Top 19 Japanese Mystery Supernatural Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

19 Novels

Mystery and supernatural make for a natural pairing in Japanese fiction. The investigation provides structure while yokai, ghosts, or cursed objects supply the unexplainable element that keeps things interesting. I find these work best when the supernatural rules are consistent enough that readers can theorize alongside the detective.

Japanese entries tend to draw from Shinto folklore and urban legends, giving them a different flavor than Western supernatural mysteries. The atmosphere leans toward creeping dread rather than jump scares. Some lean more detective procedural with supernatural elements, others are basically horror with a mystery wrapper. Both approaches have their merits depending on what you're after.

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1
TOP PICK
Shini Yasui Kōshaku Reijō to Shichi-nin no Kikōshi
4.5
(638 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
On one spring evening when I was eight years old, I, Erica, Duke of Aurelia’s daughter, realized something. Huh, I have reincarnated into a fantasy world, haven’t I?
First Impressions
"Reincarnated as a villainess" stories are a dime a dozen, so I went into Shini Yasui Kōshaku Reijō to Shichi-nin no Kikōshi with a healthy dose of skepticism. However, I quickly found myself pulled in by the unique premise and the promise of more than just your typical otome game fare. The detailed world-building and hints of mystery piqued my interest from the start, and I was eager to see how Erica would navigate her perilous situation. The strongest aspect of this novel, in my opinion, is its world-building. The author has clearly put a lot of thought into the intricacies of the world, fro...
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2
RUNNER UP
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
4.4
(516 ratings)
Genre: action, martial arts, mystery
Magic. It is a product of neither legends nor fairy tales, but instead has become a technology of reality since a time unknown to people.
First Impressions
Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei is a series that has definitely left an impression on me. It’s a blend of sci-fi, magic, and school life that creates a unique world, but it’s not without its quirks. Initially, I was drawn in by the concept of a world where magic is intertwined with technology. The idea of a magic academy with a protagonist who seems like an underdog but is secretly powerful is a classic setup, and I was eager to see how Mahouka would execute it....
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria
4.7
(509 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, horror
Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria, or The Empty Box and the Zeroth Maria, tells the sinister story of Kazuki Hoshino, who is almost madly attached to his everyday life, and his antagonist Aya Otonashi, who suddenly transfers into his class—for the 13,118th time. She majestically announces to “brea...
First Impressions
"Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria" (Hakomari), where do I even begin? This series is a trip, a wild, psychological, romantic, and sometimes horrifying ride that had me hooked from the first volume. I went in expecting a mind-bending mystery, and while I got that, I also found a story that explores the depths of human desire and the consequences of wish fulfillment. The initial volume throws you headfirst into a non-linear narrative, a time loop that's as confusing as it is captivating. I'll admit, it took me a bit to get my bearings, but the intrigue was enough to keep me pushing forward. The p...
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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou
4.7
(205 ratings)
Genre: drama, fantasy, mystery
Mimizuku, a small girl with chains on her wrists and ankles and the numbers “332” branded onto her forehead, wanders into the Forest of Night seeking to be eaten by a monster. However, when the ruler of the monsters, the mysterious and beautiful “King of Night,” refuses to eat her, she tries to ...
First Impressions
"Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou" (The Owl and the Night King) is a novel that has truly resonated with me, and I'm eager to share my experience with it. While it's short, its emotional depth and unique storytelling approach have left a lasting impression. From the very beginning, I was captivated by the premise. The story follows Mimizuku, a young girl with a harrowing past, as she navigates a world filled with both cruelty and unexpected kindness. The initial chapters immediately pulled me in, and I found myself deeply invested in her journey....
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5
EDITORS CHOICE
86
4.6
(219 ratings)
Genre: action, drama, mecha
A War Without Casualties. The Republic of San Magnolia has long been under attack from the neighbouring Giadian Empire’s army of unmanned drones known as the Legion.
First Impressions
"86" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its blend of action, drama, and mecha elements, all wrapped in a tragic sci-fi setting. The premise alone, where the term "86" signifies those deemed expendable, is a chilling hook. I dove in eager to see how this concept would play out. Initially, I was captivated by the raw emotion and the grim, realistic depiction of war. It's not just about giant robots clashing; it's about the human cost, the despair, and the sheer cruelty of a society that dehumanizes an entire group of people. The story wastes no time throwing you into the thick of it, ...
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6
#6 PICK
I Got Reincarnated And Mistaken As A Genius?
4.2
(779 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Arakawa Kouki is reincarnated to a Japan with a different history than the Japan he knows with the memories of his previous life still intact. Kouki was discouraged, “Aren’t reincarnation stories supposed to be at some fantasy world filled with swords, magic and elves?!
First Impressions
This web novel boasts a unique premise: a reincarnated protagonist whose ordinary actions are consistently misinterpreted as strokes of genius. The blend of genres – from sci-fi and mecha to fantasy and supernatural – promised a wild ride, and after diving in, I have some thoughts. Initially, I was hooked by the comedic potential. The idea of an MC completely oblivious to the awe and terror he inspires is inherently funny. The early chapters deliver on this, setting up a world where even the most mundane actions are blown wildly out of proportion. I found myself chuckling at the absurd situati...
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7
#7 PICK
Searching For You
4.0
(30 ratings)
Genre: mystery, romance, shounen ai
While looking up at the sky on a night when the snow fell, I got lost in another world. It was similar to the world I’d lived in up until now, but a somewhat different closed-off world.
First Impressions
"Searching For You" promised a quick dip into a blend of mystery, romance, and a touch of the supernatural, all wrapped in a short story format. As someone who enjoys a good isekai with a twist, I was curious to see if this novel could deliver. And honestly? I found myself pleasantly surprised. Right off the bat, the short length (only five chapters!) is a huge selling point. It's the perfect bite-sized read for when you're commuting, waiting in line, or just have an hour to kill. The initial setup is intriguing, dropping you right into the protagonist's unusual situation....
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8
#8 PICK
Seishun Buta Yarou Series
4.3
(110 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, mystery
“Hey, shall we kiss? ” She who was teasing me with these seductive words temporarily disappeared before my eyes.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into the world of Seishun Buta Yarou Series. After spending some time with this novel, I've got a pretty good feel for what it brings to the table, and I'm ready to share my thoughts. Going in, I was intrigued by the blend of genres – comedy, drama, mystery, and even a touch of sci-fi with its supernatural elements. It seemed like a potentially wild ride, and I was definitely curious to see how it all meshed together. The fact that it's an award-winning series and has been adapted into an anime also piqued my interest....
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#9 PICK
Dai Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu
4.4
(68 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Dai Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu is the sequel to Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu and picks up from where it left off in volume 11 of Densetsu no Yūsha no Densetsu.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into Dai Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu. I've been keeping an eye on this one, and after digging into what readers are saying, I've got some thoughts. The initial buzz around this novel is palpable. There's a clear sense of excitement that it's being translated, especially after what sounds like a long wait. The fact that the translator is the same one who handled the prequel seems to have generated a lot of enthusiasm, and that's always a good sign....
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10
#10 PICK
Toaru Majutsu no Index: New Testament
4.6
(154 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
The Third World War has been ended by the efforts of Kamijou Touma. With that, he vanished.
First Impressions
Alright, buckle up, because Toaru Majutsu no Index: New Testament is a wild ride. Having spent a good chunk of time diving into this series, I can safely say it takes the foundation laid by the original and cranks everything up to eleven. It’s not just a continuation; it's an evolution. Initially, I was a little apprehensive. The original Index had a certain charm with its multiple perspectives, and I was curious how a shift in focus would play out. I jumped in expecting more of the same, but I quickly realized that New Testament had its own identity, with a new storyline that builds and expan...
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11
#11 PICK
Tsukumodou Kottouten
4.5
(69 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, mystery
In our world there are objects that go by the name of “Relics”. Not antiques or items of classical art, but mysterious things like a stone that brings luck, a doll whose hair grows night after night, or a mirror that shows your future appearance.
First Impressions
"Tsukumodou Kottouten" is a hidden gem that I'm genuinely thrilled to have discovered. This series blends mystery, supernatural elements, and romance into a compelling narrative that kept me hooked. While it might show its age in a few ways, the core story and characters shine. Initially, the premise of an antique shop dealing with both real and fake "Relics" – objects imbued with supernatural power – immediately grabbed my attention. The idea of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary, often dangerous, artifacts felt fresh and intriguing. I was also drawn to the interconnected storylines...
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Conclusion

This ranking covers Japanese mystery supernatural novels sorted by reader ratings. The blend of logical deduction with inexplicable phenomena varies quite a bit across entries, so check individual descriptions to see which balance appeals to you. Ratings favor the more popular titles, which tend toward lighter tones rather than pure horror.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

Shini Yasui Kōshaku Reijō to Shichi-nin no Kikōshi

First Impressions

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei

First Impressions

Utsuro no Hako to Zero no Maria

First Impressions

Mimizuku to Yoru no Ou

First Impressions

86

First Impressions

I Got Reincarnated And Mistaken As A Genius?

First Impressions

Searching For You

First Impressions

Seishun Buta Yarou Series

First Impressions

Dai Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu

First Impressions