AI-Generated Manga Ranks Among Japan’s Best-Sellers

We’re just a few days into 2026, and it’s already looking like a rough year. Here’s another sign: an AI-generated manga is dominating the charts in Japan.

A recent report highlights that a new four-volume series titled *My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?* is currently the top seller in the young adult category on Comic CmoA, the largest ebook platform in the country. Created by Mamaya and published by Studio Zoon, this manga explores the struggles of a middle-aged couple trying to reignite their sexual connection.

As of January 6, *My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?* is leading the young adult manga sales and ranks ninth overall on the site. The official description notes:

This work was created using AI-generated images.

It’s clear that this manga relies on AI-generated artwork, yet that hasn’t stopped it from climbing the charts. Many user reviews describe the manga as dull, criticizing its lengthy dialogue, subpar artwork, and repetitive character designs. The only moments that seem to stand out are the sexual encounters, but some readers feel these are too infrequent, contributing to its low rating of 3.1 stars. In comparison, other titles in the young adult category boast ratings of 3.8, 4.0, and 4.3 stars.

Some fans are reportedly upset about the presence of an AI-generated manga on Comic CmoA, with calls for a boycott emerging. However, it appears that a significant number of readers are eager to purchase and engage with this AI-created content, raising concerns for artists and writers. Kazuaki Ishibashi, a manga author and editor known for his work on titles like *Mob Psycho 100* and *The World Only God Knows*, expressed his worries on Twitter, noting that readers don’t seem particularly bothered by the success of this AI-generated work.

“Perhaps it’s only the creators themselves who are concerned,” Ishibashi remarked. “Has this era finally arrived? I expect [AI-created work] will explode in popularity this year.”