Japan: Young People Are Drifting Away from Manga

Young people are drifting away from manga, and this has raised concerns among experts in Japan’s publishing industry. Even though the market has reached record revenue in recent years, data shows that children and teenagers are reading less and less, both in physical and digital formats.

Young People Are Drifting Away from Manga: What the Data Shows

Young people are drifting away from manga consistently over the past decades. Research reveals that in the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese students used to read around 10 manga magazines per month. By 2025, that number dropped drastically to just one magazine per month, while 77.7% of young people report not consuming this type of publication anymore.

This scenario also highlights the decline in popularity of traditional magazines. While some publications aimed at children still maintain relevance, magazines targeted at teenagers have lost a significant portion of their audience, dropping to about one-tenth of what they once had.

Moreover, the decline is not limited to magazines. Comparing data from 1985 to 2023, there has been an approximate 20% drop in physical manga readership among students of different age groups. This reinforces that young people are drifting away from manga overall, indicating a broader cultural shift in consumption habits.

The Role of Digital in the Decline of Readers

Even with technological advancements, the digital environment has not been able to stop the fact that young people are drifting away from manga. Unlike countries such as South Korea, where webtoons are widely accessible and popular, Japan’s digital market is more focused on adult audiences.

Most digital platforms rely on paid subscriptions or in-app purchases, which makes access difficult for children and teenagers. Without purchasing power, many young people simply stop consuming this type of content.

Another relevant factor is the lack of digital productions specifically aimed at children and teens. Even with the launch of dedicated reading apps, the impact remains limited due to existing barriers.

Experts point out that it will be necessary to invest in more accessible models and create content that connects with younger generations. Otherwise, the trend suggests that young people will continue drifting away, making this phenomenon even more evident in the coming years.