Shogakukan

Overview

Shogakukan Inc. is one of Japan’s oldest and most influential publishing companies. Established in 1922, it began with educational magazines for children and has since grown into a powerhouse of manga, literature, educational books, and general magazines. It is part of the Hitotsubashi Group, which also includes Shueisha and Hakusensha.

What They Do

Shogakukan publishes a wide array of content, including:

• Manga Magazines: Weekly Shōnen Sunday, Big Comic, CoroCoro Comic, Ciao, Betsucomi, Petit Comic, Flowers
• Literature and Non-Fiction: Novels, light novels, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and educational materials
• Children’s Books and Magazines: Popular educational titles and picture books
• Digital Platforms: E-books, digital manga releases, and partnerships with animation studios and streaming services

Shogakukan is also co-owner of Viz Media, one of the largest manga publishers in North America, further expanding its international influence.

Notable Titles and Franchises

Shogakukan has published many iconic manga series, including:

• Detective Conan (Case Closed)
• Doraemon
• InuYasha
• Ranma ½
• Pokémon Adventures
• Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
• Silver Spoon
• Komi Can't Communicate
• Mob Psycho 100
• Urusei Yatsura

Creator Relationships

Shogakukan has worked with many legendary manga creators, supporting long-running collaborations that led to some of the most beloved series in Japan:

• Gosho Aoyama (Detective Conan)
• Rumiko Takahashi (InuYasha, Ranma ½, Urusei Yatsura)
• Hiromu Arakawa (Silver Spoon)
• ONE (Mob Psycho 100)
• Mitsuru Adachi (Touch, Cross Game)

Cultural Impact

Shogakukan has been a foundational force in shaping manga as both a literary and cultural phenomenon. From educational comics to globally recognized franchises, the publisher has influenced generations of readers in Japan and abroad. Its ongoing innovation and dedication to quality storytelling keep it at the forefront of the global manga industry.