KODANSHA TO HOST FIRST EVER IMMERSIVE POP-UP IN NYC IN OCTOBER 2024

NEW YORK, NY – September 3, 2024 – This October, Kodansha, Japan’s largest publisher and the creative force behind iconic stories like Akira, Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, and Blue Lock, invites fans to experience Kodansha House: Where Manga Meets. Opening October 4th in SoHo, NYC, this fully immersive pop-up will be located at 45 Grand Street, open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 12pm-9pm, running through the month of October.

Kodansha House is not just an event—it’s a vibrant meeting place where the world of manga comes alive. Fans will be greeted by a giant manga shelf entryway—a portal into a gallery, cafe, lounge, and robust manga library. Kodansha House offers a dynamic space for fans to connect, create, and celebrate the stories they love. From interactive exhibits and workshops to date nights and movie screenings, this pop-up is the perfect spot for manga enthusiasts, both new and seasoned, to meet, mingle, and dive deeper into the magic of manga.

The month-long programming includes a diverse lineup of activities such as the Toast of Tardiness Challenge, live discussions, trivia night, movie screenings featuring fan-favorites like Akira, Blue Lock, Ghost in the Shell,  and Blame!,  as well as a fun-filled speed friending event for fans to find their perfect manga-loving match. Four major manga creators will make rare U.S. appearances with Q&A sessions and signings: Shuzo Oshimi (The Flowers of Evil), Tsubasa Yamaguchi (Blue Period), Makoto Yukimura (Vinland Saga), and Kamome Shirahama (Witch Hat Atelier).

Featured Activations:

• Akira Slide Photobooth: Slide into pop culture history with the Akira bike meme come to life! Fans can suit up in Kaneda’s iconic jacket and goggles, hop onto a stationary Akira bike, and pose against a projected anime background. Capture the moment in a four-shot sequence that’s sure to be a hit on social media.
• Titan’s Fury – Attack on Titan Photobooth: Experience the awe of stepping into a real-life model of the Attack on Titan walled village. This massive, scaled model lets fans become Titans, acting out scenes as they reach over walls and grab tiny figures made of candy or chocolate. The fun, goofy moment is captured on video, turning fans into the stars of their very own Attack on Titan adventure.

For more information, visit https://kodansha.us/manga-meets. Sign up for exclusive updates, like House sneak peaks, and find out about RSVP-only events at Kodansha House.

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About Kodansha

Kodansha is Japan’s largest publisher and the source of some of the world’s most recognizable manga properties, including Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira and Naoko Takeuchi’s Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, along with a robust catalog of novels, cookbooks, craft guides, historical and cultural literature, and more. Today, thanks to recent fan-favorite and critically acclaimed hits like Attack on Titan, Battle Angel Alita, and Witch Hat Atelier, Kodansha, through its U.S. publishing arm Kodansha USA Publishing, is also one of the best-selling manga publishers in the United States. Kodansha USA Publishing’s print books are distributed by Penguin Random House Publisher Services, and their digital books are available across a wide range of online stores

Inspire Impossible Stories
At the core of Kodansha’s purpose is the phrase omoshirokute tame ni naru–the balance of interesting (omoshiroi) and beneficial (tame ni naru) storytelling. Kodansha strives to lead by example, providing the spark of innovation and creativity that inspires creators, audiences and one another. Stories have the power to reveal new realities. Kodansha takes on the challenge to imagine beyond today and create never-before-told stories – tales that seem impossible until they’re shared. Storytellers at heart, Kodansha will always be in the business of engaging readers and viewers through new, compelling narratives.
For more information visit kodansha.com and kodansha.localhost/.

For more information visit kodansha.com and kodansha.localhost/.

Kodansha Reveals New Manga Licenses for September 2024 & Summer 2025 

As announced today at Anime NYC 2024, Kodansha has expanded its upcoming print lineup with a collection of brand-new series, fresh editions, and box sets arriving in Summer 2025.

Kodansha also announced the digital debut of Manchuria Opium Squad, a gritty historical crime drama that will launch this September.

The print titles unveiled today will hit shelves starting next summer at major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and more. Meanwhile, the digital release debuting in September 2024 will be available across various platforms, including Bookwalker, Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, 
Google Play, Nook, Kobo, MyAnimeList, Mangamo, and others. Fans can also purchase and enjoy all Kodansha digital manga directly on kodansha.localhost/.

Check below for the full lineup of upcoming print and digital releases from Kodansha.

SUMMER 2025 NEW PRINT LICENSES:

Last Samurai Standing
By TATSUZ

Debut Date: Summer 2025

In a rapidly changing world, a sinister game of life-or-death brutally culls Japan’s fading warrior class. Who is rounding up the few who still cling to their swords and is forcing them to fight? And who will be the last samurai standing?

It is the 11th year of the Meiji era in Japan, and more than a decade since the samurai were stripped of their privileges, with swords outlawed on public streets. A mysterious poster appears in all corners of the land, luring those skilled in martial arts to Kyoto with the promise of riches beyond common imagination. As warriors deprived of purpose flock to the appointed place at the appointed time, what awaits them is no ordinary task, but an all-out war—against each other!

Rated: 16+

You’re All Mine Tonight
By Takiba

Debut Date: Summer 2025

A steamy new BL one-shot about a businessman longing to reunite with his past lover—who wants nothing more than to put his own troubled past behind him.

Kanzaki is your typical businessman: He’s stoic, dependable, and respected by all of his subordinates. But he has a secret he can’t tell anyone: Five years ago, he became involved with a male sex worker named Nagi. The more nights they spent together, the more lust gave way to love, and Kanzaki hasn’t been able to get Nagi off his mind since. After being sent to work abroad, Kanzaki returns to Japan and meets one of his new subordinates—a young man named Futagami, who looks exactly like Nagi. As the part of Kanzaki’s past that was once frozen in time begins to thaw, can the two men find their way back toward each other, or will the passionate nights they spent together remain a thing of the past?

Rated: 18+

Light of My Life
By Takiba

Debut Date: Summer 2025

Aki and Minagi were inseparable in high school, until an incident pulled their friendship apart at the seams. Years later, both men have given up on their high school dreams, and on each other. But when Minagi shows up one night on Aki’s doorstep, is it just the push the two men need in order to address their past and repair their future?

Back in high school, best friends Aki and Minagi were inseparable. Aki dreamed of becoming a professional football player, while Minagi was seen as a “genius” who was eager to chase his dream of working in medicine. Years later, Aki has taken over his grandfather’s hair salon, and Minagi set his interest in medicine aside to work in a host club. Despite the growing tension between them following their high school fallout, Minagi shows up at Aki’s apartment one day asking for a place to stay. Can the two men confront their past in order to repair their future?

Rated: 18+

Attack on Titan FLY
By Hajime Isayama

Debut Date: Summer 2025

That was not the end! This super-premium collector’s set includes a colossal-sized art book with color illustrations and a new interview with creator Hajime Isayama, replicas of Eren’s key and Mikasa’s scarf, and, for the first time, the exclusive manga booklet Vol. 35.

The ultimate addition to every collection, Attack on Titan: FLY—previously only available in Japan in limited quantities—is coming to the world in English! This huge box set includes the final Attack on Titan art book, featuring every AoT color illustration known to man (or Titan!) and an exclusive new interview with Hajime Isayama, housed in a beautiful slipcase, alongside bonuses true Titan fans are going to love, like a full-sized replica set of the manuscript pages of the last chapter of Attack on Titan; the padlock and key housing the secrets behind the basement of Eren’s family home; the scarf Eren gave to Mikasa; and, most exciting of all the exclusive manga “Volume 35”—a new chapter of manga focused on fan-favorite Levi, plus the rough layouts of the final chapter, all presented for the first time in English!

Rated: 16+

SPECIAL COVER REVEALS:

Musashi (New Edition)
By Eiji Yoshikawa, Translated by Charles Terry

Debut Date: Spring 2025

Eiji Yoshikawa’s classic samurai novel about the real exploits of the most famous swordsman. New Edition features a new original cover design by a renowned creator, Takehiko Inoue (Slam Dunk, Vagabond)!

Miyamoto Musashi was the child of an era when Japan was emerging from decades of civil strife. Lured to the great Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 by the hope of becoming a samurai–without really knowing what it meant–he regains consciousness after the battle to find himself lying defeated, dazed and wounded among thousands of the dead and dying. On his way home, he commits a rash act, becomes a fugitive and brings life in his own village to a standstill—until he is captured by a weaponless Zen monk.

Rated: 16+

Twilight Out of Focus Box Set
By Jyanome

Debut Date: Spring 2025

This collector’s box set contains volumes 1-4 of the Twilight Out of Focus series and includes a special booklet with U.S.-edition-exclusive art, a never-before translated short story, and all-new full-color illustrations!

Second-years Mao Tsuchiya and Hisashi Otomo make three promises: 1) That Mao will never tell anyone that Hisashi is gay and has a boyfriend, 2) That Hisashi will never think of Mao “in that way,” and 3) That they’ll always knock before entering, in case someone is having some “private time.” The two’s ground rules should ensure a peaceful life together in their dorm, but life is never as simple as it should be, and some things are not so easily promised…

Rated: 18+

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEW DIGITAL LICENSE:

Manchuria Opium Squad
By Tsukasa Monma and Shikako

Debut Date: September 10, 2024

In the corrupt, conflict-ridden Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo, the illegal opium trade is a perilous path to quick riches-or a swift death. Desperate to save his doomed family, the young Isamu Higata seizes a dangerous opportunity, using his botanical expertise to make mind-blowing opium in hopes of cashing in. But when sinister gangs and the oppressive state catch wind of his operation, Isamu is thrust deeper and deeper into a treacherous world of deceit and depravity to protect himself and those he loves.

This series is a work of fiction and contains graphic depictions of intense violence, drug abuse, and other shocking imagery. The story and its contents are not recommended for young or sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Rated: 18+

Read the FREE Chapter 1 of Manchuria Opium Squad! 

Shangri-La Frontier Creators Make Their Anime NYC Debut!

Anime NYC has a new date for 2024 and promises to be the hottest one yet!
Taking place on August 23-25, 2024 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, Anime NYC is the premier event for anime and manga fans east of the Mississippi, and this time, Kodansha’s bringing some extra heat with the announcement of the Shangri-La Frontier manga creators Katarina and Ryosuke Fuji making their Anime NYC debut.

Fans of the videogame action manga will get multiple opportunities to catch these amazing creators across panels hosted by Crunchyroll and Kodansha, as well as a special signing event (more info coming soon)! 

Take a look below for details on where and when to catch the Shangri-La Frontier creators and Kodansha at Anime NYC. 

Shangri-La Frontier Creator Autograph Session: 

 Want to get an unforgettable momento from Anime NYC? Come to the Shangri-La Frontier signing session and meet the creators one-on-on! Tickets for this special signing event will be distributed via Anime NYC’s lottery system. More info on how to sign up will be revealed soon, so keep an eye out for when this info drops!

When: Friday, August 23 at 3:30-4:30PM EST
Where and How: More information TBD

Panels Galore at Anime NYC: 

At Anime NYC, Kodansha is participating in a number of programs spotlighting not only our visiting Shangri-La Frontier creators, Katarina and Ryosuke Fuji, but also panels aimed at helping educators and librarians, as well as a special glimpse at the future of Kodansha manga publishing.

Keep your eyes open for #ANYC24_Kodansha announcements on kodansha.localhost/. You can also look for updates across our social media channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to experience Anime NYC from the comfort of your own home!

Shangri-La Frontier Creator Panels: 

Shangri-La Frontier Panel featuring Creators and Anime Staff
When: Thursday, August 23, 2024 at 5:30PM – 6:30PM EST
Where: Sakura Stage
What: Max out your stats and gear up for a deep dive into Shangri-La Frontier with the creators and anime staff! Join Katarina (original author), Ryosuke Fuji (manga artist), and Hiroyuki Aoi (anime producer) as they talk about building the immersive world and story of ShanFro, along with how they brought the unique story and characters to life in the anime.

The panel will feature a Q&A with Katarina-sensei and Fuji-sensei, as well as a premiere of Season 2 Episode 1 of Shangri-La Frontier! So prepare for some anime surprises!

Kodansha Presents Shangri-La Frontier Creators Katarina & Ryosuke Fuji
When: Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 11:00AM – 12:00PM EST
Where: Jacob Javits Center — Panel Room 4
What: If you’ve been amazed by the fantastical worlds and epic fights of Shangri-La Frontier, now is your chance to hear from the creators behind it all in this manga-focused event! Kodansha presents Katarina (original author) & Ryoske Fuji (manga artist), the incredible creators behind the Shangri-La Frontier manga, in a not-to-be-missed panel only at Anime NYC! Learn about Fuji & Katarina-sensei’s creative process, the inspiration behind the manga’s vast digital worlds, and more in this wide-ranging panel no manga fan should miss!

Kodansha Announcement Panel: 

Kodansha USA: Secrets Revealed
When: Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 3:00PM – 4:00PM  EST
Where: Jacob Javits Center — Panel Room 2 – 1A12
What: Kodansha—publisher of some of the most exciting, action-packed & heartfelt manga published today, like Blue Lock, WIND BREAKER, and A Sign of Affection—invites you to get a special first look at new manga licenses and initiatives sure to excite anime and manga fans new and old! Come for a manga-focused sneak peek, but stay for personalized recommendations, giveaways, and even a few surprises!

Librarian & Educator-focused Panels: 

Choosing the Perfect Manga for Your Library Collection
When: Thursday, August 23, 2024 at 1:30PM – 2:30PM  EST
Where: Jacob Javits Center — Panel Room 4 – 1A23
What: Discover expert tips and strategies for selecting the perfect manga titles to enhance your library collection. Learn how to cater to diverse reader interests, from captivating storylines to visually striking artwork, ensuring your collection appeals to manga enthusiasts of all ages. Join us to explore the world of manga with the best picks curated by industry professionals. Moderator: Jillian Rudes (NYCDOE Librarian)

Publisher Insights to Mastering Manga and Anime
When: Thursday, August 23, 2024 at 4:30PM – 5:30PM  EST
Where: Jacob Javits Center — Panel Room 4 – 1A23
What: Curious if that manga has an anime or if that anime has a manga? Gain insights into upcoming manga releases and hidden gems, including titles that have also been adapted into anime series. Join leading publishers as they explore the vibrant world of manga and anime, and learn strategies for integrating these popular mediums into library collections and programs. Moderator: Joe Pascullo

About the Shangri-La Frontier Creators: 

Ryosuke Fuji: Manga artist debuted with Attack on Titan: Lost Girls (original work by Hajime Isayama, novel by Hiroshi Seko). Ryosuke Fuji is currently serializing Shangri-La Frontier (original novel by Katarina) in “Weekly Shonen Magazine“. The first chapter of the manga Shangri-La Frontier topped all four categories in the magazine’s reader poll, and the series won the Shōnen category at 47th Kodansha Manga Awards.

Katarina: Novelist, the author of Shangri-La Frontier novel that serialized on a web novel posting site. The novel is adapted into manga by Ryosuke Fuji and now running in “Weekly Shonen Magazine“. The first chapter of the manga Shangri-La Frontier topped all four categories in the magazine’s reader poll, and the series won the Shōnen category at 47th Kodansha Manga Awards.

Stay tuned to this blog with even more updates from Kodansha during Anime NYC 2024