Manga Plus, Shueisha’s global digital manga platform, has added Toshio Sako’s new manga series, “Genikasuri” to its ever-growing catalog. Manga enthusiasts worldwide can now delve into the gritty world of boxing promotion. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting new addition!
Toshio Sako’s “Genikasuri” Joins Manga Plus
On May 21, 2025, Manga Plus officially announced the addition of “Genikasuri” to its service. This marks a significant moment for fans of Toshio Sako, the acclaimed mangaka behind “Usogui” and “Batuque.” The first 14 chapters of “Genikasuri” are currently available on Manga Plus, offering readers a substantial introduction to the series.
What is Manga Plus?
Manga Plus is Shueisha’s official online manga platform, launched on January 28, 2019. It aims to provide global access to a wide range of manga titles, particularly those serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump and other Shueisha magazines. The platform offers translated versions of manga in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Thai, and Indonesian. Manga Plus is available worldwide, excluding Japan, China, and South Korea, where local services already exist.
Manga Plus operates on a freemium model, where the first three chapters and the latest three chapters of most titles are available for free. The platform also offers a subscription service called “Manga Plus MAX,” which provides access to additional content and features. Manga Plus has become a vital tool for Shueisha to combat piracy and reach a global audience, with a portion of the revenue generated from advertisements going directly to the manga creators.
“Genikasuri”: A Glimpse into Boxing’s Dark Underbelly
“Genikasuri” is a boxing manga series written and illustrated by Toshio Sako. The story follows Ryo Harima, a former professional boxer who falls into a two-year coma after a brutal match. Upon awakening, he discovers that his career is over, his father has passed away, and his gym has abandoned him. Fueled by rage and a thirst for revenge, Harima vows to return to the boxing world, not as a fighter, but as a promoter.
The manga delves into the dark and corrupt world of boxing promotion, where manipulation, money, and power reign supreme. Harima navigates this treacherous landscape, seeking to control the sport’s underbelly and exact his revenge on those who wronged him. “Genikasuri” promises a psychological revenge thriller with Sako’s signature dynamic and detailed art style.
Plot and Themes
“Genikasuri” explores themes of revenge, corruption, and the dark side of the sports industry. The series follows Ryo Harima’s journey as he transitions from a boxer to a promoter, using his knowledge of the sport to manipulate and control the outcomes of matches. The manga also delves into the personal struggles of Harima, as he grapples with the loss of his career and the death of his father.
The themes of “Genikasuri” resonate with readers who are interested in stories that explore the complexities of human nature and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. The manga’s focus on the dark side of boxing also provides a unique and compelling perspective on the sport.
Characters
Ryo Harima: The main protagonist of “Genikasuri.” A former professional boxer who becomes a promoter to seek revenge on those who wronged him.
Other Characters: As the story unfolds, Harima encounters various characters who play significant roles in his journey, including fellow promoters, boxers, and figures from the criminal underworld.
Reception and Reviews
While “Genikasuri” is still relatively new, early reception has been positive, with readers praising Sako’s dynamic art style and the manga’s gripping storyline. Fans of Sako’s previous works, such as “Usogui,” are particularly excited about this new series.
Who is Toshio Sako?
Toshio Sako (迫 稔雄, Sako Toshio) is a Japanese manga artist and illustrator known for his intense and gripping storytelling. He was born on December 7, 1973, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Sako’s works often delve into the darker aspects of human nature, exploring themes of gambling, violence, and psychological manipulation.
Career Beginnings
Before becoming a mangaka, Sako worked as a barber. At around 28 years old, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a manga artist. He is a self-taught artist. He became Takeshi Hinata’s assistant, without pay. He learned a lot of manga techniques under Takeshi.
Major Works
Usogui (2006-2017): Sako’s most famous work, “Usogui,” is a long-running manga series that was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2006 to 2017. The series follows Baku Madarame, also known as “Usogui” (The Lie Eater), a master gambler who participates in high-stakes games against dangerous opponents. “Usogui” is known for its complex plots, intricate games, and intense psychological battles. The manga was adapted into an original video animation (OVA) in 2012 and a live-action film in 2022.
Batuque (2018-2024): Following the success of “Usogui,” Sako created “Batuque,” a manga series centered around Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art. “Batuque” was serialized in Weekly Young Jump from 2018 to 2024. The series combines action, martial arts, and elements of Brazilian culture.
Usogui: Referee Hikoichi Yako (2021): A spin-off manga of “Usogui”
Style and Influences
Sako’s work is characterized by its dynamic art style, detailed character designs, and intricate plots. He is known for his ability to create tension and suspense, drawing readers into the world of his stories. Sako’s manga often feature complex characters with ambiguous moral compasses, making it difficult to predict their actions.
Other Ventures
Aside from manga, Sako is known to be physically fit, having practiced Karate since elementary school and training with mixed martial artist Hideo Tokoro.
Manga Plus: A Platform for Global Manga Readers
Manga Plus has become a go-to platform for manga fans worldwide, offering a diverse selection of titles and a convenient way to read manga legally.
Key Features of Manga Plus
Simultaneous Releases: Manga Plus provides simultaneous releases of new chapters from popular manga series, ensuring that fans can read the latest content as soon as it’s available in Japan.
Wide Selection of Titles: The platform offers a vast library of manga titles from various genres, including action, adventure, comedy, romance, and more.
Multilingual Support: Manga Plus supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Thai, and Indonesian, making it accessible to a global audience.
Free and Subscription Options: The platform offers both free and subscription options, allowing users to choose the level of access that best suits their needs.
Official Source: Manga Plus is an official platform of Shueisha, ensuring that readers are supporting the original creators and publishers of the manga.
How to Access “Genikasuri” on Manga Plus
To read “Genikasuri” on Manga Plus, simply visit the Manga Plus website or download the Manga Plus app on your smartphone or tablet. Once you have accessed the platform, search for “Genikasuri” in the search bar or browse the latest additions to the catalog. The first 14 chapters of “Genikasuri” are currently available for free.
Get Ready to Rumble!
The addition of Toshio Sako’s “Genikasuri” to Manga Plus is a significant win for manga fans worldwide. With its gripping storyline, dynamic art style, and exploration of the dark side of boxing, “Genikasuri” is sure to be a hit with readers who are looking for an intense and thrilling manga series. Be sure to check out the first 14 chapters of “Genikasuri” on Manga Plus and experience the world of revenge and manipulation.
