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A manga by Yuki Suetsugu about competitive karuta, a fast-paced traditional Japanese card game based on the Hyakunin Isshu classical poetry anthology. It follows Chihaya Ayase, an energetic high school girl whose passionate pursuit of becoming Queen (the best female karuta player in Japan) drives the story. This innovative blend of traditional Japanese culture with the intensity and drama of sports manga won both the Kodansha Manga Award and the Manga Taisho. The anime adaptation by Madhouse was critically acclaimed for its exciting match sequences, and the live-action film trilogy starring Suzu Hirose was a box office success. Chihayafuru significantly boosted the popularity of competitive karuta, increasing participation nationwide.

The definitive basketball manga by Takehiko Inoue. The story of delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi discovering basketball sparked a basketball boom in Japan. The 2022 theatrical film became a worldwide hit, proving the series' timeless popularity.

A soccer manga by Yoichi Takahashi. Professional players including Zidane and Messi have acknowledged its influence. It contributed to the development of Japanese soccer.

A masterpiece high school basketball manga by Takehiko Inoue. Delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi discovers his basketball talent in a growth story. Its dynamic game depiction and passionate drama significantly boosted basketball's popularity in Japan.

A sports manga masterpiece by Inoue Takehiko beginning in 1990. Depicting high school basketball club youth, its complex character relationships, thrilling matches, and emotional narrative represent the golden age of shonen manga. Its anime adaptation was a major hit. Known for elevating basketball's popularity in Japan.

A boxing manga masterpiece by Takamori Asao and artist Tetsuya Chiba. Serialized from 1968, it depicts young Joe's journey as a boxer escaping poverty. Regarded as one of manga's greatest works for its superb portrayal of effort, dreams, and human drama, it profoundly influenced Japanese popular culture.

A pirate adventure manga by Eiichiro Oda. Since its serialization began in 1997, it has surpassed 500 million copies in circulation worldwide, earning a Guinness World Record as the best-selling manga. Its epic tale of friendship and freedom continues to captivate fans globally.