How to read Vagabond in English: where to start

What Vagabond is about

Vagabond is a manga by Takehiko Inoue. Eiji Yoshikawa is also credited as an author. It started in Japan in 1998. The genres are action, adventure and drama. Its themes are samurai, swordplay, history and philosophy.

The story follows Miyamoto Musashi. He was a real swordsman of the early Edo period. Inoue retells his early years. His starting point is the novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa.

The first chapter opens on the field at Sekigahara. Musashi is seventeen and lies half dead among the bodies. He still goes by the name Takezo here. His friend Matahachi is wounded at his side. The two left their village to chase glory. They ended up on the losing side.

Takezo has a single goal. He wants to be the strongest. Anyone who stands in his way gets a fight. Those fights are bloody. They also come without warning.

Inoue's brushwork is a big part of the draw. So are his detailed panels. The pace is slow and thoughtful. Readers who like samurai stories about violence and pride will feel at home here. The same goes for anyone who wonders what strength really means.

How far it is in Japan and in English

As of October 2026 Vagabond has 37 volumes in Japan. The series is not finished. It is still releasing there.

The English count is the same. All 37 volumes are out from VIZ Media. So the English edition has caught up with Japan. Volume 37 came out in English on 21 April 2015.

Where to start

Begin with Volume 1. Our listing has one way in for English readers.

• Volume 1: Vol. 1 from VIZ Media, released in 2002.

From there the single volumes run in order. With 37 of them out you can read straight through to the latest English volume. There is no gap to wait on before you reach the end of what exists.

What comes next in English

No next English volume is on our list right now. English already matches the Japanese count. The series is still running in Japan though. That makes it worth checking back from time to time.

Quick answers

• How many volumes does Vagabond have? It has 37 volumes in Japan so far. The series is still running.
• Is Vagabond finished? No. It is still running in Japan.
• How many volumes are out in English? 37. VIZ Media publishes them. Volume 37 came out on 21 April 2015.

Every volume in one place

Our Vagabond series page lists every English volume with its release date. Use it to track where you are in the run. If a new volume is announced it will appear there.