When was Kodansha established and by whom?
Seiji Noma established Kodansha in 1909 as a spin-off of the Dai-Nippon Yūbenkai. The company launched its first publication, a literary magazine called Yūben, that same year.
Questions about Kodansha
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What manga magazines does Kodansha publish for different demographics?
Kodansha publishes manga magazines targeting diverse demographics including shonen, shojo, and seinen audiences. Weekly Shōnen Magazine began circulation in 1959 while Nakayoshi serves female readers as a monthly magazine since 1954.
How did Kodansha perform financially during the 2002 recession in Japan?
Revenues dropped due to the 2002 recession in Japan and an accompanying downturn in the publishing industry. The company posted a loss in the 2002 financial year for the first time since the end of World War II.
When did Kodansha launch its K Manga distribution service and where is it available now?
On the 21st of March 2023, Kodansha announced a manga distribution service called K Manga which was initially launched exclusively in the United States on the 10th of May 2023. By the 24th of June 2025, the service had expanded to over 30 countries.
Which companies has Kodansha acquired or partnered with recently?
In October 2016, Kodansha acquired publisher Ichijinsha and turned the company into its wholly owned subsidiary. On the 24th of May 2024, Kodansha announced that they acquired publisher Wani Books and turned it into a wholly owned subsidiary.