The Popular Book Rankings Based on Reader Votes Revealed for 2025-2026

Reader's Favorite Book Rankings for 2025-2026

On December 22, 2025, Dwango Co., Ltd. unveiled the results of the annual ranking of popular books, titled 'Bookmeter OF THE YEAR 2025-2026', through its well-known book review platform, Bookmeter. This ranking project, which started in 2001 as a part of the 'BOOK OF THE YEAR' feature in Da Vinci magazine, has evolved into an annual user-participation event since 2018 via Bookmeter.

The criteria for this year’s rankings included books published from November 2024 to October 2025. Based on about 2 million reviews and the number of registered readers, 20 nominated works were selected for user voting, which determined the top 10 in the overall rankings. Additionally, three category-specific rankings (Series, Light Novel, Non-Fiction/Essay) were also disclosed based on the total number of reviews and registrations.

Overall Ranking

1. Break Shot's Trajectory by Tooma Aisaka - Hayakawa Publishing
The latest work from Tooma Aisaka, who won a bookstore award for his debut novel, has snagged the top spot. In his acceptance commentary, Aisaka expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on how rare it is for authors to understand how their work is received by readers. He emphasized the importance of viewer feedback and likened it to receiving letters from grown children.

Reviewer Commentary:
"The way the story connects the dots and intertwines social issues showcases the author's skill. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for its rewarding narrative and the hope it brings to the virtuous characters within." - (Kou)

2. Exhausted from Dancing by Takushi Shiota - Bungeishunjū
This novel stands out as a warning against the excesses of righteous indignation in today's information-driven society, depicting a rich human drama entwined with the struggles of those who have strayed and those who failed to assist them.

Reviewer Commentary:
"While I found myself overwhelmed by its heavy themes, I couldn't help but read through it in one sitting. A powerful narrative that keeps you engaged." - (Circle K)

3. Not the Time to Run from a Murder Incident by Kio Gojo - KADOKAWA
With a title that draws from Dazai Osamu's work, this book humorously navigates various humorous character interactions as the protagonist gets entangled in murder cases while running.

Reviewer Commentary:
"The quirky character names and their engagements during chaotic events make for an entertaining read. It's a parody that is earnestly executed, reminiscent of classic Japanese TV dramas." - (Let's)

4. Sunflower by Hotate Shinagawa - Gento-sha
5. Coffee Horror Stories by Riku Onda - Gento-sha
6. First, I will Mince Good Sense by Akinari Asakura - Kodansha
7. Ripe Persimmon by Masahiro Sato - KADOKAWA
8. A Quiet Place after Midnight by Keiya Iwai - Gento-sha
9. Classroom of Stars by Ikku Takada - Kadokawa Haruki Corporation
10. The Concierge of Lies by Kikuko Tsukimura - Shinchosha

Category Rankings

These rankings reflect solely the number of reviews and registered readers from November 2024 to October 2025.

Series Category

1. Ikusagami Series by Shogo Imamura - Kodansha
2. Frogman Series by Nanari Nakayama - Takarajimasha
3. Convenience Store Brothers Series by Sonoko Machida - Shinchosha

Non-Fiction/Essay Category

1. I Understand Bird Language by Toshitaki Suzuki - Shogakukan
2. When in Doubt, Visit a Bookstore by Maiko Seo - Suirinsya
3. What the World's Best Do on Their Days Off by Shinji Koshikawa - Cross Media Publishing

Light Novel Category

1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya: The Movie Edition by Nagaru Tanigawa - KADOKAWA
2. Too Many Loser Heroines! (8) by Takibi Amano - Shogakukan
3. The Pharmacist's Monologue 16 by Natsuki Hinata - Shufunotomo Co., Ltd.

About Bookmeter OF THE YEAR 2025-2026

The results were announced on December 22, 2025, at noon, and further details can be found at Bookmeter's Special Site.

What is Bookmeter?

Managed by Dwango Co., Ltd., Bookmeter is one of Japan's largest book review websites with over 34 million reviews posted. It allows users to track and manage their reading habits through an app or web interface, making reading more enjoyable and helping to prevent the purchase of duplicate titles. Since 2021, Bookmeter has partnered with various libraries, expanding its network to over 46 municipalities.

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