SORAJIMA Launches "Shonen STOKE Editorial Department" to Deliver Shonen Manga.

SORAJIMA (CEO: Kotsujuro Hagiwara, Jurou Maeda; Location: Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo) has established the "Shonen STOKE Editorial Department" in preparation for the release of an original shonen manga app scheduled for spring 2027. The logo for the "Shonen STOKE Editorial Department" will also be officially unveiled today.

Shonen STOKE Official Website: http://lp.shonenstoke.com

Background

The time one can remain a "boy" lasts only about 2,000 days (※1) in a lifetime. Within those mere 2,000 days, a single day might determine the rest of a highly impressionable boy's life. We aim to deliver shonen manga that ignites the spark within their hearts during this irreplaceable period.

To achieve this, we must first confront the reality of young people moving away from manga magazines. This trend has been progressing year by year. While manga magazines were once read by high school students at an average of over 10 issues per month during their peak, this number has decreased to just 1.0 issue by 2025 (※2). In response to this situation, SORAJIMA, with the desire to "deliver shonen manga to today's youth once again," is launching the "Shonen STOKE Editorial Department." This department will adopt a vertical reading format optimized for smartphones, which are now a daily tool for junior high and high school students. The editorial department is currently developing its serialized works, which are slated for release on the shonen manga app in April 2027.

※1 Defined as the period from the first year of junior high school to the third year of high school.

※2 Source: National School Library Association "School Reading Survey"

"Shonen STOKE Editorial Department" Overview

- Department Name: Shonen STOKE - Format: Original Shonen Manga x Specialized in Vertical Reading

The Wish Embedded in the Word "STOKE"

The editorial department's name, "Shonen STOKE," directly reflects our editorial policy: to "stoke the embers in a boy's heart and make them burn even brighter," drawing from the original English meaning of "stoke" as in "to add fuel to a fire" or "to stir up." We express this as "STOKEing the boy's heart."

The shape at the center of the logo represents the "spark" that lies dormant within the hearts of young boys. The two-layered design surrounding this spark symbolizes the image of that spark igniting and spreading through Shonen STOKE.

- Editorial Policy

- Distribution Medium: To be distributed within the app scheduled for launch in April 2027.

- Shonen STOKE Official Website: http://lp.shonenstoke.com

About the Original Shonen Manga App "Shonen STOKE"

In April 2027, we plan to release a shonen manga app specializing in original works. Currently, numerous titles are under production by the "Shonen STOKE Editorial Department" for this app. To deliver works that "stoke" the hearts of all who possess a "boy's heart," regardless of age, this app will primarily adhere to the following four publication policies:

【Four Features】

We will release a shonen manga app specializing in original works and vertical reading. It will possess the following four features tailored to the modern era:

1. All Episodes Free on First Read

We will implement a system where all episodes can be read for free on the first attempt. With all episodes free on the first read, anyone can enjoy the characters and story without being limited by their allowance.

2. All Works Updated on the Same Day of the Week

The app will exclusively feature original works, and the latest episodes of all titles will be updated on the same day each week. This will allow boys to have "topics to discuss with friends" on that particular day.

3. Vertical Reading Manga

We have chosen "vertical reading" as the format to deliver shonen manga to boys. We believe that the vertical reading format holds "great potential" to reach junior high and high school students who have drifted away from manga.

4. Limited Number of Serialized Works

To effectively deliver shonen manga to boys, we will set a limit on the number of concurrently serialized works. With a fixed number of titles, boys will find it easier to discover works, and we believe this curated selection of serialized works will maximize the "spark" within them.

"Shonen STOKE 1st Manga Award" Now Accepting Entries

Application Deadline: September 7, 2026 (Mon)

Special Website: https://lp.shonen.sorajima.jp/contest2026/top

Eligibility: Anyone who wishes to deliver a "single vertical episode" that drives boys forward.

Grand Prize (1 winner): Serialized support totaling 3 million yen

【Serialized Support Details】

- Living Expenses Support: 1.5 million yen (300,000 yen/month x 5 months)

- Serialization Preparation Costs: 500,000 yen

- Dedicated Advertising Funds for the Work: 1 million yen

- Guaranteed Serialization & Editorial Support

▼ Application Guidelines & Details Here

https://lp.shonen.sorajima.jp/contest2026/entry

SORAJIMA

Company Name: SORAJIMA Inc.

Location: 2F Daiwa Shibaura Bldg., 1-12-3 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0023

Representatives: Kotsujuro Hagiwara (Co-CEO) / Jurou Maeda (Co-CEO)

Established: February 2019

Business Activities: Publication of original manga

URL: https://sorajima.jp