About Us
Founded in 1909, and based in Tokyo ever since, Kodansha is Japan’s leading publishing house. We make it our mission to shape the future of publishing by Inspiring Impossible Stories.
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
Inspire
We constantly strive to lead by example, providing the spark of innovation and creativity that inspires creators, audiences and one another.
Impossible
Stories have the power to reveal new realities. We take on the challenge to imagine beyond today and create never-before-told stories – tales that seem impossible until they’re shared.
Stories
We’re storytellers at heart. No matter what we make or share, we’ll always be in the business of engaging readers and viewers through new, compelling narratives.
Logo
The connecting panels in our symbol represent the intersection of many ideas, stories and voices. We exist at the intersection of "omoshiroi" (interesting) and "tame ni naru" (beneficial); in between the creators and the audiences, in both Japan and the international community.
Special Interview
Kodansha’s New Venture
- Yoshinobu Noma
（President of Kodansha Ltd.） - Greg Hahn
（Owner of Gretel）
History
A look back at the works and events that have shaped Kodansha for over a century.
- MANGA
- BOOKS
- MAGAZINES
1878
Seiji Noma, the founder of Kodansha, is born.
1909
Seiji Noma creates the company Dai Nippon Yuben Kai.
1910
The first issue of the Yuben magazine is released.
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Yuben
[1910–1941]
Company Info
KODANSHA LTD.
- Representative Director and President
- Yoshinobu Noma
- Head Office
- 2-12-21 Otowa, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 112-8001 Japan
- Industry
- Publishing
- Established
- November 1909
- Employees
- 957(as of May 2023)
- Capital
- ¥300 million
