Comic Seemoor, one of Japan’s largest comprehensive e-book stores, has unveiled its “Manga Ranking Featuring Memorable Twin Characters” to celebrate December 13th, “Twins Day.” Based on the responses from 8,725 manga-loving Comic Seemoor users, the undeniable first place goes to *Touch Kanzen Fukkoku-ban* (Shogakukan).
The observance of “Twins Day” originates from a directive issued by the Dajokan, Japan’s Grand Council of State, which stipulated that “in the case of twins, the one born first shall be considered the elder brother or sister.” In homage to this unique day, Comic Seemoor conducted a comprehensive survey to determine which manga featuring twin characters left the strongest impression on its readers.
The survey results crowned Adachi Mitsuru’s timeless masterpiece of twin manga, *Touch Kanzen Fukkoku-ban* (Shogakukan), with a resounding 6,188 votes, securing its well-deserved first place. Following closely in second with 1,769 votes was *Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage* (Shogakukan), an anime-adapted work that delves into the tragic fate of twin high school girls. Taking third place with 1,311 votes was *Ouran Koukou Hosutobu* (Hakusensha), which gained further fame through a live-action drama starring popular actors and a subsequent movie adaptation. The ranking highlighted the diverse narratives that emerge specifically from twin dynamics, showcasing not only the profound bonds but also the complex emotions and destinies that often intertwine their lives.
[First Place] Touch Kanzen Fukkoku-ban (Shogakukan)
Claiming the prestigious first place with an impressive 6,188 votes is Adachi Mitsuru’s iconic work, *Touch Kanzen Fukkoku-ban*. This beloved series revolves around the twin brothers Uesugi Tatsuya, who seems to have no acquaintance with the word “effort,” and Uesugi Kazuya, a diligent and hardworking individual. Their lives are beautifully intertwined with Asakura Minami, the only daughter of the neighboring coffee shop “Nanpuu” and their childhood friend. The story exquisitely portrays their “seishun,” capturing the hearts of readers from its serialization launch in 1981, with its tankobon first print run exceeding two million copies.
In this latest survey, *Touch Kanzen Fukkoku-ban* garnered numerous votes as the definitive twin manga, with readers commenting, “I believe it’s the original twin manga” and “I love how well they understand each other.” Further sentiments expressed included, “When you say twins, this is the absolute masterpiece! It leaves an incredibly strong impression! Twins, baseball, childhood friends, a love triangle, and separation… every element is just so emotional!” and “Tacchan, inheriting Kacchan’s dream, is just so cool!” These enthusiastic comments clearly show the widespread appeal of its baseball-themed coming-of-age story.
[Second Place] Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage (Shogakukan)
Securing the second spot with 1,769 votes is *Umi no Yami, Tsuki no Kage*. This compelling narrative centers on twin sisters who possess unusual abilities that manifest on the night of a full moon. Through their intertwined “omote to ura” relationship – a dynamic of light and shadow – the story unravels their tragic destiny, teetering precariously between profound love and intense hatred.
Readers’ reasons for choosing this title included comments like, “It was a unique work unlike anything I had read before, and the content shocked me!” and “I was completely absorbed when I started reading it because of the clear division between good and evil twins who become adversaries, and the premise of them gaining mysterious powers.” Another reader added, “The story incorporated various elements like horror and mystery, which kept me on the edge of my seat back then.” These enthusiastic responses reveal that many readers were captivated by the manga’s distinctive world, which masterfully blends occult elements such as psychic powers and curses with the delicate emotional expressions typical of *shoujo* manga.
[Third Place] Ouran Koukou Hosutobu (Hakusensha)
Coming in at third place with 1,311 votes is *Ouran Koukou Hosutobu*. This delightful school comedy is set at the ultra-wealthy private school, Shiritsu Ouran Gakuin, and revolves around its infamous “Host Club.” Its popularity led to an anime adaptation in 2006 and a live-action drama in 2011, making it a well-known title across various media.
Readers highlighted several reasons for their choice, including, “I found myself empathizing with both Hikaru and Kaoru’s personalities, and I eagerly rooted for their love story with the protagonist, Haruhi,” and “They tended to shut themselves off in their own world, but it was really impactful to see them open their hearts to the outside world by joining the Host Club and interacting with Haruhi-chan and Tamaki-senpai.” These comments suggest that many readers were drawn to the intricately woven storyline, which masterfully combines the twins’ emotional growth with a gender-bending premise and delightful romantic entanglements.
[Honorable Mentions] Sorted A-Z by Title
Beyond the top three, we’re excited to present ten more manga titles featuring memorable twin characters, listed here as honorable mentions. Each of these works also received passionate messages from readers, highlighting their unique appeal.
AZUMI -Azumi- (Shogakukan)
Readers shared comments such as, “The completeness of it as a ninja story was amazing,” “Because I like period dramas,” and “Koyama Yuu-sensei’s art style, with its sensual and evocative elements, combined with the unique story development, makes it impossible to look away.”
Ayashi no Ceres (Shogakukan)
Comments included, “The twins’ destiny, continuing from their past lives, and the spectacular ending were dramatic and left a strong impression,” “I couldn’t take my eyes off the two characters desperately fighting as they were tossed about by fate,” and “The fraternal love, intertwined with karma from past lives, was compelling. Beyond just impressive twin characters, the way it expressed a tale of interspecies marriage through aliens felt incredibly interesting.”
ARISA (Kodansha)
Readers praised it with comments like, “The twins with completely opposite personalities were memorable,” “It was unusually serious for a *shoujo* manga at the time, and even as an elementary school student, I was thrillingly waiting for the next development; a truly memorable work,” and “Because the artwork is magnificent.”
Kichijouji dake ga Sumitai Machi desu ka? (Kodansha)
This title can be translated as *Is Kichijoji the Only Town You Want to Live In?*. Comments included, “They were straightforward, but even when they asserted themselves, they complemented each other, leaving the impression of an interesting duo,” “Because the twins were lively and amusing,” and “The twins’ impactful characters, the depiction of townscapes and buildings, the protagonist’s emotional shifts, and the exciting feeling of being able to move to an appealing place just by reading it.”
Kekkai-shi no Ichirinka (KADOKAWA)
Readers expressed, “Two people who cared deeply for each other but spent lonely times due to their surroundings. Once their misunderstandings were resolved, they became even more charming and felt like wonderful sisters,” “I like how they were at odds due to their kindness towards each other,” and “Although they have different personalities, the way they care for each other is great.”
BASARA (Shogakukan)
Among the reasons given were, “The protagonist, who puts her life on the line as her brother’s substitute, is amazing,” “The thrill of switching between genders doubles the fun. The tension of almost being discovered but not quite is exhilarating,” and “The protagonist, tossed about by fate and prophecy, yet carving her own path with the help of various people, taught me wisdom and courage to live.”
Futago Matomete “Kanojo” ni Shinai? (KADOKAWA)
This title can be translated as *Why Don’t You Make Both Twins Your Girlfriend?*. Comments included, “The characters are cute and give you that ‘kyun’ feeling,” “I like how twins with different personalities fall in love with one man and share him,” and “I thought the idea of choosing both if you can’t choose just one was great.”
Migi to Dali (KADOKAWA)
Readers shared, “It’s serious yet surreal and comical. A one-of-a-kind twin manga,” “While many twin stories focus on comparisons, I like how this one features them cooperating to solve mysteries,” and “Despite the beautiful and clean art, the eeriness of the story leaves a strong impression.”
Yomi no Tsugai (Square Enix)
Among the popular opinions were, “Because the world-building and story are solid, the characters’ presence is well-supported and charming,” “Because the twin element is skillfully used as the core of the story,” and “Because the Tsugai children are unique and the story is original and interesting.”
LOVE SO LIFE (Hakusensha)
Comments included, “The twins are adorable. Their growth is heartwarming and fills you with warm feelings,” “I was completely won over by the cuteness of Akane-chan and Aoi-kun. If you’re talking about twins, this manga is the only choice,” and “I found the male and female twins, who look identical but have completely different personalities, very endearing.”
Special Campaign in Commemoration of the Ranking
Furthermore, to commemorate the announcement of this ranking, a special campaign titled “December 13th is Twins Day! Manga Ranking Featuring Memorable Twin Characters” is being held. This campaign offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy all the manga titles from first to third place, as well as the honorable mentions, at a special discount. Make sure to check the details on the special campaign page and seize this chance to dive into these top-rated twin manga!
Survey and Campaign Details
“Manga Ranking Featuring Memorable Twin Characters” Survey Overview
・Survey Method: Conducted through an on-site questionnaire for Comic Seemoor members
・Valid Responses: 8,725 individuals
・Survey Period: October 10 (Fri), 2025 – October 14 (Tue), 2025
“December 13th is Twins Day! Manga Ranking Featuring Memorable Twin Characters” Campaign Overview
・First volume or more of eligible works are free or discounted
・Receive a 20% off coupon for three eligible works (excluding new releases)
・10 participants chosen by lottery from the “December 13th is Twins Day! Manga Ranking” X (formerly Twitter) campaign will receive 10,000 points
・Period: December 3 (Wed), 10:00 – December 16 (Tue), 23:59
*Please check the special campaign page for more details.
《Hori Megumi》
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