari was instantly captivated—without knowing that it would soon be the beginning of a sad, unrequited love.
33. Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle - side F.P & M
One of three simultaneous manga series to be started in December 2018, featuring Fling Posse and Matenrou.
34. My Uncle Is a Superstar
"We'll make your dreams come true."
Forced to give up on his dreams of being a singer to look after his mom and niece, Woojin finds himself in a slump. Then one day, he receives an AI robot that claims it will help him realize his dreams. From struggling carpenter to worldwide superstar — will Woojin finally get his shot?
(Source: Manta)
35. Ya Boy Kongming!
The Tokyo Party Scene isn’t NEAR ready for the star general of the Three Kingdoms era, but he sure is ready for it! Get down, shake your thing, and prepare to laugh out loud with this historical fantasy timeslip comedy, Ya Boy Kongming!
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Note: Nominated for the Tsugimanga 2020 Award in the Web Manga Category.
36. Breathless Momentum
Jun Shizuki and Yukiji Yano are both in the same woodwind choir. Shizuki is a bartender who plays the sax and hits on anything that moves. Yano is a gifted flute player who is incredibly nice and is well-regarded within the choir.
No one would ever suspect that these guys would have anything in common, but could these two polar opposites actually be in a relationship?!
(Source: Animate International)
37. Shoujo☆Kageki Revue Starlight Overture
The story of the nine stage girls from Seisho Music Academy and their daily lives before the TV Anime!
38. K-ON! College
Yui, Mio, Ritsu, and Tsumugi embark on their college adventures! It will take some time for the girls to get used to life away from their families and adjust to the pace of college life, but there's one aspect of their new situation that there's no uncertainty about-joining the pop music club! But they aren't the only high school band making their debut on the college scene. Is Afterschool Tea Time ready to perform alongside the hard-rocking rhythms of The Girlz?!
(Source: Yen Press)
39. K-ON! HIGH SCHOOL
As the only member of the pop music club not to graduate, the responsibility of recruiting new members has fallen to Azusa. Ui and Jun have agreed to help out their friend, but they might be more interested in having actual afterschool teatime than making music. Even when Azusa secures the necessary four members to keep the club alive, the lack of musical experience (and musical instruments) is going to be a challenge! Will the high school pop music club survive to take the stage once more?!
(Source: Yen Press)
40. Ao no Orchestra
Hajime Aono was a prodigy violinist until he grew jaded with playing the violin due to personal reasons. Now in his third year of middle school, he struggles to decide his academic path. One day in school, he meets Ritsuko Akine, a hotheaded novice violinist who wants to enroll in a high school with a distinguished orchestra club. When he finds himself getting closer to Ritsuko and being brought back to the world of violinists, time starts moving again for him.
This is the beginning of a youthful drama where sounds and hearts alike resound in harmony.
41. Beat & Motion
The winner of the MILLION TAG manga competition! A new era of manga begins with this series about the struggle and joy of creating art. Anime and music collide in this new series about growing up and reaching for your dreams!
(Source: MANGA Plus)
42. La Corda d'Oro
Every few years, the prestigious Seiso Academy holds a prominent musical competition, and only the very best students at the Academy are allowed to participate. Though all are eligible to apply, only students from the music department actually make it to the competition...until now.
(Source: Viz Media)
Note: The chapter count contains 23 extra chapters and 4 one-shots.
43. Fuuka
New meetings always come suddenly! The protagonist, Yuu Haruna, moves into a new town where he meets a somewhat strange girl who doesn't have a cell phone. The girl, Fuuka, seems to have a strange allure that draws people to her, very much like a summer breeze. Looks like Yuu has been caught up in one wild love story!
(Source: Kodansha USA)
Note: Chapter count includes 195 regular chapters and 9 extras.
44. IDOLiSH7 Re:member
The novel, "Re:member," from the popular idol rhythm game makes it to comic format! The past of Idolish7's senpai group, Re:vale, is finally revealed! What hurdles have Banri, Yuki and Momo overcome before the formation of the group...?
Note: Includes 3 extras.
45. IDOL x IDOL STORY!
Meet Mimi, a college grad working part-time at a convenience store. Once an aspiring idol, she abandoned her dream when her group failed to make it big. Enter Ibuki, a rising star inspired by Mimi’s past. Their unexpected encounters reignite Mimi’s passion for the spotlight. Together, they decide to audition for a high-stakes idol competition show. Can they achieve their dreams and forge an unbreakable bond, or will the intense rivalry tear them apart?
(Source: Seven Seas Entertainment)
46. Anonymous Noise
Nino Arisugawa, a girl who loves to sing, experiences her first heart-wrenching goodbye when her beloved childhood friend, Momo, moves away. And after Nino befriends Yuzu, a music composer, she experiences another sad parting! Both boys promised Nino that they would find her one day through her singing, so she holds on to that hope and continues to reach out with her voice. Now in high school, Nino serendipitously reunites with Yuzu, but she yearns to see Momo again…
(Source: Viz Media)
47. Diamond Dust
This is the story of a girl who was forced to become a piano prodigy with the pressure starting from the moment she was born. Her family has had distinguished musicians in their past. She is constantly forced by her father to practice (up to 12 hours a day, 10 if he's being nice), wear gloves whenever she's not playing, no friends, makeup, etc.
48. After Hours
The club is hopping and Emi isn’t…so she ends up hiding in a corner after her friend ditches her to flirt with a guy! Emi figures the night is a bust, but then someone amazing comes to her rescue. Kei is a DJ, and her effortless self-confidence captivates Emi. Is this just a wonderful night out or the start of the rest of her life?
(Source: Viz Media)
49. A Serenade for Pretend Lovers
Tough luck for Sayo, who was suddenly presented with the sight of her boyfriend cheating on her while at work. Thereafter, her boss forces a close coverage program on her, but the composer, Kobuchi Chizuru, outright rejects her! However, he will agree to do the program if Sayo agrees to be his contract lover?! An eccentric composer who doesn’t know what love is x a really unlucky girl at both her job and love life, a heart-racing lovers’ contract!
Note: Includes 1 extra chapter.
50. A Devil and Her Love Song
Maria’s frank nature gains her more enemies at her new school, but her angelic singing voice inadvertently catches the attention of Yusuke Kanda and Shin Meguro. Can these boys mend her hardened heart, or will they just end up getting scorched?
(Source: Viz Media)
Includes two side stories and a 3-koma chapter.