As legendary publisher Shueisha celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, it has launched a special website, "SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO," packed with special manga-centric projects. The celebration brings together everyone from creators to celebrities to honor the company's century-long legacy.
One of the standout features is "My Recommended Manga," where notable figures share "the manga that left the deepest impression" and "the series they want everyone to read right now." Recently, superstar musician Kenshi Yonezu dropped his personal list, and it's a fascinating look into what inspires him.
First up, here are the three series that Yonezu says "left the deepest impression" on him:
Naruto
Naruto was the very first Weekly Shonen Jump manga I ever read. As an elementary schooler, it sparked my dream of "becoming a manga artist." But in a way, it also made me give up on that dream.
I used to fill sketchbooks trying to copy the characters from Naruto, but the more I drew, the more I realized just how incredible Kishimoto-sensei's art was. It was a huge blow. Back then, I thought only a genius like him was qualified to be a manga artist and keep up with a weekly serialization. So, as if I were running away, I ended up choosing the path of music instead.
Looking back now as an adult, though, I wonder: how many manga artists are truly on that same god-tier level as Kishimoto-sensei?
Hikaru no Go
When I was in middle school, Hikaru no Go was incredibly popular among my friends. I still remember how many of them started learning to play Go because of it. This is also a manga that hit completely differently when I read it as a kid versus as an adult.
As you get older, you're forced to let go of things you cherish, over and over again. Watching the protagonist, Hikaru Shindo, grow stronger step-by-step after experiencing a profound loss isn't just a typical coming-of-age story. It has a timeless, moving power that you can only truly appreciate once you're an adult.
Death Note
This was another one of the hottest manga around when I was in middle and high school. Every week, it felt like the whole class was talking about Death Note. What I want to share isn't about the manga itself, but a little story that's stuck with me.
A while after Part 1 ended and Part 2 began, a classmate who followed Death Note religiously suddenly asked in shock, "Wait, L is dead?" It turned out that even though he never missed an issue, he'd only been skimming. Because Death Note is so dense with information—packed with dialogue and internal monologues—he had completely missed the fact that L had died. It was unbelievable.
I often think about that classmate when I'm creating music. I wonder if my work can reach listeners like him. Or, does my work, like Death Note, offer different layers and ways to be enjoyed? Sometimes, late at night, I find myself pondering this question.
Next are the series that Yonezu "wants everyone to read right now." He also picked three for this list:
Chainsaw Man
I'm a huge fan of Tatsuki Fujimoto's work. I just love it so much, and I really hope everyone will check it out.
My Hero Academia
I'm sure everyone already knows how amazing this series is. But if you haven't gotten into it yet, I sincerely recommend you make time for it. The way the characters grow after facing different hardships is incredibly moving.
Kingdom
This is a historical manga, and I've always been really interested in history. The way Yasuhisa Hara tells the story through his art and plot makes it impossible to put down. I highly recommend giving it a read if you get the chance.
So, what do you think of Kenshi Yonezu's picks? The "SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO" site features reading lists from plenty of other celebrities, so if you're curious or just looking for your next great read, be sure to check it out.
via： SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO