《Demon Slayer》 and 《Detective Conan》 Lost! Top 10 Manga That Influenced Life: Champion Absorbs Cross-Generational Resonance, Not Watching is a Waste of Life

Manga can accompany people through their childhood or provide support during difficult times. Japan LINE Research conducted a survey targeting men and women aged 15 to 69 across Japan, collecting 10,428 valid samples. The survey asked about 'manga that have influenced their life or way of thinking' and the reasons behind it. Over 60% of the respondents mentioned specific works, totaling approximately 1,000 manga. These works have influenced various aspects of life, from attitudes towards life, educational choices, to career selections.

In the overall ranking, 'One Piece' topped the list with 5.6%, followed by 'Slam Dunk' with 5.5%, and 'Dragon Ball' with 3.8%. Cross-generational works like 'Demon Slayer', 'Detective Conan', and 'Doraemon' also made it to the top ten, reflecting common growth memories across different generations.

The top 10 includes 'The Rose of Versailles', 'Attack on Titan', 'Fullmetal Alchemist', 'Naruto', 'Doraemon', 'Detective Conan', 'Demon Slayer', 'Dragon Ball', 'Slam Dunk', and 'One Piece'. 'The Rose of Versailles' is the only classic shoujo manga in the top ten and is highly influential among women over 50, with an 8.4% lead in that demographic. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story explores the struggles between social status, love, ideals, and the tide of history through characters like Oscar and Marie Antoinette. For many seasoned readers, it serves as an important introduction to European history, stage arts, and women's autonomy.

Respondents mentioned that the work made them think about the meaning of 'living with aspirations' and 'daring to challenge'. They also proactively learned about the French Revolution due to the plot. A woman in her 60s mentioned that after being influenced by the manga, she developed a liking for the Takarazuka Revue. From historical interest to cultural preferences, 'The Rose of Versailles' has left a lasting impression on many readers' lives.

'Attack on Titan' ranked ninth with 1.5%, particularly influential among the younger generation. It ranked second among men in their teens, third among men in their 20s, and third among women in their teens. The story begins with humans facing a survival crisis against giants and gradually touches on themes such as war, ethnic hatred, historical memory, freedom, and justice, prompting readers to rethink notions of good and evil and perspectives.

Comments from respondents focused on war and humanity. A male teenager mentioned that the work helped him understand that 'perspectives change, and so does the concept of justice in one's heart', making him feel the foolishness and brutality of war. A female teenager said that the manga showed her the many unreasonable aspects of the world, but also the importance of continuing to live and strive, understanding that history may repeat itself.

'Fullmetal Alchemist' ranked eighth with 1.5%, ranking seventh among men in their 20s, fifth among men in their 30s, and fifth among women in their 30s. The story revolves around brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric who pay a heavy price for attempting human transmutation and embark on a journey to restore their lost bodies. The narrative explores themes of 'equivalent exchange', familial bonds, war, national power, and life ethics, questioning the responsibilities one must bear for their choices amidst an adventurous and heated journey.

'Naruto' ranked seventh with 1.6%, ranking second among men in their 20s and third among men in their 30s. The protagonist Naruto Uzumaki progresses from a boy ostracized by the village to aiming to become the Hokage. The work long explores themes of talent and effort, loneliness and identity, hatred and reconciliation, leaving a lasting impression of 'never giving up' on many readers.

Respondents mentioned that the manga emphasized the importance of 'perseverance' and 'cherishing companions', influencing their personal life principles. A male reader mentioned that the work made him rethink the relationship between one's background and effort, believing that while one's background may influence a person, ultimately, one must go through the process of effort to discover their potential.

'Doraemon' ranked sixth with 1.8%, the same proportion as 'Detective Conan'. This work appears in the memories of almost all generations, ranking seventh among men in their teens, tenth among men in their 30s, eighth among men in their 40s, and also making it to the top ten among men and women over 50. The daily life of Doraemon and Nobita seems to revolve around magical items, but the stories often return to themes of friendship, family, responsibility, and the idea that one cannot always rely on shortcuts.

'Detective Conan' ranked fifth with 1.8%, ranking third among women in their 20s, fourth among women in their teens, and fifth among men in their teens and 20s. The story revolves around high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who becomes a child named Conan Edogawa after being drugged, solving cases that involve logic, science, law, and interpersonal relationships, sparking an interest in crime puzzles and logical thinking among many young readers.

A respondent particularly remembered the warning in the work that 'words are like blades, and using them incorrectly can turn them into troublesome weapons', believing that this phrase influenced their way of communicating and interpersonal relationships. Another female reader mentioned that 'Detective Conan' sparked her interest in science and reasoning, with the case designs in the manga making her more willing to observe details and think about the causes behind events.

'Demon Slayer' ranked fourth with 2.3%, being one of the more recent works in the top ten. It ranked first among women in their teens with 8.4%, sixth among men in their teens, and also made it to the top ten among women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The story revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, who joins the Demon Slayer Corps to save his sister Nezuko, who has become a demon, and continues to fight against powerful enemies. The work's portrayal of familial bonds, loss, empathy, and willpower resonates strongly with the younger generation.

Respondents mentioned that the work made them remember to 'never give up even in despair' and to 'pass on the intentions of others', hoping to face their future lives with these beliefs. Some female teenagers mentioned that 'Demon Slayer' became their gateway to anime, manga, and voice actor culture, further expanding their interest in the entertainment industry.

'Dragon Ball' ranked third with 3.8%, gaining 14.6% among men in their 40s, just behind 'Slam Dunk'; ranking second among men over 50, and also making it to the top ranks among men in their teens to 30s. The story begins with Son Goku's adventure to find the Dragon Balls, gradually evolving into a heated battle against powerful enemies. The protagonist's continuous breaking of limits and the development of enemies turning into allies have become important memories for many readers' growth.

Discussing the impact of the work, a respondent remembered the line 'even the last place can surpass the elite with effort', seeing it as a symbol of effort and growth. A man in his 40s humorously replied that he 'became a Super Saiyan' after being influenced. Another reader mentioned that they admired Goku's strong yet able to turn enemies into friends personality; someone learned to view life with a broader perspective from the fantastical world created by Akira Toriyama.

'Slam Dunk' ranked second with 5.5%, just 0.1 percentage points behind the champion 'One Piece'. This work ranked first among men in their 40s with 15.0%, and first among women in their 40s with 11.0%; ranking second among men and women in their 30s. Hanamichi Sakuragi progresses from a basketball outsider to the court, facing challenges, competition, and growth with his Shohoku teammates, making this 1996-completed manga continue to influence different generations.

Comments from respondents mostly revolved around effort, starting over, and courage. Someone wrote 'life can be restarted many times, and if you give up, the game is over', and a male reader took up basketball because of the manga. Female respondents mentioned that the work made them realize that even if they lack confidence in something, they can cultivate the ability to succeed through effort; some teenagers were inspired by the characters' serious attitude towards their goals, thus preparing diligently for their entrance exams.

'One Piece' topped the list with 5.6%, being the work with the broadest cross-generational influence in this survey. It made it to the top seven in all gender and age group rankings, ranking first among men in their teens, 20s, and 30s, with a support rate of 12.0% among men in their 30s. The story revolves around Monkey D. Luffy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King, and his crew sailing the seas in search of 'ONE PIECE', continuously exploring themes of dreams, freedom, friendship, and beliefs.

Respondents mentioned that 'One Piece' made them feel the excitement and anticipation of exploring a vast world, and some admitted that their actions and value judgments were somewhat influenced by the work. A male reader mentioned that Blackbeard Teach's line 'a person's dream never ends' is still a boost for him when facing new challenges. A female teenager, admiring the weather-knowledgeable navigator Nami, aspires to become a weather forecaster, with the manga thus influencing her career direction.

From the segmented results, the male rankings reflect the changes in 'Weekly Shonen Jump', while the female mature rankings are led by shoujo manga.