Despite the remarkable technological advancement, the Japanese publishing industry is as steeped in tradition as the nation itself.
Many of these publishing companies have been in existence for a hundred years, or close to it, continuing from generation to generation. They produce a wide range of content, from academic texts to general literature, non-fiction, geography, manga, anime, and many others. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best publishers in the land of the rising sun. After reading this guide, you can also explore my comprehensive list of over 3,000 publishing companies.
15 of the Best Japanese Book Publishing Companies:
1. Shueisha
Also known as Manga Plus by Shueisha, this publisher is one of the largest and most popular producers of manga comics, with a rich history dating back to 1925. The company releases a wide range of manga series every year, including some of the most well-known titles such as “One Piece,” “Naruto,” and “Dragon Ball.” Besides manga, Shueisha also publishes magazines and light novels.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 2-17-1 Horifune, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-8524
- Phone number: +81-(0)3-5390-7200
2. Kodansha Ltd.
Kodansha Ltd. started in 1909 and has since become one of the largest and most influential book and magazine publishing companies in Japan. They are a well-known publisher of fiction, non-fiction, manga (Japanese comics), and children’s books. Some of their most beloved publications include the manga series “Attack on Titan” and “Sailor Moon”. They also published the bestselling novel “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 12-21 Otowa 2-chome Bunkyo-ku Tokyo JP 112-8001
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 53 95 35 76
3. Shogakukan Inc.
If you’re into manga and anime, then you should learn about Shogakukan Inc., a major Japanese publisher hailing from Tokyo. Founded in 1922, Shogakukan has a huge directory, including a wide range of books, magazines, comics, gardening books, and other publications that will widen your perspective of the world. The company is known for its manga titles, such as “Detective Conan,” “Doraemon,” and “Inuyasha.”
Contact:
- Mailing address: 2-3-1 Hitotsubashi Chiyoda-ku Tokyo JP 101-8001
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 32 30 56 58
4. Kadokawa Shoten Publishing Co.
Kadokawa Corporation is a multimedia company that produces a variety of content, including anime videos, comics, light novels, and quirky video games. The company emerged in 1954 and has since become one of the most influential publishers in Japan. They collaborate with interesting artists to release a wide range of titles each year, including “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “Sword Art Online.”
Contact:
- Mailing Address: 2-13-3 Fujimi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 102-8078
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 32 38 84 79
5. Discover 21, Inc.
Discover 21, Inc. is one of the young guns in Japan’s publishing industry. It focuses on producing educational materials and books for teachers, children, and young adults. The company got its start in 1983 and it offers a wide range of printed materials, including textbooks, workbooks, and supplemental materials for students from elementary school to high school.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 11F, Hirakawacho Mori Tower 2-16-1 Hirakawacho, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo JP 102-0093
- Phone number: + 81 0332378321
6. Hakusensha Inc.
Hakusensha is a publishing company that specializes in manga and women’s magazines. Their main office is in the capital city of Tokyo. The company was formed in 1973 and has since become known as a successful publisher of shoujo manga titles, including “Fruits Basket,” “Vampire Knight,” and “Hana to Akuma” where each page contains marvelous graphics and enticing stories.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 2-2-2 Kanda Awaji-cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo JP 101-0063
- Phone number(s): + 81 (0)3 35 26 80 50
7. Bungeishunju Ltd.
Bungeishunju Ltd. originated in 1893, which would make this publisher over 200 years old and one of the oldest companies on this list. Needless to say, it has a long history of publishing some of the most influential literary works in Japan. They are a leading publisher of various magazines and websites in the lifestyle, news, and literary genres, such as the “Bungakukai” and the “Shukan Bunshun”. Besides magazines, Bungeishunju also publishes books, both fiction and non-fiction, by some of Japan’s most prominent authors.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 3-23 Kioi-cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo JP 102-0094
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 32 88 65 86
8. Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers, Inc.
Fukuinkan Shoten Publishers is a Japanese publishing company that specializes in children’s books. The company was initiated in 1938 and it’s headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It publishes a wide range of books for children, including picture books, board books, storybooks, and educational books. They are known for their high-quality publications and for working with talented authors and illustrators from various countries.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 6-6-3 Honkomagome Bunkyo-Ku Tokyo JP 113-8686
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 39 42 00 32
9. Gakken Co. Ltd.
Gakken Publishing is part of a large conglomerate founded in 1946, with headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. They produce a wide range of educational materials, including textbooks, reference books, encyclopedias, magazines, study guides, and educational toys. They publish books about art, literature, natural science, family, juvenile life, and many others. Gakken also operates several educational institutions, including preschools, language schools, and vocational schools.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 4-28-5 Nishi-Gotanda Shinagawa-ku Tokyo JP 141-8502
- Phone number:+ 81 (0)3 34 93 33 51
10. Poplar Publishing Co. Ltd.
Poplar Publishing Co., Ltd. is known to be a producer of books and magazines for children and young adults in the Japanese language. It was founded in 1948 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. The company publishes a wide range of books for children, including picture books, storybooks, and educational books. They also publish magazines for children and young adults, covering topics such as manga, anime, fashion, and pop culture.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 22-1 Daikyo-cho Shinjuku-ku Tokyo JP 160-8565
- Phone number: + 81 3 33572216
11. Igaku-Shoin Ltd.
Igaku-Shoin Ltd. specializes in medical and healthcare-related books and journals. The company got its start in 1899 and now it’s still based in Tokyo, Japan. They publish a wide range of medical textbooks, reference books, and journals for healthcare professionals, students, and researchers. They also produce educational materials and provide online services related to medical education and information.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 1-28-23 Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo Japan 113-8719
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 38 17 56 10
12. Doshinsha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Doshinsha Publishing Co., Ltd. specializes in children’s books and educational materials. The company was born in 1950 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. The company produces a wide range of books for kids, including picture books, storybooks, and educational books. They are known for their unique approach to children’s education, emphasizing creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 4-6-6 Sengoku Bunkyo-ku Tokyo JP 112-0011
- Phone number: + 81 3 59764402
13. Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd.
Iwasaki Shoten Co., Ltd. is one of the biggest publishing companies in Japan that produces educational materials for children and young adults. The company saw the first light of day in 1947 and made a name for itself in the publication of textbooks, workbooks, and reference books for subjects such as mathematics, science, and English language learning. The company also produces educational software and provides online educational services.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 1-9-2 Suido Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, JP 112-0005
- Phone number: + 81 3 38135526
14. Nankodo Co., Ltd.
Nankodo Co., Ltd. establishes its niche in academic and scholarly books. Since 1911, it has become one of the leading non-fiction and academic publishers in Japan. They are a leading publisher of books in the fields of medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacology, law, economics, and social sciences, as well as dictionaries. In addition to publishing books, Nankodo provides online databases and digital directories for academic research.
Contact:
- Mailing address: 42-6 Hongo 3-Chome Bunkyo-ku Tokyo JP 113-8410
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 38 11 71 40
15. Graphic-Sha Publishing Co., Ltd.
Graphic-Sha Publishing Co., Ltd. is a top publisher of books on photography, art, design, and architecture in Japan. The company was founded in 1970 and has since become one of the most respected publishers of books that cover topics such as art, drawing, painting, illustration, graphic design, fashion design, and architecture. Many of their books feature detailed illustrations, step-by-step tutorials, and practical advice for artists and designers.
Contact:
- Mailing address: Aminakakudan Bldg 4F Kudankita 1-14-7 Chiyoda-ku Tokyo JP 102-0073
- Phone number: + 81 (0)3 32 63 43 18
Wrap Up
In conclusion, these are some of the best publishing companies in Japan, known for their high-quality content and diverse range of titles. Whether you’re a fan of manga, anime, or any other type of Japanese literature, you should learn about these companies, and contact them, and I’m sure that some of their works will keep you interested for a long time. Next up, you may want to explore a guide to the top publishing companies in China.
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Rafal Reyzer
Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here, and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.