Manga Like Ashita no Joe: Fighting for Tomorrow

In Rookies, Professor Kawato becomes the new Japanese teacher at the infamous Futagotamaga High School, whose baseball team is made up of delinquent students. They were previously banned from all school competitions after a brawl broke out during a match. With the ban now lifted, the surviving team members have lost their drive, wasting time on dating, smoking, and loafing around. Under Kawato's guidance, they find their passion again and aim for Koushien. Their path to Koushien is difficult; they must rebuild their physical condition, relearn baseball basics, and regain the trust of the school's administration and faculty within a short period. Through hard work and persistence, the baseball club members recover their determination and strength, moving closer to their goals, while Kawato's energetic and unconventional teaching methods gradually change the attitudes of those around him.

In the world of Uma Musume created by Cygames, Uma Musume Cinderella Gray follows Oguri Cap as she trains at the Kasamatsu Training Center Academy, striving to become a legendary horse girl.

Punpun Onodera is an ordinary 11-year-old Japanese boy filled with naive idealism and romantic notions. His transition into adolescence begins when he meets Aiko Tanaka, a new student in his class. As Punpun deals with the delicate nature of relationships and the challenge of leaving behind his innocent childhood, he confronts harsh realities. One such reality hits when his father assaults his mother, showing Punpun that the people he once admired are far from perfect. With each new struggle, Punpun's initially timid personality gradually shifts toward deliberate isolation. Rather than finding solutions to his problems and emotional conflicts, his seclusion worsens them, steering him down a bleak path to maturity in this somber story of growing up.

The difficulties of adulthood and the harsh realities of office work often make people wish they could go back to their younger years and choose differently. This feeling leads 27-year-old Arata Kaizaki to consider an unusual offer. After returning home from his part-time job, Arata is contacted by Ryou Yoake, a representative from the ReLife Research Institute, who presents an experimental program designed to improve his job prospects. The ReLife project plans to change Arata's appearance to that of a 17-year-old, allowing him to experience high school again for one year. After this trial ends, he will receive a job offer, something he has had trouble getting since leaving his previous job. Despite his doubts, Arata agrees to the strange arrangement. But his adult way of thinking and his lack of recent school experience make handling everyday life in high school harder than he expected.

Mori Buntarou is determined to achieve the highest level of success through relentless effort and endurance. His ultimate ambition is to stand on a peak that no one else has reached, experiencing the unmatched victory that comes with such an accomplishment. Buntarou's journey begins when he starts at a new high school. Although he tends to stay to himself, his classmates convince him to scale the school building without any safety gear. Unfazed by the danger, he climbs the structure until he encounters a tough challenge—a horizontal overhang near the top. Caught up in the rush of adrenaline, he takes a bold leap for the final hold, securing his spot at the highest point. From this elevated vantage, Buntarou sees a new goal that had been hidden from him before—an even greater summit waiting to be conquered. Driven by this insight and a renewed sense of purpose, he throws himself fully into the thrilling sport of rock climbing.

Since her college days, 23-year-old Meiko Inoue has felt a demonic presence in Tokyo draining her drive, leaving her restless and yearning for her younger years. She questions her life's purpose. One day, Meiko mentions quitting her job to her boyfriend, Naruo Taneda, who sleepily agrees. Encouraged by his drowsy response, Meiko impulsively leaves her position, chasing a fresh start, and Taneda soon follows. Together, they decide to revive Rotti, Taneda's former band. As they reconnect with old friends and prepare to perform again, life delivers an unforeseen and devastating blow—forcing Meiko and her friends to reassemble what has been broken. Solanin tells an intimate story of love, loss, and grief, centered on twentysomethings who often fall through society's cracks.

In a world where anthropomorphic animals coexist, a deep-seated prejudice exists: herbivores often view carnivores as nothing more than bloodthirsty predators. The murder of an alpaca named Tem within the grounds of Cherryton High School intensifies this fear of carnivores to new levels. Legoshi, a gray wolf who, despite his intimidating appearance, is quite awkward, is a student at this school. As chaos envelops his school life, Legoshi is forced to confront the divide between herbivores and carnivores, as well as his own place in this society. His struggles are compounded by what appears to be romantic interest in a herbivore—a relationship that may not be simple. Beastars chronicles Legoshi's struggle with his personal challenges while navigating a society that shows little mercy towards carnivores.

In "Real," Tomomi Nomiya, who once led his high school basketball team as captain and later turned to delinquency, chooses to leave school after a car accident that permanently alters a young girl's life, burdening him with intense guilt. While he devotes himself to assisting her, he encounters Kiyoharu Togawa, a former sprinter now playing wheelchair basketball as a replacement after losing function in his right leg. After a one-on-one basketball game where Tomomi suffers a decisive loss to Kiyoharu, he understands he cannot abandon his passion for the sport. He resolves to support others while pursuing his dream of becoming a professional player. Meanwhile, Hisanobu Takahashi, who succeeded Tomomi as the high school team's captain, becomes permanently paralyzed from the waist down following an accident. The story follows these three young men as they confront their disabilities and personal struggles in pursuit of their goals, igniting a shared passion that brings them together.

In the scenic coastal town of Onomichi, perched on a steep hillside, there stands a building that offers a welcoming lounge for all who enter. Inside, a diverse and friendly community gathers, each person carrying their own unique personal stories. Tasuku Kaname, a high school student struggling with deep distress after his potential homosexuality is exposed to his classmates, finds himself on the verge of suicide. In the midst of his turmoil, he witnesses a surprising jump from a nearby structure, only to discover that the jumper—a woman known only as Anonymous—is unharmed and turns out to be the building's owner. Anonymous, noticing Tasuku’s pain, offers to listen if he wishes to share his troubles. Through this encounter, Tasuku begins to face his deepest inner anguish, rooted in his difficulty accepting his sexual identity. Emotionally rich and authentic, Shimanami Tasogare follows Tasuku’s journey toward self-acceptance alongside other LGBTQ+ individuals as they navigate their identities.

Second-year high school student Jo "Jay" Ja-Hyun has long felt the weight of others' expectations, driving him to excel in his studies. As the student council president at Taeyang High, Jay remains deeply focused on academics, often avoiding social interactions. Yet beneath his studious exterior lies an extraordinary talent for biking, a skill that astonishes even seasoned cyclists with its uniqueness. One afternoon, Jay's impressive high-speed bicycle skid catches the attention of his classmate, Yoon Minu. Captivated by Jay's exceptional biking ability, Minu eagerly tries to persuade him to join his biking group, but Jay immediately refuses. Undeterred, Minu proposes a challenge: if Jay can outpace a member of his crew in a race, Minu will stop his efforts to recruit him.

Yuri continues to grapple with the death of his wife in a space accident. Six years after the tragedy, he serves on a debris removal team aboard the ship Toy Box, tasked with clearing space debris from orbital paths. The team includes Hachimaki, an eager debris collector with a sailor's love for the orbital environment; Fee, a blunt, chain-smoking tomboy with a sharp tongue; and Pops, a seasoned orbital mechanic who offers a reassuring, fatherly presence amid the tough work.

At 17 years old, Yu has endured years of relentless bullying, leaving him emotionally numb and disconnected from others. Despite his exceptional ability to evade punches, he lets himself get beaten, seeing no reason to resist. Everything shifts when Yu meets K, a seasoned boxing coach who has nurtured five champions. Recognizing Yu’s extraordinary potential, K attempts to guide him, though Yu initially shows little interest. But a cherished memory from his past stirs within him, prompting Yu to reconsider K’s offer. Hoping to rekindle that lost spark, Yu steps into the competitive world of boxing, where he faces both just and ruthless opponents. For the first time, he must learn to fight back.

Chikan Otoko is a socially awkward otaku with a perverse side who regularly visits the 2ch forum. One day, while returning from work, he is wrongly detained for stalking. Once the confusion clears, he learns that the girl he calls Miss Understanding has been deeply affected by a real stalker. Wanting to earn her favor, he extends his help. Unexpectedly, he finds himself growing closer to Miss Understanding and her companions: the lively Kansai and the innocent Loli Jugs.

Yamato Akitsuki, a bright and energetic boy, is excited to begin his high school life in Tokyo. Grateful for his aunt’s offer of a free room in her apartment building, he accepts without realizing it is an all-girls dormitory. His first day of school takes an interesting turn when Yamato notices a girl excelling at the high jump. Her skill and beauty captivate him, and he becomes determined to get to know her better. By chance, this girl, Suzuka Asahina, turns out to be his next-door neighbor. However, their interactions so far have caused Suzuka to form a negative impression of him. Despite these misunderstandings, Yamato decides to join the track team to try to make an impression on her. He soon finds himself developing into a promising sprinter in the 100-meter race. Balancing friendship and potential romance, Yamato dedicates himself to training, hoping to win Suzuka’s heart.

In his first spring as a college student, Kanji Sasahara is torn over whether to finally join an otaku club. At the same time, Saki Kasukabe is trying to turn her boyfriend Kousaka, a devoted anime fan, into someone more conventional. Both Kanji and Kousaka end up enrolling in Genshiken, the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture, while Saki, undeterred, follows Kousaka to learn about the quirky world of Japanese fandom. Through club activities like cosplay, comic conventions, gaming sessions, and figure collecting, Saki gains an unexpected insight into the amusing side of otaku culture.

Third-year middle school student Tatara Fujita has no clear direction for his future and is frequently picked on by bullies because of his timid nature. He longs to find something he can dedicate himself to completely. One day, while being hounded by a group of delinquents, he is saved by Kaname Sengoku, a dance instructor who rides a motorcycle. Sengoku misinterprets Tatara’s glance at a flyer for Ogasawara Dance Studio and signs him up for a trial lesson. At the studio, Tatara is paired with his classmate Shizuku Hanaoka, a gifted dancer. After another round of bullying and another rescue by Sengoku, Tatara decides to join the dance studio, determined to change how others see him. Throwing himself into the vibrant and energetic world of dance, Tatara commits fully, moving with grace across the ballroom as he chases his newfound passion.

In "My Girl," twenty-three-year-old Masamune Kazama leads an unremarkable office life and frequently reflects on the past. Even after five years have passed, he still holds onto memories of his former girlfriend, Youko Tsukamoto. One day, Youko's mother informs him that she tragically died in an accident and reveals that Youko had a daughter, who was raised in secret overseas. Overcome with grief, Masamune decides to adopt and raise the child by himself. The series delves into themes of family, loss, and adjusting to new circumstances as Masamune confronts the challenges of being a single father.

Yu Yang is a dependable and friendly second-year university student who, at the start of a new semester, is assigned to help guide each incoming freshman around campus. During this task, he meets Li Huan, a new student whose imposing height adds to an already cold and distant personality. Despite Yu Yang's attempts to be helpful, Li Huan often responds with disinterest. Initially annoyed by Li Huan's behavior, Yu Yang slowly comes to understand that this unexpected meeting might change how he sees life and, possibly, his understanding of love.

In Teppu, Natsuo Ishidou is naturally gifted at sports, easily mastering anything she tries. This effortless ability has led to a bored and self-centered personality, since she rarely meets real challenges. One day, she notices Yuzuko Mawatari, a fellow student, enthusiastically promoting the mixed martial arts club. Yuzuko specifically approaches Natsuo and asks her to join. Though annoyed by Yuzuko’s cheerful demeanor, Natsuo decides to accept the offer to understand what makes her so carefree. As Natsuo gets involved with the club, old acquaintances reappear with unresolved issues. She must face the consequences of her past actions while also encountering someone who could potentially surpass her.

Young Riku Azami is raised by his mother following his abusive father's suicide, but she ends up living with a violent yakuza member. When Riku provokes her drunk boyfriend, a deadly confrontation ensues, leading Riku to kill the man in self-defense. Recognizing Riku's combat abilities, former boxer and yakuza member Kyousuke Tokorozawa takes notice and introduces Riku to boxing. Haunted by the trauma of being abused and nearly killed, Riku becomes resolved to excel in the sport. Despite his reserved demeanor, he begins to see reasons to fight, including protecting his childhood friend, Yuki Naeshiro. After years of training at the prestigious Baba Boxing Gym, Riku discovers an intense desire to succeed. At just 18 years old, now a professional boxer, Riku sets his sights on winning the esteemed Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation belt and becoming a champion.

The narrative spans thirteen years, focusing on Hana, a nineteen-year-old university student, who begins a fairy-tale relationship with a man who is also a wolf. After they marry, Hana gives birth to two half-wolf children: Yuki, her first daughter, born during a heavy snow, and Ame, her younger son, born on a rainy day. To hide the children's true nature, the family lives quietly in a secluded part of the city. When the wolf father suddenly dies, tragedy forces Hana to relocate the family to a far-off rural town, leaving their urban life behind.

Takemoto lives in a small student apartment, always busy with managing his finances and getting to classes on time. Though he lives on his own, he still has a lot to learn about maturity. Along with his unusual friends—Morita, Mayama, Yamada, and Hagumi—he sets out on a path to grasp life and find his true self. Also included in Volume 10 are the extra one-shots: Sora no Kotori and Hoshi no Opera.

Makoto Tsukimoto, who goes by the nickname Smile, is a quiet high school student. He has been close friends since childhood with the energetic and outgoing Yutaka Hoshino, known as Peco. Both are skilled members of their local table tennis club, but Smile's reserved nature often holds him back from outperforming Peco. Seeing Smile's potential, the club's teacher works to foster a more competitive drive in him.

In "Kodocha: Sana's Stage," young actress Sana Kurata confronts many difficulties at school, especially from her bullying classmate Akito Hayama. However, Sana's lively and upbeat personality drives her to address every issue she faces. Her determined efforts both annoy and captivate Hayama, while his gloomy attitude similarly frustrates and motivates Sana to change his perspective. As these opposing characters start affecting one another, they endure various hardships that slowly overcome their differences and create a stronger bond between them.