Solo Leveling anime has failed to crack the Japanese market.
Studio A-1 Pictures’ Solo Leveling anime, based on the manhwa of the same name, released its Blu-ray volume 1 on March 27th. However, despite being the third highest-rated anime of Winter 2024 on MyAnimeList, the series has failed to make a significant impact in the Japanese market.
As reported by CBR, according to data from Oricon, which tracks Blu-ray and DVD sales in Japan, Solo Leveling did not appear in the top 20 best-selling titles for the week of March 25th to March 31st.
The list was topped by Girls Und Panzer Final Chapter Part 4 with 32,614 copies sold, followed by Gushing over Magical Girls Volume 1 at 8,114 copies. Even the 20th place title, Mashle: Divine Visionary Selection Exam Arc Volume 1, sold 634 copies. Solo Leveling’s absence from the rankings suggests disappointing sales performance.
Why Solo Leveling Sales Are Low and Why It Won’t Matter?
Several factors may contribute to Solo Leveling’s low sales in Japan. The manhwa, illustrated by Jang Sung-rak, was originally created for a South Korean audience, which could result in a smaller existing fanbase in Japan compared to domestically produced series.
Additionally, some Japanese readers of the manhwa may have been put off by the story’s negative portrayal of their country, potentially impacting their interest in the anime adaptation.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Solo Leveling: Ragnarok
However, the anime industry’s landscape is evolving, and Blu-ray sales are no longer the sole determining factor for a series’ success and potential for sequels. The explosive growth of anime’s global popularity has shifted focus to revenue from streaming and merchandise sales. Chainsaw Man, for example, secured a movie announcement despite below-average Blu-ray sales.
Moreover, Solo Leveling’s strong performance on MyAnimeList, with over 250,000 users rating it an impressive 8.35/10, demonstrates its international appeal and success beyond Japan’s borders.
As the anime industry continues to adapt to the changing global market, the series’ fate may ultimately depend on its ability to capture a wider audience through streaming platforms and generate interest in related merchandise.
In case you haven’t watched the Solo Leveling anime series yet, you can stream it on Crunchyroll. Solo Leveling season 2 has been announced although the release date has not been confirmed.
