Vagabond (manga)

Japanese manga series

Vagabond

First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Musashi Miyamoto

バガボンド
(Bagabondo)
Genre|

* Epic[1][2]
* Historical[3][4]
* Martial arts[5]

Created by| Eiji Yoshikawa
Manga
Written by| Takehiko Inoue
Published by| Kodansha
English publisher|

* AUS: Madman Entertainment

* NA: Viz Media

Imprint| Morning KC
Magazine| Morning
Demographic| Seinen
Original run| September 3, 1998 – May 21, 2015 (on hiatus)
Volumes| 37 (List of volumes)
Anime and manga portal

Vagabond (Japanese: バガボンド, Hepburn: Bagabondo) is a Japanese epic martial arts manga series written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue. It portrays a fictionalized account of the life of Japanese swordsman Musashi Miyamoto, based on Eiji Yoshikawa's novel Musashi. It has been serialized in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Morning since September 1998, with its chapters collected in 37 tankōbon volumes by July 2014. Viz Media licensed the series for English release in North America and has published the 37 volumes by April 2015. The series has been on indefinite hiatus since May 2015.

The manga has had over 82 million copies in circulation, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. In 2000, Vagabond won the 24th Kodansha Manga Award for the general category, as well as the Grand Prize of the sixth Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2002.

## Summary

[edit]

The story starts in 1600, in the aftermath of the decisive Battle of Sekigahara. Two 17-year-old teenagers who joined the losing side, Takezō Shinmen and Matahachi Hon'iden, lie wounded in the battlefield and pursued by survivor hunters. They manage to escape and swear to become "Invincible Under The Heavens" (天下無双, Tenka Musō). Their paths separate: Takezō decides to become a vagabond and wander the world challenging strong opponents, and Matahachi chooses to stay with women. Takezō returns to his hometown, the Miyamoto village, to tell Matahachi's mother, Osugi Hon'iden, that her son is alive. However, Osugi reacts hostile because the village detests Takezō for his extremely violent and antisocial tendencies, and because the future of the Hon'iden gentry family is compromised now that their heir Matahachi is missing. Osugi pulls strings to accuse Takezō of being a criminal. Takezō fights his pursuers but is eventually caught by the monk Takuan Sōhō, who makes him reconsider his purpose in life. Takuan frees him and, to make him start his life anew, renames after his hometown, Musashi of Miyamoto.

After a 4-year timeskip, Musashi goes to Kyōto where he fights against the Yoshioka swords. It is also here where Matahachi discovers Musashi fighting the students although neither one of them recognizes the other. Musashi takes several students but the area catches on fire due to Matahachi's carelessness, leading to the fight being postponed. Musashi is rescued by Matahachi and treated by Takuan. He decides to continue his training with a young boy, Jōtarō, wanting him to teach him. In Musashi and Jōtarō's arrival to the Hōzōin spears, Musashi's battles against the Hōzōin, escaping after being scared by Hōzōin Inshun. Its aftermath, Musashi briefly trains to prove his superiority over Inshun. Otsū's situation with the Yagyū, while Matahachi becomes famous while stealing the name of a famous samurai known as Kojirō Sasaki. Musashi and Jōtarō arrive to the Yagyū swords where the events while deliberating how to enter the Yagyū headquarters,where he meets the elder Sekishūsai Yagyū. Musashi's training, Matahachi and his family's troubles, the events directly leading to Musashi's fight against Baiken Shishido.

The story then reverts to 17 years before the story's start, featuring Kojirō Sasaki's difficult upbringing with Jisai Kanemaki adopting him, standing out as a fighter despite being disabled. At his coming-of-age, Ittōsai returns dragging Kojirō to a night fight. He travels with Ittōsai and Gonnosuke with a brief encounter with Takezō at the battlefield of Sekihagara, their splitting, the situation of Sadakore's squad, the fights against the peasant groups, Kojirō's fight against Sadakore's squad. After Kojiro's arc ends, Musashi meets Kojiro again while playing with a snowman simulating a brief sword fight in the process. Musashi meets Matahachi who expresses jealousy over Musashi's achievements and apparent relationship with Otsu. This angers Musashi and leaves his old friend. Musashi then fights the 70 Yoshioka all alone. Although he kills all of them, one of them leaves him with a severe wound. The aftermath of Musashi's solo battle, has him his return to wandering despite being offered the position of mentor. Meanwhile, Matahachi's mother passes away, leaving his son to tell the story of the manga. Musashi's new wandering leads him meet the orphan Iori, whom he decides to raise while dealing with a village with poor fields. Musashi, Iori and Toyozaemon's journey lead to Yūsai Hosokawa, while Otsū and Jōtarō's situation living with the Yagyū, and Kojirō deals with the Hosokawa.

## Production

[edit]

Manga author Takehiko Inoue wanted to draw a more realistic series through Vagabond.

After finishing the basketball manga Slam Dunk, Takehiko Inoue wanted to write something more realistic. He did not find differences between the basketball players and samurais since he claimed that none of them like losing. In retrospect, Inoue's experience with changing demographics feels obligatory as he believes manga authors should challenge themselves.[6] He called Vagabond as an experiment about complex writing.[7] Inoue started Vagabond having wondered what the character was like when he read Musashi. Having come off of drawing a sports manga, he wanted to create a series about more basic concepts, such as "life and death, the human condition, etc." Rather than portray Musashi's later life in his "enlightened state", which has been written about often, the author chose to depict the lesser known "young man reaching that point of enlightenment when he comes from a place of being so like an animal". In 2009, he stated that he made his weekly deadline thanks to only having to draw the people, with his five assistants drawing the backgrounds.[8] When drawing, Inoue avoids speed lines and instead keeps showing bodies based on his understanding how human bodies work.[9]

Since not much is known about the real Musashi, Inoue wanted to give his own take which he considers more modern than other related works. He regards the artwork for Vagabond as a challenge in contrast to Slam Dunk and Real.[10] The author clarified that there are other activities besides fighting which are important for the protagonist. Should Inoue make Miyamoto constantly follow fights, the main character would die. Rather than tell a story, Inoue wants to shows the life of Miyamoto which he considers poetry. When Musashi comes face to face with Sekishūsai, Inoue tried to make the artwork appealing to the readers.[11] In contrast to popular belief, Inoue's Musashi does not follow bushido but instead a more unique path with a growth path that he finds realistic.[9] He does not consider Musashi a samurai, but instead as a ronin.[6] Other changes Inoue put when writing the manga was to make the supporting characters have different personalities from the novel. Inoue also expressed difficulties when drawing scene were the characters are wounded, most notably when Musashi battles the 70 Yoshioka which took a lot of energy to properly make. This scene was also a new idea he had when writing the manga as he felt that Musashi required a major challenge than in the novel.[12]

In April 2009, Inoue told Nishinippon Shimbun that he suspected Vagabond would be ending "within one or two years". Claiming that he did not know how it would end, but that it had entered its final stages.[13] In January 2010, he confirmed it would be ending within the year.[14] However, in September during a hiatus due to health concerns, Inoue announced that the ending had been delayed until 2011.[15] Inoue posted an update on his website in December 2010, stating that Vagabond would not return until he regained "enthusiasm" for the series.[4]

After eighteen-months, Vagabond returned to Morning as a monthly series in March 2012.[16] The manga went on what was supposed to be a four-month hiatus in February 2014, with the reason stated being for Inoue to work on research.[17] However, it was not until January 2015 that the series resumed.[18] The series has been on indefinite hiatus since May 21, 2015, with its 327th chapter, "The Man Named Tadaoki", being the latest one.[19]

## Release

[edit]

Main article: List of Vagabond chapters

Written and illustrated by Takehiko Inoue, Vagabond is based on Eiji Yoshikawa's 1935 novel Musashi. It started serialization in Kodansha's seinen manga magazine Morning on September 3, 1998.[a] Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on March 23, 1999.[23] As of July 23, 2014, 37 volumes have been released.[24]

In North America, Viz Media started publishing the manga in an American comic book format in December 2001;[25][26][27] 16 issues were released until March 2003.[28] Viz Media started releasing the manga in the regular graphic novel format in March 2002.[29][30] Their release retains the color pages from the series' magazine run. The 37th and latest volume was released on April 21, 2015.[31] Viz Media's release was distributed in Australasia by Madman Entertainment.[32] In 2008, Viz began re-releasing the series in a "VizBig" edition, which collects three of the volumes into one; the first volume was released on September 16.[33] The twelfth and latest one was released on April 21, 2015.[34] In May 2024, Viz Media announced a "Definitive Edition", releasing three volumes in a large-trim edition starting on January 21, 2025.[35][36]

Two art books for the series were released on October 23, 2006; Water containing the manga's colored art and new pieces, and Sumi (墨) containing the black and white art as well as early rough sketches.[37][38] Both were published in North America by Viz Media on September 16, 2008.[39][40]

## Reception

[edit]

Vagabond has had over 82 million copies in circulation worldwide.[41]

Vagabond won the Grand Prize for manga at the fourth Japan Media Arts Festival in 2000. The following is an excerpt from the speech congratulating Takehiko Inoue: "From Toyotomi to Tokugawa. Musashi Miyamoto grew up amidst the turn of two great eras. Mr. Inoue has taken the powerful Musashi who was sometimes called a 'beast' and drawn him as a vagabond. The artist brags about boldly challenging the national literary work of Eiji Yoshikawa, even so, the sense of speed that he creates is impressive. I send my applause to the artist for creating a new image of Musashi".[42][43] The same year, the series won the 24th Kodansha Manga Award in the general category.[44] Vagabond also received the Grand Prize of the sixth Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2002, and the North American version earned Inoue a nomination for the 2003 Eisner Award in the Best Writer/Artist category.[17]

### Critical response

[edit]

In early releases of the manga, MangaLife found Musashi appealing for his quest of strength and Inoue's detailed artwork despite its slow pacing.[45] They find the early journey of Musashi impressive due to the emphasis on violence over his mental development and his connections with Matahachi.[46] The eventual release of the sixth volume received more acclaim from the Manga Life for further developing Musashi's bushido, his acceptance of his weak point and how Matahachi also kept appearing despite the two still not meeting.[47] The Fandom Post was drawn out by the writing of Inoue when reading the first manga volume, praising its large amount of content and whether or not Musashi is still capable of being a true warrior when interacting with the monk Takuan.[48] A similar comment was given by ComicBookBin with the reviewer claiming that his impression of Vagabond was so impressive that it reminded him of the comic book Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, praising the way Inoue portrays violence in a realistic fashion.[49] Another aspect praised by the same website was the lack of large amount of dialogue needed to describe the characters.[50]

Peter Fobian of Crunchyroll commented that Slam Dunk's Hanamichi Sakuragi and Musashi are similar protagonists being young, egotistical prodigies, but that "Musashi is a force of nature." He went to call Inoue's take on Musashi unique when compared to the ones often depicted in fiction.[51] Comic Book Resources praised the way Musashi addresses Bushido, the Code of the Samurai, which makes him honorable.[52] The story arc where Musashi tries to take care of villagers as it retains the handling of Bushido but without relying on action and using other types of strength, was praised for retaining its pacing.[53][54] Japan Times regarded Musashi's growth from the ruthless warrior to a wise monk warrior to be well executed across the narrative.[55]

While comparing the manga with the original novel, William Scott Wilson, the author of The Lone Samurai: The Life of Miyamoto Musashi, noted that the manga is darker and more mature; yet, although "extraordinarily well drawn", it is "no substitute for Yoshikawa Eiji's work".[56] Los Angeles Times regarded Vagabond as a "samurai masterpiece" for the contrast it makes with the novel by deepening the characterization of Musashi and alternate take on the rival Kojiro. Another aspect praised by Los Angeles Times was how the protagonist makes philosophy about strength and his goal as the arc of the Yoshioka where the main character kills 70 men ends with him retaining severe wound on his leg that weakens him and makes him question what is being invincible.[57] According to Hobby Consolas, Vagabond deserves the praise it gets both in narrative and artwork theme.[58] One Piece manga artist Eiichiro Oda claimed he enjoyed the manga for touching deep themes and how it helped Inoue grow as an artist.[59]

In 2025, in reference to Texas Senate Bill 20, which creates new criminal offenses for those who possess, promote, or view visual material deemed obscene, which is said to depict a child, whether it is an actual person, animated or cartoon depiction, or an image of someone created through computer software or artificial intelligence, Vanessa Esguerra of The Mary Sue argued that possession of manga like Vagabond could be deemed illegal under the law, due to various parts of each of this manga, and asserted that owning copies of the manga, which fell under the Texas law's provisions, might put "people behind the slammer."[60]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ It started in the magazine's 40th issue of 1998 (cover date September 17),[20][21] released on September 3 of that same year.[22]

## References

[edit]

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2. ^ Cha, Kai-Ming; MacDonald, Heidi (November 30, 2007). "Takehiko Inoue Unveils Mural at New Kinokuniya". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2020. "Inoue is also the mangaka (manga creator) behind the epic ongoing series, Vagabond (Viz Media), based on Japan's most revered and influential samurai warrior, Miyamoto Musashi."
3. ^ Douresseaux, Leroy (April 23, 2015). "Vagabond: Volume 37 manga review". ComicBookBin. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
4. ^ a b Loo, Egan (December 7, 2010). "Vagabond Manga Remains on Indefinite Hiatus". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 21, 2019. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
5. ^ "The Official Website for Vagabond". Viz Media. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2017.
6. ^ a b Estrada Rangil, Oriol (November 4, 2014). "ZN Manga: Entrevista con Takehiko Inoue «No tengo conciencia de ser alguien famoso.»". Zona Negativa. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
7. ^ "Entrevista a Takehiko Inoue (traducción)". Hablando de Manga. May 6, 2013. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
8. ^ Aoki, Deb. "Interview: Takehiko Inoue". Liveabout. About.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
9. ^ a b "Entrevista Takehiko Inoue". DeCulture. November 4, 2014. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
10. ^ Cha, Kai-Ming; MacDonald, Heidi (November 26, 2007). "Takehiko Inoue Unveils Mural at New Kinokuniya". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved November 5, 2009.
11. ^ Inoue, Takehiko (May 10, 2012). 井上雄彦「空白」: Switch Interview Apr. 2010–Mar. 2012 (in Japanese). Switch Publishing [ja]. pp. 99–113\. ISBN 978-4-88418-300-4.+[ja]&rft.date=2012-05-10&rft.isbn=978-4-88418-300-4&rft.au=Inoue,+Takehiko&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Vagabond+(manga)" class="Z3988">
12. ^ "Entrevista Conjunta: Takehiko Inoue y Eiichiro Oda – Tercera Parte". Ramen Para Dos. January 5, 2011. Archived from the original on May 11, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
13. ^ Loo, Egan (April 24, 2009). "Takehiko Inoue: Vagabond Manga Will End in 1-2 Years". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 1, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
14. ^ Loo, Egan (January 4, 2010). "Inoue Confirms End of Vagabond Manga by Year's End". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 3, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
15. ^ Loo, Egan (September 8, 2010). "Takehiko Inoue Delays Vagabond Manga's Return & Finale". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 1, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
16. ^ Ransom, Ko (February 9, 2012). "Vagabond Manga's Return Slated for March 15". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
17. ^ a b Loveridge, Lynzee (February 16, 2014). "Vagabond Manga to Go on 4-Month Hiatus". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 16, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
18. ^ Loo, Egan (January 6, 2015). "Vagabond Manga to Resume on January 29". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 11, 2020. Retrieved January 13, 2015.
19. ^ Inoue, Takehiko [@inouetake] (May 21, 2015). 【お知らせ】本日発売のモーニングにバガボンド327話「忠興という名の川」掲載です。 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved July 14, 2021 – via Twitter.
20. ^ "Works". itplanning.co.jp. Archived from the original on May 23, 2020. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
21. ^ モーニング 1998年 表示号数40. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 24, 2020.
22. ^ モーニング 1998年40号. Morning On Line (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 18, 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
23. ^ バガボンド (1) [Vagabond Vol. 1] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on August 30, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
24. ^ バガボンド (37) [Vagabond Vol. 37] (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
25. ^ "New Viz Manga Series". Anime News Network. September 20, 2001. Archived from the original on November 4, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
26. ^ Green, Scott (December 19, 2001). "This Week's Releases". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 3, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
27. ^ "This Month's Viz-In : December 2001". Viz Media. Archived from the original on December 22, 2001. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
28. ^ "New Releases: March 2003". Viz Media. Archived from the original on August 18, 2003. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
29. ^ "Press Releases : March 2002 : Vagabond, Volume 1". Viz Media. February 25, 2002. Archived from the original on June 7, 2002. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
30. ^ Pine, Jarred (March 4, 2005). "Vagabond Vol. #01". AnimeOnDVD. Archived from the original on April 18, 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
31. ^ "Vagabond, Volume 37". Viz Media. Archived from the original on June 12, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
32. ^ Hayward, Jon (December 8, 2006). "Madman announces December acquisitions". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
33. ^ "Vagabond (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
34. ^ "Vagabond (VIZBIG Edition), Vol. 12". Viz Media. Archived from the original on August 9, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
35. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 1, 2024). "Viz Media Licenses Beyblade X, Mujina Into the Deep, Firefly Wedding, The Climber, More Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 1, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
36. ^ "Vagabond Definitive Edition, Vol. 1". Viz Media. Archived from the original on January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
37. ^ バガボンド画集 ＷＡＴＥＲ (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
38. ^ バガボンド画集 墨 (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
39. ^ "Viz Media Announces the Debut of New Works from Famed Manga Artist Takehiko Inoue Including Slam Dunk and Real Manga Series and Sumi and Water, The Vagabond Art Books" (Press release). Viz Media via Active Anime. August 19, 2008. Archived from the original on March 19, 2016. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
40. ^ Loo, Egan (January 24, 2008). "Viz to Print Cat Eyed Boy, Black Lagoon, Tanemura Works". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 6, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2023.
41. ^ コンテンツビジネス概論-12 (PDF) (in Japanese). Ritsumeikan University. December 13, 2012. p. 12\. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2013.
42. ^ "Grand Prize - Vagabond | Award | Manga Division | 2000 [4th] Japan Media Arts Festival Archive". Japan Media Arts Festival. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
43. ^ Japan Media Arts Plaza. "2000 Japan Media Arts Festival Manga Division Grand Prize Vagabond". Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved August 26, 2007.
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46. ^ Aronson, Michael. "Vagabond 3 review". Manga Life. Archived from the original on October 14, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
47. ^ Aronson, Michael. "Vagabond 6 review". Manga Life. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
48. ^ Alexander, Matthew (April 19, 2018). "Vagabond Volume 1 Manga review". The Fandom Post. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
49. ^ Douresseaux, Leroy (November 12, 2010). "Vagabond VIZBIG Edition: Volume 9". Comic Book Bin. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
50. ^ Douresseaux, Leroy (October 27, 2010). "Vagabond: Volume 33". Comic Book Bin. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
51. ^ Fobian, Peter (March 15, 2016). "FEATURE: Monthly Mangaka Spotlight 9: Takehiko Inoue". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on August 29, 2023. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
52. ^ Kogod, Theo (December 13, 2019). "Vagabond: 10 Reasons It's A Must-Read Manga". Comic Book Resources. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
53. ^ Begley, Joshua (March 18, 2015). "Vagabond Vol. #36 Manga Review". The Fandom Post. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
54. ^ Begley, Joshua (April 18, 2016). "Vagabond Vol. #37 Manga Review". The Fandom Post. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
55. ^ Kosaka, Kris (January 7, 2017). "'Vagabond': An epic manga based on the life of a 17th-century samurai". Japan Times. Archived from the original on November 2, 2022. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
56. ^ Wilson, William Scott (2013). The Lone Samurai. Shambhala Publications. ISBN 978-1590309872. Archived from the original on August 9, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
57. ^ Solomon, Charles (October 2, 2011). "'Vagabond': Takehiko Inoue creates a samurai masterpiece". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on August 20, 2015.
58. ^ Valdivia, Thais (September 12, 2014). "Trabajos Takehiko Inoue". Hobby Consolas (in Spanish). Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved May 11, 2023.
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60. ^ Esguerra, Vanessa (April 14, 2025). "Is Texas banning anime? Explained". The Mary Sue. Archived from the original on April 25, 2025. Retrieved July 2, 2025.

## External links

[edit]

* Vagabond on the official Morning website (in Japanese)
* Takehiko Inoue official website
* Vagabond (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia

* v
* t
* e

Works by Takehiko Inoue

Manga series|

* Chameleon Jail (1989–1990)
* Slam Dunk (1990–1996)
* Buzzer Beater (1996–1998)
* Vagabond (1998–2015; on hiatus)
* Chapters
* Musashi Miyamoto
* Real (1999–present)

Other|

* Lost Odyssey (2007; character designer)
* Pepita: Takehiko Inoue Meets Gaudí (2013)
* The First Slam Dunk (2022; director)

* v
* t
* e

Morning series

Morning|

| Current|

* Cooking Papa (1985)
* OL Shinkaron (1990)
* Vagabond [on hiatus] (1998)
* Giant Killing (2007)
* What Did You Eat Yesterday? (2007)
* Space Brothers (2007)
* City (2016)
* Police in a Pod (2017)
* Longing for Home (2019)
* Liaison: Kodomo no Kokoro Shinryōjo (2020)
* Catch Me at the Ballpark! (2020)
* How to Grill Our Love (2020)
* Dekin no Mogura (2021)
* Shōwa no Gurazeni (2021)
* Gurazeni: Dai League-hen (2021)
* Shagai Torishimariyaku Shima Kōsaku (2022)
* Shimazaki in the Land of Peace (2022)
* Last Samurai Standing (2022)
* The Long Summer of August 31st (2023)
* Nikaidō Jigoku Golf (2023)
* Solo Camping for Two (2023)
* Totonō Oto: Mō Hitotsu no Piano no Mori (2024)

|

1980s|

* Kachō Shima Kōsaku (1983–1992)
* What's Michael? (1984–1989)
* Spirit of Wonder (1986–1988)
* You're Under Arrest (1986–1989)
* Tensai Yanagisawa Kyōju no Seikatsu [on hiatus] (1988–2013)
* Natsuko no Sake (1988–1991)
* The Silent Service (1988–1996)

1990s|

* Miyamoto kara Kimi e (1990–1994)
* Naniwa Kin'yūdō (1990–1996)
* Aah! Harimanada (1991–1996)
* Gon (1991–2002)
* Buchō Shima Kōsaku (1992–2002)
* Sōten Kōro (1994–2005)
* Nonchan Noriben (1995–1998)
* Power Office Girls (1996–1997)
* Devil Lady (1997–2000)
* Enomoto: New Elements that Shake the World (1997–2003)
* Kurogane (1997–2001)
* Planetes (1999–2004)

2000s|

* Zipang (2000–2009)
* ES (2001–2002)
* Torishimariyaku Shima Kōsaku (2002–2005)
* Say Hello to Black Jack (2002–2005)
* Dragon Zakura (2003–2007)
* Chi's Sweet Home (2004–2015)
* Hataraki Man [on hiatus] (2004–2008)
* Forest of Piano (2004–2005)
* Drops of God (2004–2014)
* Cesare (2005–2021)
* Hyouge Mono (2005–2017)
* Jōmu Shima Kōsaku (2005–2006)
* Senmu Shima Kōsaku (2006–2008)
* The Black Museum: Springald (2007)
* Billy Bat (2008–2016)
* Shachō Shima Kōsaku (2008–2013)

2010s|

* Furari (2011)
* Hozuki's Coolheadedness (2011–2020)
* Kounodori: Dr. Stork (2012–2020)
* Zipang: Shinsō Kairyū (2012–2017)
* Kaichō Shima Kōsaku (2013–2019)
* Mitarai – Tantei Mitarai Kiyoshi no Jiken Kiroku (2013–2014)
* Ichi-F (2013–2015)
* Land (2014–2020)
* Complex Age (2014–2015)
* The Black Museum: The Ghost and the Lady (2014–2015)
* Drops of God: Mariage (2015–2020)
* Sono 'Okodawari', Ore ni mo Kure yo! (2015–2018)
* My Journey to Her (2016)
* Thunderbolt Fantasy (2016–2017)
* Setsuyaku Rock (2016–2017)
* Ship of Theseus (2017–2019)
* Khan: Kusa to Tetsu to Hitsuji (2017–2020)
* Dragon Zakura 2 (2018–2021)
* Gurazeni: Pa League-hen (2018–2021)
* Cells at Work! Code Black (2018–2021)
* I Have a Crush at Work (2019–2023)
* Sweat and Soap (2019–2021)
* Cells at Work! Baby (2019–2021)

2020s|

* Zange Meshi (2020–2021)
* Unmet: Aru Nōgekai no Nikki (2020–2024)
* Jōkyō Seikatsuroku Ichijō (2021–2023)
* The Black Museum: Mikazuki Yo, Kaibutsu to Odore (2022–2023)
* Home Office Romance (2022–2023)
* Drops of God deuxieme (2023–2024)

D Morning|

* Fantasium (2014)
* Sweat and Soap (2018–2019)

Morning
Party Zōkan
(defunct)|

* You're Under Arrest (1986–1992)
* The Walking Man (1990–1991)

Morning
Open Zōkan
(defunct)|

* Parasyte (1989)

* Morning
* Morning Two

* v
* t
* e

Kodansha Manga Award – General

1980s|

* Karyūdo no Seiza by Machiko Satonaka (1982)
* P.S. Genki Desu, Shunpei by Fumi Saimon (1983)
* Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo (1984)
* Okashi na Futari by Jūzō Yamasaki (1985)
* Adolf by Osamu Tezuka and What's Michael? by Makoto Kobayashi (1986)
* Actor by Kaiji Kawaguchi (1987)
* Bonobono by Mikio Igarashi and Be-Bop High School by Kazuhiro Kiuchi (1988)
* Showa: A History of Japan by Shigeru Mizuki (1989)

1990s|

* The Silent Service by Kaiji Kawaguchi and Gorillaman by Harold Sakuishi (1990)
* Kachō Shima Kōsaku by Kenshi Hirokane and Waru by Jun Fukami (1991)
* Naniwa Kin'yūdō by Yūji Aoki (1992)
* Parasyte by Hitoshi Iwaaki (1993)
* Tetsujin Ganma by Yasuhito Yamamoto (1994)
* Hanada Shōnen Shi by Makoto Isshiki (1995)
* The Ping Pong Club by Minoru Furuya (1996)
* Dragon Head by Minetarō Mochizuki (1997)
* Gambling Apocalypse: Kaiji by Nobuyuki Fukumoto and Sōten Kōro by Hagin Yi and King Gonta (1998)
* Wangan Midnight by Michiharu Kusunoki (1999)

2000s|

* Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue (2000)
* 20th Century Boys by Naoki Urasawa (2001)
* Zipang by Kaiji Kawaguchi (2002)
* Tensai Yanagisawa Kyōju no Seikatsu by Kazumi Yamashita (2003)
* Basilisk by Masaki Segawa (2004)
* Dragon Zakura by Norifusa Mita (2005)
* Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara (2006)
* Big Windup! by Asa Higuchi (2007)
* Moyasimon: Tales of Agriculture by Masayuki Ishikawa (2008)
* Oh My Goddess! by Kōsuke Fujishima (2009)

2010s|

* Giant Killing by Masaya Tsunamoto (2010)
* March Comes In like a Lion by Chica Umino and Space Brothers by Chūya Koyama (2011)
* Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura (2012)
* Gurazeni by Yūji Moritaka and Keiji Adachi and Prison School by Akira Hiramoto (2013)
* Shōwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjū by Haruko Kumota (2014)
* Knights of Sidonia by Tsutomu Nihei (2015)
* Kōnodori by Yū Suzunoki (2016)
* The Fable by Katsuhisa Minami (2017)
* Sanju Mariko by Yuki Ozawa and Fragile by Saburō Megumi and Bin Kusamizu (2018)
* What Did You Eat Yesterday? by Fumi Yoshinaga (2019)

2020s|

* Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi (2020)
* Yuria-sensei no Akai Ito by Kiwa Irie (2021)
* Police in a Pod by Miko Yasu (2022)
* Skip and Loafer by Misaki Takamatsu (2023)
* Medalist by Tsurumaikada (2024)
* Historie by Hitoshi Iwaaki (2025)

* v
* t
* e

Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Grand Prize|

| 1990s|

* Fujiko Fujio for Doraemon (1997)
* Jiro Taniguchi and Natsuo Sekikawa for the trilogy Bocchan No Jidai (1998)
* Naoki Urasawa for Monster (1999)

|

2000s|

* Daijiro Morohoshi for Saiyū Yōenden (2000)
* Reiko Okano and Baku Yumemakura for Onmyōji (2001)
* Takehiko Inoue for Vagabond (2002)
* Fumiko Takano for The Yellow Book: A Friend Named Jacques Thibault (2003)
* Kyoko Okazaki for Helter Skelter (2004)
* Naoki Urasawa for Pluto (2005)
* Hideo Azuma for Disappearance Diary (2006)
* Ryoko Yamagishi for Terpsichora (2007)
* Masayuki Ishikawa for Moyashimon (2008)
* Fumi Yoshinaga for Ōoku: The Inner Chambers and Yoshihiro Tatsumi for A Drifting Life (2009)

2010s|

* Yoshihiro Yamada for Hyouge Mono (2010)
* Motoka Murakami for Jin and Issei Eifuku and Taiyō Matsumoto for Takemitsuzamurai (2011)
* Hitoshi Iwaaki for Historie (2012)
* Yasuhisa Hara for Kingdom (2013)
* Chica Umino for March Comes In like a Lion (2014)
* Yoiko Hoshi for Aisawa Riku (2015)
* Kei Ichinoseki for Hanagami Sharaku and Kiyohiko Azuma for Yotsuba&! (2016)
* Fusako Kuramochi for Hana ni Somu (2017)
* Satoru Noda for Golden Kamuy (2018)
* Shinobu Arima for Sono Onna, Jiruba (2019)

2020s|

* Kan Takahama for Nyx no Lantern (2020)
* Kazumi Yamashita for Land (2021)
* Uoto for Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (2022)
* Kiwa Irie for Yuria-sensei no Akai Ito (2023)
* Mari Yamazaki, Miki Tori for PLINIVS (2024)
* Rintaro for 1-byō 24-koma no Boku no Jinsei (2025)

Special
Award|

| 1990s|

* Toshio Naiki (1997)
* Shotaro Ishinomori (1998)
* Fusanosuke Natsume (1999)

|

2000s|

* Frederik L. Schodt (2000)
* Akira Maruyuma (2001)
* Shigeru Mizuki (2003)
* Tarō Minamoto (2004)
* Kawasaki City Museum (2005)
* Kousei Ono (2006)
* International Institute for Children's Literature, Osaka Prefecture (2008)

2010s|

* Yoshihiro Yonezawa (2010)
* Weekly Shōnen Jump (2012)
* Fujiko Fujio (A) (2014)
* Chikako Mitsuhashi for Chiisana Koi no Monogatari (2015)
* Kyoto International Manga Museum (2016)
* Osamu Akimoto for Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo (2017)
* Tetsuya Chiba for Ashita no Joe (2018)
* Takao Saito for Golgo 13 (2019)

2020s|

* Machiko Hasegawa for Sazae-san (2020)
* Koyoharu Gotouge for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2021)
* Kazuo Umezu for Zoku Shingo: Chiisana Robot Shingo Bijutsukan (2023)
* COMITIA (2024)

Award for
Excellence|

* Moto Hagio for A Cruel God Reigns (1997)
* Yūji Aoki for Naniwa Kin'yūdō (1998)
* Akira Sasō for Shindō (1999)
* Minetarō Mochizuki for Dragon Head (2000)
* Kotobuki Shiriagari for Yajikita in Deep (2001)
* Kentaro Miura for Berserk (2002)

Creative
Award|

* Yumi Hotta and Takeshi Obata for Hikaru no Go (2003)
* Takashi Morimoto for Naniwadora ihon (2004)
* Fumiyo Kōno for Town of Evening Calm, Country of Cherry Blossoms (2005)
* Asa Higuchi for Big Windup! (2006)
* Nobuhisa Nozoe, Kazuhisa Iwata and Kyojin Ōnishi for Shinsei Kigeki (2007)
* Toranosuke Shimada for Träumerei (2008)

New Artist
Prize|

* Suehiro Maruo for The Strange Tale of Panorama Island (2009)
* Haruko Ichikawa for Mushi to Uta (2010)
* Hiromu Arakawa for Fullmetal Alchemist (2011)
* Yu Itō for Shut Hell (2012)
* Miki Yamamoto for Sunny Sunny Ann! (2013)
* Machiko Kyō for Mitsuami no Kami-sama (2014)
* Yoshitoki Ōima for A Silent Voice (2015)
* Yuki Andō for Machida-kun no Sekai (2016)
* Haruko Kumota for Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (2017)
* Paru Itagaki for Beastars (2018)
* Sansuke Yamada for Areyo Hoshikuzu (2019)
* Rettō Tajima for Mizu wa Umi ni Mukatte Nagareru (2020)
* Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2021)
* Natsuko Taniguchi for Kyōshitsu no Katasumi de Seishun wa Hajimaru and Konya Sukiyaki da yo (2022)
* Ganpu for Danchōtei Nichijō (2023)
* Akihito Sakaue for Neighborhood Craftsmen: Stories from Kanda's Gokura-chou (2024)
* Shiho Kido for When the Chameleon Flowers Bloom (2025)

Short Story
Award|

* Hisaichi Ishii for Gendai Shisō no Sōnanshātachi (2003)
* Risu Akizuki for OL Shinkaron (2004)
* Rieko Saibara for Jōkyō Monogatari and Mainichi Kaasan (2005)
* Risa Itō for One Woman, Two Cats, Hey Pitan!, Onna no Mado (2006)
* Hiromi Morishita for Ōsaka Hamlet (2007)
* Yumiko Ōshima for Cher Gou-Gou...mon petit chat, mon petit ami (2008)
* Hikaru Nakamura for Saint Young Men (2009)
* Mari Yamazaki for Thermae Romae (2010)
* Keisuke Yamashina for C-kyū Salaryman Kōza, Papa wa Nanda ka Wakaranai (2011)
* Roswell Hosoki for Sake no Hosomichi (2012)
* Yoshiie Gōda for Love of Machine (2013)
* Yuki Shikawa for Onnoji (2014)
* Sensha Yoshida (2015)
* Tatsuya Nakazaki for Jimihen (2016)
* Kahoru Fukaya for Yomawari Neko (2017)
* Taro Yabe for Oya-san to Boku (2018)
* Ken Koyama for Little Miss P (2019)
* Yama Wayama for Captivated, by You (2020)
* Hiroko Nobara for Kieta Mama Tomo and Tsuma wa Kuchi o Kiite Kuremasen (2021)
* Izumi Okaya for Ii Toshi o and Hakumokuren wa Kirei ni Chiranai (2022)
* Ebine Yamaji for Onna no Ko ga Iru Basho wa (2023)
* Miri Masuda for Tsuyukusa Natsuko no Isshō (2024)
* Shunji Enomoto for The Kinks (2025)

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