Yūgo Kobayashi’s Aoashi manga has reached another significant milestone after hitting over 15 million copies in circulation. The announcement was made by publishing giant Shogakukan on Tuesday, coinciding with the release of the 29th volume of the manga.
The number represents an additional 5 million since the debut of Aoashi‘s anime adapation earlier this year.
Aoashi Story Line
Authored and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi, Aoashi is a beloved sports manga that first graced the pages of Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits magazine in 2015. The brilliant storyline, conceptualized by Naohiko Ueno, revolves around Ashito Aoi, a gifted soccer player and third-year middle school student residing in the serene Ehime prefecture.
Initially considered the ace of his team, Ashito’s stubborness eventually led to his team’s downfall. However, a turning point occurs when he receives an invitation from Tatsuya Fukuya, a coach who recognizes his untapped potential. Will it lead him back to the sports he once so loved?
The manga bagged the Best General Manga award at the 65th Shogakukan Manga Awards.
About 7 years since its release, Aoashi was eventually translated into an anime series. It premiered on April 9 this year on NHK Educational. It was directed by Akira Sato.
In 2020, the manga was reported to had over 4.5 million copies in circulation. The figures ballooned to over 12 million the following year. As of now, it is said to have go beyond 15 million copies in circulation.
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