Among the best-selling manga of all time, Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto has never surpassed the long-standing record set by One Piece. While Naruto came close once, finishing just behind One Piece, it has never claimed the number one spot.
The biggest reason lies in the focus of Weekly Shonen Jump (WSJ). Editors recognized One Piece’s massive potential early on, and even with comparable support for Naruto, it couldn’t match the cultural impact Oda’s series had already established. While Naruto remains a major franchise generating huge annual sales, it simply competed with a generational series that had already cemented its legacy.
Oda Always Ahead of Kishimoto
Eiichiro Oda’s early start gave One Piece a natural advantage, debuting two years before Naruto. This head start helped build anticipation and establish a massive fanbase.
Beyond timing, One Piece offered broader and more universal appeal from the beginning. While Naruto’s story of ninja life is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, some elements felt niche or implausible to global audiences. One Piece, on the other hand, created a grand pirate adventure that explored themes of family, freedom, and dreams universally relatable concepts that made long-term dominance almost inevitable.
Shippuden’s Peak vs. Boruto’s Decline
During arcs like Pain, the Five Kage Summit, and early Ninja War, Naruto manga sales peaked, fueled by the excitement and emotional pull of Shippuden. However, once Shippuden ended and Boruto began, that momentum waned, clearly reflected in sales. Meanwhile, One Piece continued to accelerate.
With the recent God Valley arc, Oda proved that even after 28 years, the series can deliver world-shaking moments, maintaining and expanding its audience.
Sustained Appeal Despite New Competition
Even with rising new-generation series like Kagurabachi, Blue Lock, Dandadan, and Ichi the Witch…, One Piece has retained its appeal, keeping longtime fans engaged while attracting new readers a feat Naruto couldn’t sustain post-Shippuden.
In conclusion, while Naruto remains an iconic manga with global influence, One Piece’s timing, universal themes, and enduring storytelling ensured it remained Japan’s best-selling manga year after year.
Sources: GameK