The Best-Selling Light Novels of 2023 Revealed

Oricon‘s list of best-selling light novels in 2023 has been revealed with two winners, depending on how one looks at the data. Since Oricon categorizes My Happy Marriage as books, rather than light novels, its massive 907,087 in sales were not included in the list. Otherwise, it would have ranked #1. The sales period of the books was between December 5, 2023, and November 27, 2023. Oricon’s list of best-selling light novels of 2023 is below:

1. The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten – 526,393¹
2. The Apothecary Diaries – 462,833
3. Suzume – 400,769
4. Classroom of the Elite Year 2 – 379,878
5. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime – 318,749
6. Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian – 312,524
7. Blue Lock: Tatakai no Mae, Bokura wa – 294,993
8. Danmachi – 264,599
9. Kirby – 251,828
10. I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too – 161,440

It’s evident from the list that many of the novels listed also coincide with anime adaptations that were released in 2023. Many of these series are again expected to receive a boost next year by upcoming anime releases and sequels, including:

• My Happy Marriage season 2
• The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten season 2
• Classroom of the Elite season 3
• That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime season 3
• Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian
• Blue Lock season 2
• Danmachi season 5
• I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too New Anime

International fans can check out My Happy Marriage from English-language licencor Yen Press. Volume 1 of the series is described:
IS THIS MARRIAGE A BLESSING? OR A CURSE? Born talentless to a noble family famous for their supernatural abilities, Miyo Saimori is forced into an existence of servitude by her abusive stepmother. When Miyo finally comes of marriageable age, though, her hopes of being whisked away to a better life crumble after she discovers her fiancé’s identity: Kiyoka Kudou, a commander apparently so cold and cruel that his previous would-be brides all fled within three days of their engagements. With no home to return to, Miyo resigns herself to her fate-and soon finds that her pale and beautiful husband-to-be is anything but the monster she expected. As they slowly open their hearts to each other, both realize the other may be their chance at finding true love and happiness.

Curious about The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten? Yen Press also licenses the series and describes the first volume:
A HEAVENLY ENCOUNTER! Mahiru is a beautiful girl whose classmates all call her an “angel.” Not only is she a star athlete with perfect grades-she’s also drop-dead gorgeous. Amane‚ an average guy and self-admitted slob‚ has never thought much of the divine beauty‚ despite attending the same school. Everything changes‚ however‚ when he happens to see Mahiru sitting alone in a park during a rainstorm. Thus begins the strange relationship between this incredibly unlikely pair!

Source: Oricon

1. My Happy Marriage – 907,087 ↩︎