NEW YORK, NY – Kodansha has announced the results of the inaugural Young Magazine US reader poll, with five manga titles emerging as winners to receive simultaneous serialization in Japan and on Kodansha’s K MANGA app in the U.S. The announcement, made on November 18, 2025, follows an overwhelming reader response that saw over 280,000 votes cast.
The Winning Titles and Their Creators
The five manga selected for serialization represent a diverse range of genres, captivating readers during the voting period from August 21 to November 10, 2025. The winning works and their respective authors are:
Still You by Kami Nishio
Topping the poll, Still You explores the nuanced relationship between two male students who share a significant past kiss, delving into themes of self-discovery and sexuality.
Godmother by Rin Shimokawa
This horror-themed manga, set in Yokohama, Japan, stood out for its unique blend of exotic horror and its strong reception in the U.S. market.
The Knight of Blasphemy by Ray Kindo
An epic drama centered around a religious war, this series follows a young, aspiring knight who confronts the harsh realities of his chosen path.
The Journey of a Dark Elf with Fading Powers by Daisuke Itabashi
This fantasy tale chronicles the adventures of a once-powerful magician, a dark elf, who has lost her abilities and is now seeking “ordinary happiness.”
Fasciation by OUGA
Fasciation introduces readers to a woman known as “The Woman Who Carried the Forest,” as she raises a young girl amidst challenging circumstances.
Overwhelming Reader Engagement and Future Plans
The reader poll garnered a staggering 281,461 votes, far surpassing the expectations of the Young Magazine editorial team. This enthusiastic participation from the U.S. audience underscored a strong appetite for new and diverse manga content.
Hidemi Shiraki, Editor-in-Chief of the Young Magazine U.S. special issue, expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming participation” and the massive response, which genuinely astonished the entire editorial department.
In light of the exceptional feedback, Kodansha has “urgently decided to select four additional works for serialization” beyond the initial top five, emphasizing the “brilliance of the talent” and “lingering impact” of other submissions. Details regarding these additional selections will be revealed at a later date.
The Young Magazine US Initiative
The special English edition of Young Magazine US was launched in August 2025 to celebrate the magazine’s 45th anniversary. It featured 19 brand-new serialized works, with 16 eligible for the fan voting campaign. The initiative aimed to present “unfiltered manga” encompassing genres such as sci-fi, dark horror, and cyberpunk, depicting raw human experiences for an adult readership.
The serialization of the five winning titles will commence simultaneously in Japan via Young Magazine and on Kodansha’s K MANGA app in the U.S. Kodansha also plans special gift campaigns to celebrate the newly serialized winners, with further details to be announced on the official Young Magazine U.S. X (formerly Twitter) account.
Furthermore, preparations are already underway for a second Young Magazine U.S. project, signaling Kodansha’s continued commitment to fostering a stronger connection between Japanese manga creators and the American readership.
