Japan Comic Book Market

Japan Comic Book Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Japan Comic Book Market Size Was Estimated at USD 3950.5 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Around 7.59% from 2025 to 2035
• The Size is Expected to Reach USD 8829.8 Million Japan Comic Book Market by 2035

According to a research report published by Decision Advisor & Consulting, the Japan Comic Book Market size is anticipated to reach USD 8829.8 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.59% from 2025 to 2035. The Japan comic book market is driven by the rise of digital platforms, increasing international readership, improved localization and translation, and the widespread popularity of anime-inspired series on streaming services.

Market Overview

A comic book is a picture-based story made up of panels with words in speech bubbles and short captions. It’s created to match children’s age and understanding, using fun drawings and easy text to entertain them and help improve their reading skills. Comic book trends have been shaped by the ongoing growth of digital platforms and webcomics, increasing interest in diverse and inclusive stories across different genres, the lasting appeal of physical collectibles and special editions, and the strong impact of movie and streaming adaptations. The Japanese comic book market is driven by digital accessibility, a growing global audience, and the strong relationship between manga and anime also a strong and established culture of reading at home, a smooth shift to user-friendly digital platforms, effective promotional momentum from anime adaptations, and growing international appeal.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) offers data on Japan’s overall publishing and e-commerce industries, which encompass comic books. Its Current Survey of Commerce monitors monthly sales trends for various products such as books and visual media, although detailed figures for comic books are often included within broader market categories.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for the Japan Comic Book Market based on various segments and regions, and forecasts revenue growth and analyses trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Japan Comic Book Market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies, such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Japan Comic Book Market.

Driving Factor

The Japan comic book market is driven by increasing international demand for comic books. Digital platforms and streaming services boost exposure through anime adaptations. The market benefits from a diverse range of genres catering to all age groups and demographics. Growing acceptance of comic books as legitimate literature, supported by media and educational institutions, also cotuntributes to its expansion.

Restraining Factor

The Japan comic book market faces challenges due to dependence on the domestic audience, market saturation, and declining print readership, driving a gradual shift toward digital platforms for continued growth.

Market Segmentation

The Japan Comic Book Market is characterized by type, format, and genre.

By Type

The Japan Comic Book Market is segmented by type into digital and non-digital. Among these, the digital segment is dominant in the Japan comic book market in 2024 due to enhanced accessibility, widespread smartphone adoption, the popularity of mobile-optimized formats such as webtoons, and strategic digital transformation initiatives by leading publishers. 

By Format

The Japan Comic Book Market is segmented by format into hard copy, e-book, physical format and audiobooks. Among these, the physical format remains dominant in the Japan comic book market due to deep cultural traditions, a stable business framework, and unique customer tastes, the market continues to demonstrate steady performance and expansion.

By Genre

The Japan Comic Book Market is segmented by genre into science-fiction, manga, superhero, non-fiction, and others. Among these, the manga maintains its dominant position in the Japan comic book market in 2024 due to strong cultural attachment, a broad range of genres and themes, effective collaboration with related media such as anime, and a significant ongoing transition toward digital consumption.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Japan comic book market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborate analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Hitotsubashi Group
• Kodansha
• Kadokawa Corporation
• Shueisha Inc
• Futabasha Publishers Ltd
• Shogakukan Inc
• Akita Publishing Co. Ltd
• Other

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Recent Developments

• In May 2024: Shueisha announced the launch of its new vertical manga service, Jump Toon, designed to meet the rising demand for webcomics optimized for smartphone reading. By embracing the vertical scrolling format, the platform reflects Shueisha’s commitment to evolving with modern digital consumption trends and enhancing the manga reading experience for mobile users.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at the Japan, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Decision Advisor has segmented the Japan Comic Book Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Japan Comic Book Market, By Type

• Digital
• Non-Digital

Japan Comic Book Market, By Format

• Hard Copy
• E-Book
• Physical Format
• Audiobooks

Japan Comic Book Market, By Genre

• Science-Fiction
• Manga
• Superhero
• Non-Fiction
• Others

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the Japan comic book marker size?

A: Japan Comic Book Market size is expected to grow from USD 3950.5 million in 2024 to USD 8829.8 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.59% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Q: Who are the target audiences for this market report?

A: The report targets market players, investors, end-users, government authorities, consulting and research firms, venture capitalists, and value-added resellers (VARs).

Q: How is the Japan comic book market segmented by type?

A: The market is segmented by type into digital and non-digital.

Q: What factors restrain the Japan comic book market?

A: The Japan comic book market faces challenges due to dependence on the domestic audience, market saturation, and declining print readership, driving a gradual shift toward digital platforms for continued growth