It seems that the fans were right as the ongoing anime series and Japan’s unexpected World Cup wins have helped the Blue Lock manga top 15 million copies in circulation, making it one of Kodansha’s biggest modern hits.
The manga’s latest record was revealed in a report which detailed the series’ latest circulation numbers.
Based on the data, Blue Lock added 5 million copies in circulation in just a couple of months.
Japan’s 2022 World Cup Journey
Blue Lock’s major increase in circulation can be attributed to the 2022 World Cup where Japan faced off against two powerhouse teams and won against all odds.
Japan’s national team was grouped with Costa Rica, Spain, and Germany. The latter two were believed by many pundits to be the two teams that will make it out of the group.
Japan and 2014 World Cup winner Germany were the first to face off in the group.
While Germany controlled most of the game, Japan went on a late rally to take the game 2-1.
This unexpected win saw many fans compare what happened to Blue Lock as the manga’s story is about the Japanese national team looking for a new striker after their 2018 World Cup exit.
While Japan lost against Costa Rica, the team still had a chance to advance if they beat Spain. Though many believed this to be unlikely as Spain was thought to be one of the strongest teams in the entire tournament.
Just like the Germany match, Japan pulled another impressive win, complete with an unlikely goal that almost went outside.
Thanks to this win, Japan advanced to the Round of 16. Though their World Cup journey ended in a loss to Croatia.
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Blue Lock Manga Sees New Circulation Record
Despite their exit, Japan’s World Cup performance was far from disappointing, especially as many didn’t even think they’ll make it out of the group stage.
Thanks to this, it’s fair to say that interest in soccer increased massively, and this had a clear effect on Blue Lock's sales.
Back in November, it was revealed that the Blue Lock manga had 13 million copies in circulation.
Now, just after a month, two million more copies have been sold thanks in large part to the World Cup.
This proves many fans' speculations that following Japan’s World Cup wins, the series' sales and popularity are sure to skyrocket.
It also helps that the new Blue Lock anime by studio Eight Bit is currently airing alongside the World Cup.
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Source: Oricon News
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