History of Shogakukan in Timeline

Shogakukan Inc. is a Japanese publishing company. They produce a diverse array of media, including comics (manga), magazines, light novels, dictionaries, literature, non-fiction books, and home media. Their wide range of publications caters to various interests and demographics within Japan.

2005: ShoPro Entertainment merged into Viz Media

In 2005, Shogakukan's licensing arm in North America, ShoPro Entertainment, was merged into Viz Media.

2009: Viz Media Europe bought the French Kazé Group

In 2009, Viz Media Europe bought the French Kazé Group, which publishes manga and home video for the French and German market.

March 2010: Shogakukan partners with Fantagraphics

In March 2010, Shogakukan announced a partnership with American comics publisher Fantagraphics to publish a line of manga edited by Rachel Thorn.

February 15, 2018: CoroCoro Comic publishes controversial cartoon

On February 15, 2018, CoroCoro Comic published a cartoon making fun of Genghis Khan, resulting in backlash. The comic depicted Genghis Khan with male genitalia on his forehead.

March 2018: Shogakukan recalls CoroCoro Comic issue and apologizes

In March 2018, Shogakukan issued a public apology, recalled the CoroCoro Comic issue containing the controversial Genghis Khan image, and offered refunds. Bookstores pulled the publication and the author of Yarisugi!!! Itazura-kun, Asumi Yoshino, apologized.

2020: Shogakukan suspends Daten Sakusen

In 2020, Shogakukan suspended Shōichi Yamamoto's series Daten Sakusen citing his "poor health".

2022: Daten Sakusen ends publication

In 2022, Shogakukan announced that the manga Daten Sakusen was ending publication.

February 20, 2026: Shōichi Yamamoto found liable for sexual abuse

On February 20, 2026, a Sapporo District Court judge found Shōichi Yamamoto liable for sexually abusing a minor. Shogakukan announced an investigative committee and MangaONE suspended Jojin Kamen, revealing Yamamoto as the author.