TokyoPop, the publisher known for introducing manga to the North American market, has announced a new comics and children’s book imprint. TokyoPop Learning will focus on books and learning materials for young readers ages 10 and up. Titles will be available through major book retailers and educational distributors, including Penguin Random House.
As part of the launch, TokyoPop is teaming up with prominent Japanese educational company Gakken Inc. on manga resources that are designed to address learning gaps. According to a 2023 survey by School Library Journal, the popularity of graphic novels and manga has surged in more than 90% of school libraries, while 83% of school librarians reported recommending them to struggling readers.
Stu Levy, CEO and Founder of TokyoPop said in a statement, “Manga is how millions of young people choose to engage with content, and it’s a trend that is growing quickly around the world. With this new imprint, we will create modern educational materials to give students an authentic pathway to building knowledge.”
Katsuhiro Takiguchi, corporate officer of Gakken Inc., added, “At Gakken Inc., we believe learning should be an enjoyable journey, and our work with TokyoPop allows us to deliver on that belief in a new way. Together, we will create new educational resources that inspire creativity and curiosity.”
