What Is a First Print Manga? How to Identify & Authenticate One

In the realm of collectibles, especially in the world of manga and limited edition prints, the term "First Print" holds significant allure and value. But what exactly does it entail?

A "First Print" (第1刷) refers to the initial batch of copies produced for a particular manga volume — the very first to roll off the presses. They hold a special place in the hearts of collectors for several reasons:

Authenticity: First prints are the closest you can get to the original release, without any subsequent alterations or corrections found in later runs.
Historical Significance: Owning a first print means owning a piece of history - a tangible connection to the initial release and its cultural context.
Collectible Value: As the earliest editions, first prints are typically the most sought-after by collectors. Their scarcity and significance often result in increased value over time.
Potential Investment: First prints of iconic series like One Piece, Dragon Ball, or Berserk have a strong track record of appreciating in value.

Why First Print Manga Are Different

In the manga world, a first print (第1刷) is uniquely identifiable and carries additional markers that later prints do not - such as the original obi strip, specific publisher stamps, and printing dates tied to the Japanese imperial calendar system. These details make authentication both an art and a science.

How to Identify a First Print Manga - Step by Step

Step 1 - Find the Colophon Page

Every Japanese manga volume contains a colophon (奥付, okuzuke) - typically the very last page of the book. This page lists the publication and printing dates and is your primary authentication tool.

Step 2 - Look for 第1刷発行

This is the key phrase to find:

第1刷発行 = First Print ✅
第2刷発行 = Second Print ❌
第3刷発行 = Third Print ❌

If you see any number higher than 1, it is not a first print. Important: the date of the first print is always listed above or beside this text, even in later printings - so always check both the print number and the printing date together.

Step 3 - Decode the Japanese Dating System

Japanese manga use different dating systems depending on the publisher and era. The four systems you will encounter in manga collecting are:

Showa 昭和 (1926–1989) - Showa year + 1925 (ex: Showa 58 = 1983)
Heisei 平成 (1989–2019) - Heisei year + 1988 (ex: Heisei 30 = 2018)
Reiwa 令和 (2019–present) - Reiwa year + 2018 (ex: Reiwa 5 = 2023)
Gregorian calendar 西暦 - The date appears as a standard Western year directly on the colophon (ex: 2005年3月1日 = March 1st, 2005). No conversion needed: 年 = year, 月 = month, 日 = day.

Berserk Volume 1 First Print Manga colophon

"Berserk" Volume 1 - First Print (第1刷発行)

Captain Harlock Volume 1 Third Print Manga colophon

"Captain Harlock" Volume 1 - Third Print (第3刷発行) for comparison

Baki manga Heisei first print dating system

"Baki" - Heisei dating system (平成12 = year 2000)

Captain Harlock Deluxe Edition Japanese number system date

"Captain Harlock Deluxe Edition" - Japanese number system: 平成四年六月三十日 (Heisei 4, June 30th = 1992)

Step 4 - Check the Obi Strip

An obi (帯) is the paper band wrapped around the cover at the time of publication. First prints typically come with the original obi from the launch date. A wrong obi - from a different print run or a later reprint — is a major red flag for authenticity and significantly reduces value.

We have documented real cases of incorrect obis being sold as authentic first prints on eBay. → Read our guide on wrong obis

Step 5 - Watch Out for Counterfeits

Some high-value first prints have known counterfeit copies circulating on eBay. The differences are subtle but detectable with the right knowledge.

Should You Get Your First Print Graded?

If your first print is in excellent condition, professional grading by Beckett (BGS) significantly increases its market value and provides tamper-evident authentication in a protective case. BGS grades manga from 1 to 10, with sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface.

Want to know the current market value of a graded first print before submitting yours? → Check the BGS Manga Price Tracker

FAQ - First Print Manga

How do I know if my manga is a first print without reading Japanese?

Focus on the last page of the book (the colophon). Look for the characters 第1刷 - if you see them, it's a first print. Any number higher than 1 means it's a later printing. You don't need to read Japanese to identify these characters by sight.

Are all first print manga valuable?

Not necessarily. Value depends on the series, volume number, condition, and collector demand. Volume 1 of iconic series (One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Berserk, Jujutsu Kaisen) in first print condition are the most sought-after and command the highest prices.

What's the difference between a first print and a first edition?

In Japan, these terms are used interchangeably for manga. The first print (第1刷) is the first edition - the initial production run before any corrections, reprints, or revised covers.

Can a first print manga be sealed?

Yes, some first prints were shrink-wrapped at the time of sale and remain sealed today. However, sealed copies require extra scrutiny as some are reconditioned reprints sold deceptively as new. → How to spot reconditioned sealed manga

Is the obi strip important for value?

Yes, significantly. A first print with its original obi in good condition is worth considerably more than one without. Missing or incorrect obis reduce both authenticity credibility and market value, especially for BGS grading submissions.