Publishers
160 publishers tracked across manga and light novel. The Japanese publishing industry is dominated by a small group of giants — explore who they are and what they ship.
Market leaders
Top 20 publishers by total manga circulation.
Activity this year
Top publishers by manga sales in 2025.
The Big Six
Founded in 1925 as a subsidiary of Shogakukan, Shueisha is one of the three largest publishers in Japan. Home to Weekly Shōnen Jump and a stable of best-selling franchises that have defined the medium for decades, including Dragon Ball, One Piece and Naruto.
Market share: 36.5% of tracked manga circulation
Established in 1909, Kodansha is the largest publisher in Japan by revenue. Its manga catalog spans every demographic, from Weekly Shōnen Magazine to Morning, Afternoon and Nakayoshi, with landmark titles like Attack on Titan, Vinland Saga and Sailor Moon.
Market share: 20.7% of tracked manga circulation
Founded in 1922, Shogakukan completes the trio of major Japanese publishers. Known for Weekly Shōnen Sunday and Big Comic Spirits, with foundational works such as Detective Conan, Doraemon and Inuyasha.
Market share: 18.7% of tracked manga circulation
Founded in 1948, Akita Shoten publishes Weekly Shōnen Champion, one of the long-running shōnen weeklies, alongside Princess and other shoujo magazines. Home to Black Jack, Baki and many veteran shōnen series.
Market share: 4.9% of tracked manga circulation
Best known internationally as a video game company, Square Enix also runs a significant manga publishing arm centered on Monthly Shōnen Gangan and its sister magazines. Catalog highlights include Fullmetal Alchemist, Soul Eater and The Apothecary Diaries.
Market share: 2.9% of tracked manga circulation
Kadokawa is a media conglomerate publishing manga, light novels, anime and video games. Its manga and light novel imprints (Dengeki, MF Bunko J, Fujimi Shobo) anchor much of the modern light novel boom.
Market share: 1.5% of tracked manga circulation