Kodansha Expands into India with Launch of Local Publishing Subsidiary
Japanese publishing powerhouse Kodansha is set to strengthen its presence in South Asia with the launch of Kodansha India in July 2026, marking the company’s first dedicated publishing subsidiary in the country. According to reports, the initiative represents the first instance of a major Japanese publisher establishing a local entity in India specifically for manga publishing and distribution.
The new venture is being formed in partnership with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) and Indian firm IJ Kakehashi Services. Kodansha will hold a majority stake of 81%, while DNP will own 14%, with the remaining share held by its local partner. The company plans to publish approximately 200 manga titles annually in both English and Hindi, including globally popular series such as Attack on Titan and Blue Lock.
Until now, Kodansha’s English-language manga editions available in India were largely imported from the United States, resulting in higher retail prices for readers. By establishing local printing and distribution capabilities, the publisher aims to make manga more affordable and accessible to India’s rapidly expanding fan base.
India has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing manga markets, with industry research projecting the sector to reach a value of USD 1.35 billion by 2030. Kodansha’s latest move reflects the growing importance of localized publishing strategies in regions with rising demand for Japanese content.
The establishment of Kodansha India also signals a broader shift in the global manga industry, where publishers are increasingly focusing on regional production and pricing models rather than relying solely on exports. The company already operates international publishing arms in the United States and Europe, and the Indian subsidiary further strengthens its global footprint.
Industry observers note that local-language publishing could significantly accelerate manga adoption in India, particularly beyond major metropolitan areas. While publishers such as VIZ Media have built a strong readership through imported editions, localized publishing and distribution networks remain relatively underdeveloped in the country.
The move comes at a time when anime and manga are witnessing unprecedented popularity across India. The success of regional-language anime releases, supported by streaming platforms and entertainment companies, has helped introduce Japanese storytelling to wider audiences. The growing acceptance of Hindi and other Indian-language content has demonstrated the potential for localized manga editions to achieve similar success.
Kodansha’s decision to publish Hindi-language manga is expected to further broaden the medium’s reach and support the continued evolution of India’s manga ecosystem. At the same time, interest in homegrown manga creation is also increasing, with Indian creators gaining recognition from Japanese publishers and international audiences alike.
As demand for manga continues to rise, Kodansha India is poised to play a key role in shaping the next phase of growth for the country’s manga publishing industry.