How many books has Takehiko Inoue written?

Takehiko Inoue has published 18 novels, 1 children's book and 3 other books that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Takehiko Inoue's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Vagabond, Volume 25.

What is Takehiko Inoue's most famous book?

Vagabond, Volume 25 (2007) is Takehiko Inoue's most widely read book.

Takehiko Inoue books in order

Japanese artist

Born: 1967
Country: Japan
Books: 22

Takehiko Inoue has published 18 novels, 1 children's book and 3 other books, beginning with Real, Volume 1 (2001). The best-known is Vagabond, Volume 25 (2007). The latest is Real, Volume 17 (2026).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Takehiko Inoue

Start here
Vagabond, Volume 25
Takehiko Inoue's most-read book.
Newest
Real, Volume 17
Published April 2026.

Standalone novels in order

Real, Volume 1 (Mar 2001)
Buy
Real, Volume 2 (Sep 2002)
216 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 3 (Oct 2003)
Buy
Real, Volume 4 (Nov 2004)
Buy
Vagabond, Volume 20 (Vagabond) (2005)
220 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 5 (Nov 2005)
212 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 6 (Nov 2006)
Buy
Vagabond, Volume 25 (2007)
208 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 7 (Nov 2007)
Buy
Real, Volume 8 (Oct 2008)
212 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 9 (Nov 2009)
Buy
Real, Volume 10 (Nov 2010)
Buy
Real, Volume 11 (Nov 2011)
Buy
Real, Volume 12 (Nov 2012)
216 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 13 (Nov 2013)
Buy
Real, Volume 14 (Dec 2014)
207 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 15 (Nov 2020)
232 pages
Buy
Real, Volume 17 (Apr 2026)
Buy

Children's books in order

Real, Volume 16 (Aug 2024)
208 pages
Buy

Other books in order

Vagabond 3
Buy
Vagabond 6
Buy
Vagabond 8
Buy

About Takehiko Inoue

Takehiko Inoue is a Japanese manga artist. He is best known for the basketball series Slam Dunk (1990–1996), and the jidaigeki manga Vagabond, which are two of the best-selling manga series in history. Many of his works are about basketball, Inoue himself being a huge fan of the sport. His works sold in North America through Viz Media are Slam Dunk, Vagabond and Real, although Slam Dunk was earlier translated by Gutsoon! Entertainment. In 2012, Inoue became the first recipient of the Cultural Prize at the Asia Cosmopolitan Awards. In 2024, Inoue received the MEXT Arts Encouragement Prize.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Takehiko Inoue FAQ

How many books has Takehiko Inoue written?: Takehiko Inoue has published 18 novels, 1 children's book and 3 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Takehiko Inoue's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Vagabond, Volume 25.
What is Takehiko Inoue's latest book?: Real, Volume 17 (2026).
What is Takehiko Inoue's most famous book?: Vagabond, Volume 25 (2007) is Takehiko Inoue's most widely read book.