Brand Film

Taking Flight

Directed by Juan Cabral A film that captures how stories created by Kodansha and its creators take flight from Japan, reaching hearts around the world. Whispered throughout the piece are passages from Kodansha works, spoken in five languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, French, and Spanish. Directed by Juan Cabral, winner of over 25 Cannes Lions.
Directed by Max Blustin This film traces the creative journey as "seeds of stories" are nurtured by creators, passed from hand to hand to inspire others, and grow to reach the world—a cycle visualized through the growth of a single tree. Look closely and you'll find Kodansha's signature K logo subtly hidden within the imagery. Directed by Max Blustin, winner of the Kodansha Cinema Creators Lab 1st Edition.

LIGHT HOLE

Directed by Toru Katori A girl touched by stories lets her imagination run wild, transporting herself to worlds beyond. This imaginative realm is brought to life through the motif of a "HOLE." Her paper-crafted fantasy world, created using stop-motion animation, interweaves with the live-action reality around her. The film was produced through an open call in collaboration with the Cinema Creators Lab, receiving about 150 submissions from Japan and abroad. Directed by independent creator Toru Katori.

Message

Inspire Impossible Stories. These are bold words, and they guide us every day.

We believe stories can change people’s lives. Every time we discover an author, publish a magazine, license a product, or deliver children’s books to those in need, we open the door to new worlds.

Our work reimagines possibility. Since our founding in 1909, we have remained dedicated to engaging our readers and viewers through new, thought-provoking narratives. Everything we share is meant to inspire and ignite ideas – to help us all imagine what’s never been possible before.

At Kodansha, we will continue crafting new stories that excite and inspire the impossible.

Yoshinobu Noma,President and CEO of Kodansha

Purpose

Inspire Impossible Stories

We exist to Inspire Impossible Stories. At the core of our purpose is the phrase "omoshirokute tame ni naru"– the balance of interesting (omoshiroi) and beneficial (tame ni naru) storytelling.

  • omoshiroi
  • tame ni naru

Our Business

Shaping the future of publishing

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Number of our titles

  • Manga2,304
  • Books1,558
  • Magazines386

Print copied published

133millions

※Equivalent to almost 8% of all publications distributed in Japan

Overseas sales share (2024)

MANGA

BOOKS

MAGAZINES
/WEB MEDIA

ANIME
/LIVE-ACTION

MD/GAMES

History

Since 1909, we’ve set out to share interesting and beneficial stories with the world.

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Partnership

Global Partner

One with a football. The other with a pen. Kodansha and Liverpool walk on. Together.

Sustainability

Nurturing people and culture through the power of publishing.

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