Top Manga Nominated for 50th Kodansha Manga Awards 2026: Ichi the Witch, Gachiakuta, and More

Credit: Left image via Shueisha, middle and right image via Kodansha

The Kodansha Manga Awards are back – and 2026 is the 50th year of the awards, so as expected, it raises the bar. If you have been reading manga for some time, then you may already know that this award has a strong track record of spotlighting titles that later became very popular globally. Also, the 2026 awards nominations have something very interesting, as you will see many popular and established titles like Gachiakuta alongside newcomers such as Ichi the Witch.

Also, there are a lot of series that were relatively unknown for a while until they gained popularity very recently, with Nezumi’s First Love being one example. Here we will discuss about the manga titles along with their author and the category in which they were nominated in the Kodansha Manga Awards 2026 (via Anime News Network). Now, with the date of the final award announcement scheduled for May 11, 2026, in this article, we will be looking at all of them by the category they were nominated in.

Kodansha Manga Awards 2026: Best Shonen Manga

This year’s shonen offerings seem to be an excellent mix of dark experimental narratives and lighter character-driven narratives. It is not only fight-based anymore – which honestly we love. The genre has evolved over time, and this nomination list proves so.

Plus, the growing emergence of romance-based / slice of life stories alongside more traditional action series demonstrates everything about where shonen is heading right now.

1. Gachiakuta by Kei Urana with Hideyoshi Andou

While many contenders have come and gone over the years, Gachiakuta (which was also nominated in 2023 and 2024) has been able to stay in this due to its high-quality content. The art style of Gachiakuta has a unique, graffiti-style aesthetic that makes it instantly recognizable.

It is very much possible that this year, Gachiakuta will win the award in this category. The series has developed a loyal fan base, and its storytelling continues to improve. If Kodansha values consistency when selecting winners, then Gachiakuta makes a lot of sense as a choice.

2. Ichi the Witch by Osamu Nishi & Shiro Usazaki

Ichi the Witch may be the most interesting entry. This story turns expectations of what a fantasy story is upside down by having a male lead in a female common traditional witch role.

The story sounds simple, but the execution of it is what makes it successful. If Kodansha wants to reward innovation over legacy, this could be the surprise winner.

3. The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity by Saka Mikami

The repeated nomination of this manga (The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity was also nominated in 2023, 2024, and 2025) says a lot about its influence. It is very low on action and high on story, but has a way of getting deep into the emotions far more than most other Shonen series.

Honestly, we would not be surprised if it wins purely because of how consistent and relatable it is. The series has that quiet strength to it.

4. Utsuranain Desu by Ruka Konoshima

This title is the least discussed title within this category, but that does not mean it is not good. The story relies more on character-driven storytelling rather than visual spectacle.

Occasionally, these types of titles can unexpectedly rise up and take home the win. We are not saying this title will do so; however, we do not believe it arrived here by coincidence either.

Kodansha Manga Awards 2026: Best Shojo Manga

This year’s shojo category is very much grounded. It has fewer dramatic elements and more realism (and thus is easier to relate to).

We appreciate that the entries in this year’s nomination list focus on emotional development rather than just romance. The series where relationships feel truly developed naturally, rather than being forced by authors to create dramatic tension.

1. In the Clear Moonlit Dusk by Mika Yamamori

If you like slow-burn romance with strong character writing, this manga should be added to your TBR. All of the characters feel authentic and relatable.

This manga easily stands out in this category (nominated back to back 3 times from 2022 to 2024) and is likely one of the top competitors for it. It is well-loved by both critics and fans alike.

2. Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Remember Me by Eiko Mutsuhana, Yugiri Aika, Gin Shirakawa

With its darker tone, this story is different from your typical shojo story – and this is why it works.

This story combines emotionally driven stories with a more serious premise, which adds a bit of an advantage to it compared to other traditional entries.

3. A Star Brighter Than the Sun by Kazune Kawahara

A very classic-style romance, but it was executed really well. It focuses heavily on personal growth and the awkwardness of young love.

Sometimes, following the basics – but doing it right – is all you need. This manga does exactly that.

4. Gazing at the Star Next Door by Ammitsu

This manga goes for the soft and comforting aspects of storytelling. It does not try to tell a story with high drama – it simply aims to be real.

And honestly, that simplicity is what makes it work so well.

Best General Manga Nominated in Kodansha Manga Awards 2026

Things are starting to get interesting now with the General category, as it is usually the most difficult to predict due to its having no demographic restrictions.

This year’s General category lineup showcases philosophy, social commentary, and psychological depth – basically all of the things that make manga more than just entertainment.

1. Spacewalking with You by Inuhiko Doronoda

An introspective tale that can be described as slightly poetic at times, and will not appeal to everyone. It either connects with you very strongly or does not connect with you at all.

This is typically the kind of manga that critics usually love.

2. The Darwin Incident by Shun Umezawa

Definitely an eye-opening read, this manga covers heavy themes such as moral issues and identity in society as a whole.

If Kodansha wants to reward something intellectually bold, this is the one.

3. Nezumi’s First Love by Riku Oseto

The Weeknd recently brought this to the limelight with his comment about it, and the official Twitter account of the manga even posted about it (via @nezumi_hatsukoi on Twitter/X). Apart from the recent fame, it is also a very exciting story, and the way it is told makes it different from most other storytelling styles out there today.

Its emotional elements and creative storytelling blend together so well, making it one of the more accessible entries here.

4. Heisei Haizenhei Sumire-chan by Satomi U

While this is definitely a more niche pick, it has a unique voice in the category. It has a quirky, somewhat unconventional style and is highly focused on character development.

This is not the most popular choice, but definitely memorable.

5. Mii-chan and Yamada-san by Nene Azuki

This one hits hard emotionally. It looks simple on the surface, but the themes it explores are anything but.

It is the kind of manga that quietly stays with you, making this easily stand out.

The Kodansha Manga Awards’ 50th Anniversary Awards lineup indicates that we are finally entering a new era in manga. The industry is moving away from traditional storytelling and toward diversity. Here is a quick look at the nomination list from the Kodansha Manga Awards 2026.

Manga TitleAuthorPublisherNominated Category

Gachiakuta	Kei Urana, Hideyoshi Andou	Kodansha	Shonen
Ichi the Witch	Osamu Nishi, Shiro Usazaki	Shueisha	Shonen
The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity	Saka Mikami	Kodansha	Shonen
Utsuranain Desu	Ruka Konoshima	Shogakukan	Shonen
In the Clear Moonlit Dusk	Mika Yamamori	Kodansha	Shojo
Return from Death	Eiko Mutsuhana	Kadokawa	Shojo
A Star Brighter Than the Sun	Kazune Kawahara	Shueisha	Shojo
Gazing at the Star Next Door	Ammitsu	Kodansha	Shojo
Spacewalking with You	Inuhiko Doronoda	Kodansha	General
The Darwin Incident	Shun Umezawa	Kodansha	General
Nezumi’s First Love	Riku Oseto	Kodansha	General
Heisei Haizenhei Sumire-chan	Satomi U	Kodansha	General
Mii-chan and Yamada-san	Nene Azuki	Kodansha	General

If we had to make a prediction about who would win in the Shonen category, we would say Gachiakuta deserves the win. But something tells us The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity or Ichi the Witch might also surprise us and actually win.

So yeah, now the real question is – which of these manga do YOU think deserves to win? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, and we would love to hear them.