Manga’s origins trace back nearly a millennium to 12th-century sequential scrolls called Chōjū-giga, which used satirical animals to establish Japan's tradition of mixing visual storytelling with humor. During the Edo period (1603–1867), woodblock prints known as ukiyo-e and the popularization of the term "manga" (whimsical pictures) by artist Katsushika Hokusai laid the groundwork for a mass-market medium. Following the Meiji Restoration, Japanese artists began incorporating Western comic elements, such as speech bubbles and paneling, creating a unique hybrid of Eastern and Western aesthetic styles.

The modern era of manga began after World War II, revolutionized by Osamu Tezuka, known as the "God of Manga." Tezuka introduced cinematic techniques—such as close-ups and dynamic speed lines—and developed "story manga," which featured complex, long-form narratives like Astro Boy. The 1960s and 70s saw the rise of gender-specific demographics, with shonen (boys) and shojo (girls) magazines becoming cultural juggernauts. Simultaneously, the gekiga movement introduced gritty, realistic themes for adult readers, ensuring the medium evolved beyond simple children’s entertainment.

By the late 20th century, the "Media Mix" strategy—adapting manga into anime and video games—propelled titles like Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon to global fame. In 2025, the industry has transitioned into a digital-first era, with digital platforms accounting for approximately 78% of its $16 billion total market value. While long-running series like One Piece continue to set records, the rise of vertical-scrolling webtoons and simultaneous global digital releases have made manga more accessible than ever, solidifying it as a dominant force in international pop culture.