How a Japanese publishing giant manages its massive, complex, and often controversial media empire

Nature · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Shogakukan is a titan of the Japanese publishing world, anchoring the Hitotsubashi Group alongside Shueisha and Hakusensha. From manga and light novels to anime production and global licensing, its reach is vast. Yet, the company frequently finds itself at the center of intense public scrutiny and significant internal crises.

Headquartered in Tokyo's Jimbocho book district, Shogakukan operates as a cornerstone of the global manga industry. Its influence extends far beyond Japan through subsidiaries like Shogakukan Asia and joint ventures such as Viz Media, which brings Japanese comics to North American audiences. The company manages a diverse portfolio, ranging from educational magazines for children to sophisticated literature and home media, often collaborating with local creators in international markets to distribute popular titles.

Despite its commercial success, the publisher has faced severe reputational challenges. In 2018, a children's magazine, CoroCoro Comic, sparked international outrage by depicting Genghis Khan with offensive imagery. The resulting backlash from the Mongolian Embassy and local expats led to a national recall and public apologies. Such incidents highlight the tension between creative editorial choices and the cultural responsibilities of a major media corporation.

More recently, the company grappled with a scandal involving the author Shoichi Yamamoto, who was found liable for sexually abusing a minor. Internal investigations revealed that Shogakukan editors had facilitated the publication of his work under a pseudonym after his initial series was suspended. This revelation triggered a wave of protest from prominent manga artists, leading to the removal of major titles from the MangaONE platform and the postponement of the 71st Shogakukan Manga Award. The company has since promised to establish an investigative committee to address these systemic failures.

The publisher's history is marked by a constant evolution of its magazine lines, including the discontinuation of various grade-specific educational publications and the launch of new imprints. As it navigates these controversies, the company remains a central, if troubled, force in the industry, struggling to balance its legacy as a cultural institution with the ethical demands of modern publishing.

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