The 31st volume of Taiki Kawakami, Fuse, and Mitz Vah’s light novel series, Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime), has topped the Billboard Japan Book Hot 100 chart for the week of February 19, 2026. The ranking, released on February 19, combines physical sales, ebook downloads, library loans, subscription data, and social media engagement to provide a comprehensive overview of the Japanese literary market.
The latest installment of the “TenSura” series led both physical store sales and ebook charts, similarly securing the sixth position in e-commerce rankings, according to Billboard Japan. The success of the volume underscores the continued popularity of manga and light novel adaptations in Japan.
Following closely behind at number two is Yumi Tamura’s Mystery to Iu Nakare (Don’t Call It Mystery) Vol. 16. This volume marks the beginning of the “Island Arc” storyline and benefits from the popularity of the live-action television drama adaptation that aired in 2022.
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man Vol. 23 maintained a strong position, holding at number three after debuting at number two the previous week. The title performed well in both physical stores and ebook sales.
The top five is rounded out by comic adaptations originating from the user-generated novel site Shosetsuka ni Naro, often referred to as “Naro-kei.” These include volumes of the “Unlimited Gacha” and “Seventh Prince” series, demonstrating the growing influence of web-novel-based content in the mainstream publishing market.
Beyond manga, Ryunosuke Matsushita’s sci-fi mystery novel, Ichijigen no Sashiki (Labyrinth of Hortensia and the Minotaur), experienced a significant rise in the charts, climbing from number 15 to number eight. This ascent is attributed to sustained social media buzz and three consecutive weeks of increasing physical sales.
The Billboard Japan Book Hot 100 top ten, tracking sales from February 9 to February 15, is as follows:
- Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) Vol. 31, Taiki Kawakami, Fuse, Mitz Vah
- Mystery to Iu Nakare (Don’t Call It Mystery) Vol. 16, Yumi Tamura
- Chainsaw Man Vol. 23, Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Shinjiteita Nakamatachi ni Dungeon Okuchi de Korosarekaketa ga Gift “Mugen Gacha” de Level 9999 no Nakamatachi o Te ni Irete Moto Party Member to Sekai ni Fukushuu & “Zamaa!” Shimasu! (My Gift Lvl 9999 Unlimited Gacha: Backstabbed in a Backwater Dungeon, I’m Out for Revenge!) Vol. 21 (Comic Edition), Takafumi Omae, Shisui Meikyo, tef
- Tensei Shitara Dai Nana Ouji Datta no de Kimama ni Majutsu o Kiwamemasu (I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability) Vol. 22, Yosuke Kokuzawa, Kenkyo na Circle, Meru
- In the Megachurch, Ryo Asai
- Mairimashita! Iruma-kun (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun) Vol. 47, Osamu Nishi
- Ichijigen no Sashiki (Labyrinth of Hortensia and the Minotaur), Ryunosuke Matsushita
- Kindaichi Papa no Jikenbo (The Case Files of Kindaichi Papa) Vol. 3, Seimaru Amagi, Fumiya Sato
- Ao no Hako (Blue Box) Vol. 24, Kouji Miura
