Top 10 Book Publishers in Tokyo
Japan is known worldwide as the hub of technology and all forms of innovations. The digitalized economy in Japan is reflected in every sector including the book publishing industry. Japan’s capital city, Tokyo is among the publishing powerhouses in the world. The technological breakthroughs which characterize Japan’s economy are reflected in Tokyo’s book publishing industry making it a top destination for authors and writers from every part of the world. There is a high-volume of publishing taking place in Tokyo which offers services to both national and international writers, with Tokyo publishers priding themselves on their committed exploration for fresh voices and distinct narratives. Tokyo is no doubt, a hub of publishing in Asia, and this city is home to several of the world’s most prestigious and prolific book publishers. Here is a list of top ten book publishers based in Tokyo, Japan. These Tokyo-based publishing houses not only dominate the domestic market in Japan but also have a significant impact on the international stage, contributing vastly to global literature and the spread of Japanese culture through translations of their works. They represent represent a robust spectrum of Japanese publishing.
Kodansha Ltd.
Kodansha was established in 1909 and has since grown to become one of Japan’s largest and most influential publishers. They are known for publishing a wide range of books, magazines, and manga, including many bestsellers and award-winning titles. Writers and authors from across the world can approach this company for top quality publishing jobs by reaching them through their website.
Shogakukan Inc.
Shueisha is a top publisher based in Tokyo which was established in 1925 as a division of Shogakukan. It became independent in 1949. This company is famous for its numerous popular manga series, which are published in various Shueisha magazines like Weekly Shonen Jump. Shogakukan Inc. is a Japanese publisher of comics, magazines, light novels, dictionaries, literature, non-fiction, home media, and other media in Japan.
Shueisha Inc.
Shueisha is a top publisher based in Tokyo which was established in 1925 as a division of Shogakukan. It became independent in 1949. This company is famous for its numerous popular manga series, which are published in various Shueisha magazines like Weekly Shonen Jump.
Kadokawa Corporation
Kadokawa Corporation, formerly Kadokawa Dwango Corporation, is a Japanese media conglomerate which originated from the merger of the original Kadokawa Corporation and Dwango Co., Ltd. on October 1, 2014. Kadokawa is popular for its light novels, manga, and magazines and has a significant presence in the Japanese entertainment and media industry. They also have a strong digital and cross-media presence.
Hakusensa
Hakusensha is another influential manga publisher and was founded in 1946,. They are popular among fans of shoujo (targeted towards young girls) and josei (targeted towards young women) manga due to their magazines like Hana to Yume and LaLa. Authors and writers can reach them from across the globe for top quality jobs.
Gentosha
Gentosha was established in 1993 and publishes a wide range of materials, from literary novels to manga and magazines. The company is known for its literary contributions and innovative approach to publishing.
Futabasha
Futabasha is another top publisher in the entire Japan. It was established in 1948 and publishes a wide variety of works, including manga, such as Craps, and various other genres. They have grown significantly since their inception and continue to expand their offerings. This company is a dominant force in Japan’s book publishing landscape.
ASCII Media Works (Part of Kadokawa Corporation)
ASCII Media Works, formerly ASCII Media Works, Inc., is a Japanese publisher and brand company of Kadokawa Future Publishing headquartered in Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. This company is influential, especially in the world of light novels and otaku culture with their Dengeki imprint.
Chikuma Shobo
Chikuma Shobo is a Japanese book publisher headquartered in Kuramae, Taoto, Tokyo. It was founded in 1940 by Furuta Akira (1906–1973) in cooperation with the writer and critic Yoshimi Usui. The company first published the intellectual monthly Tembo (Views) in 1946. Chikuma Shobo is renowned for their cultural, educational, and scholarly publications. They also manage a strong lineup of non-fiction works that cover a broad range of topics.
Iwanami Shoten
Iwanami Shoten Publishers is a top Japanese publishing company based in Tokyo. The company was was founded in 1913 by Iwanami Shigeo. Its first major publication was Natsume Sōseki’s novel Kokoro, which appeared as a book in 1914 after being serialized in the Asahi Shimbun. Iwanami Shoten is highly respected in academic and educational circles in Japan. They publish a wide array of titles including scholarly works, classic literature, and non-fiction.
