Japan Rankings
Rakuten Kobo & Shosen Book Tower Rankings Combined
May 2025 was a big month for light novel fans in Japan, with fresh releases and long-running favorites competing at the top of the sales charts. We've gathered data from Rakuten Kobo (digital sales) and Shosen Book Tower (physical sales) to bring you the most accurate and up-to-date ranking.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 Light Novels of May 2025, with each title listed in both Japanese and English, plus a breakdown of what makes them so popular right now.
Too Many Losing Heroines! Vol. 8
Author: 雨森たきび (Takibi Amamori) | Publisher: 小学館 (Shogakukan)
This fan-favorite rom-com continues to flip the harem genre on its head. With sharp humor and surprisingly emotional turns, Volume 8 gives even more depth to the so-called “losing” heroines, making them anything but forgettable.
The Person I Loved Asked Me to Die in My Sister’s Stead Vol. 7
Author: 永野水貴 (Mizuki Nagano) | Publisher: TOブックス (TO Books)
A deeply emotional drama exploring guilt, love, and personal sacrifice. The seventh volume ramps up the tension, delivering bittersweet revelations that have readers in tears.
Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden Vol. 8
Author: 南野海風 (Kaoru Minami) | Publisher: KADOKAWA
Combining high fantasy with brutal combat, this volume brings its cold, calculating protagonist into a deadly tournament. Fans love the strong character writing and morally gray storytelling.
She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man Vol. 22
Author: りゅうせんひろつぐ (Ryusen Hirotsugu) | Publisher: マイクロマガジン社 (Micro Magazine)
Still going strong after 22 volumes, this fantasy RPG-style adventure maintains its popularity with rich lore and an ever-expanding cast of colorful characters.
Failure Frame: I Became the Strongest and Annihilated Everything with Low-Level Spells Vol. 13
Author: 篠崎芳 (Kaoru Shinozaki) | Publisher: オーバーラップ (Overlap)
Revenge fantasy at its best. The protagonist's rise from underdog to unstoppable force continues to thrill readers who crave brutal justice and power-fueled payback.
The Apothecary Diaries Vol. 5
Author: 日向夏 (Natsu Hyuuga) | Publisher: 主婦の友社 (Shufunotomo)
Mystery meets history in this charming court drama. Maomao's sharp mind uncovers deeper conspiracies within the palace in a volume that’s both clever and suspenseful.
The King and Queen Vol. 6: What the Moon Reveals
Author: 白洲梓 (Azusa Hakushu) | Publisher: 宝島社 (Takarajimasha)
This political romance fantasy dazzles with royal intrigue and emotional twists. In Volume 6, hidden truths come to light, challenging the couple’s unity and their rule.
The Second Most Beautiful Girl in the Class and I Became Friends Vol. 7.5
Author: 望公太 (Kota Nozomi) | Publisher: SBクリエイティブ (SB Creative)
This relaxing high school story wins hearts with everyday charm. Volume 7.5 acts as a side story—reflective, soft, and deeply relatable for fans of quiet romance.
Classroom of the Elite: 3rd Year Arc Vol. 1
Author: 衣笠彰梧 (Shōgo Kinugasa) | Publisher: KADOKAWA
A fresh start in the third-year arc brings new rivalries and academic mind games. The series’ signature strategy-driven plot keeps readers guessing with every twist.
I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too Vol. 18
Author: 美紅 (Miku) | Publisher: KADOKAWA
Blending isekai thrills with real-world action, this power fantasy continues to hit hard. Volume 18 explores new threats—and surprising moments of character growth.
From emotionally charged dramas to isekai power fantasies and subversive romantic comedies, May 2025 had something for every light novel fan. With new volumes dropping monthly, it’s exciting to see which titles will climb the charts next.
✨ Which of these did you read this month? Got a favorite that didn’t make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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