Why Is Minami no Teiou on the Cover of Manga Goraku Issue 8/22–29?
The long-running crime drama Minami no Teiou is back in the spotlight as it graces the cover of Weekly Manga Goraku’s August 22–29, 2025 issue. Written by Tennouji Dai and illustrated by Gou Rikiya, the manga has captivated readers since its debut in 1992 with its gritty portrayal of Osaka’s underground moneylending world.
The series follows Ginjirou Manda, a relentless loan shark known for charging exorbitant interest rates and operating on the edge of legality. His ruthless tactics and unshakable presence in Osaka’s Minami business district have earned him the nickname “Demon of Minami.”
Loanshark Crime Drama "Minami no Teiou" is on the cover of the upcoming Manga Goraku issue 8/22-29 (2025).
Long-Running Moneylending Crime Drama by Tennouji Dai & Gou Rikiya which started in 1992 about a relentless loan shark who charges very high interest rates from his… pic.twitter.com/tRpdpFwUUc
— MangaReporter (Manga & Anime News) (@MangaReporter) August 6, 2025
What Is Minami no Teiou About?
- The story centers on Ginjirou Manda, a loan shark affiliated with Yakuza gangs.
- He charges toichi—10% interest every 10 days, or 365% annually.
- Manda’s clients range from desperate entrepreneurs to shady accountants.
- The manga explores themes of debt, morality, and survival in Japan’s urban underbelly.
How Popular Is Minami no Teiou in 2025?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| First Published | March 1992 |
| Total Volumes (as of Apr 2025) | 182 |
| Live-Action Adaptations | 60 films (1992–2007) |
| Notable Titles | “Minami no Teiou,” “Minami no Teiou: Young-hen,” “Minami no Teiou Gaiden” |
The franchise includes dozens of direct-to-video films starring actors like Riki Takeuchi, who famously portrayed Manda in many of the adaptations. These gritty dramas, including “Minami no Teiou: Young-hen” and “Minami no Teiou Gaiden,” helped cement the series’ cult status.
Why Is It Still Relevant?
While newer crime dramas lean into stylized violence or fantasy, Minami no Teiou remains grounded in realism. Its portrayal of financial desperation, legal loopholes, and street-level justice resonates with readers navigating modern economic pressures.
Notably, the series has seen renewed interest among younger manga fans exploring retro seinen titles and gritty urban narratives.
As Minami no Teiou returns to the cover of Manga Goraku, it’s clear that Ginjirou Manda’s legacy as Osaka’s “Demon Loan Shark” is far from over. With timeless themes and a loyal fanbase, this manga continues to dominate the genre it helped define.
Will the next generation of readers embrace Manda’s ruthless world—or challenge it with new heroes?
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