Over 1.24 Million Copies Sold & TV Anime to Air in October 2026! Gakken Releases New 'Yuruyuru Zukan Reading Drill: Youkai for Lower Grades'

Gakken Inc. (Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo / President: Tatsuya Minami), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo / President: Hiroaki Miyahara), released the 'Yuruyuru Zukan Reading Drill: Youkai for Lower Grades' on July 13, 2026.

A brand-new 'Youkai' edition, perfect for summer, joins the highly popular series praised for making learning fun through favorite themes!

The 'Yuruyuru Zukan Reading Drill' is a reading comprehension workbook for lower elementary school students, born from the 'Yuruyuru Zukan' series, which has surpassed 1.24 million copies in cumulative circulation (as of June 2026). Praised for making reading practice enjoyable by using children's interests—such as animals and dinosaurs—as entry points.

"Fun and engaging! My child willingly does it."

"They can learn about animals while practicing reading comprehension. Unlike other reading drills, this one features topics my child loves, so they happily engage with it."

"My child loves dinosaurs but struggles with reading—this is amazing! They're highly motivated to do it."

Now, this popular series welcomes a new 'Youkai' theme.

Boost reading comprehension skills while enjoying stories about Japanese spirits!

This book features beloved Japanese yōkai such as the Kyūbi (nine-tailed fox), Kappa (water imp), Nurikabe (wall spirit), and Zashiki-warashi (house spirit), all appearing one after another.

"What is the weakness of a sumo-strong Kappa?"

"How can you defeat a Nurikabe?"

"What happens to a house when the Zashiki-warashi leaves?"

These mysterious legends and characteristics of yōkai are introduced in simple, easy-to-read text suitable even for younger elementary students. By reading passages on topics they're interested in and solving related questions, children naturally develop their reading and thinking skills.

Each day's lesson is completed in one spread, making it ideal for children trying reading drills for the first time. With relaxed illustrations and 4-panel manga, children can enjoy learning all the way to the end.

Spark motivation with sparkling 'Youkai' stickers!

The desire to "stick a sticker!" drives learning enthusiasm!

At the beginning of the book, 20 holographic 'Kirashīru' (sparkle stickers) featuring the yōkai from the book and a poster to complete by sticking the stickers are included.

The stickers have a special shimmering finish. Aiming to complete their favorite yōkai poster gives children the motivation to say, "I want to solve more so I can stick the next sticker!" Sticking a sticker after each completed section also provides a sense of achievement—"I made it this far today!" The poster allows parents and children to instantly see how much progress has been made, aiding in learning management.

Beyond the fun of studying, the joy of collecting stickers naturally fosters a consistent study habit!

※ No sticker is included for Episode 21, as it is a special edition.

Develop reading comprehension skills joyfully with the 'Yuruyuru Zukan Reading Drill'!

This series helps children simultaneously build reading comprehension and reading habits through beloved stories about yōkai and animals. After studying with the workbook, visiting museums, zoos, or aquariums in real life further expands the joy of learning. Additionally, the newly released 'Youkai' edition includes slightly spooky stories perfect for summer! Use this book to fully enjoy both fun interests and learning.

TV anime adaptation confirmed for October 2026! About the 'Yuruyuru Zukan' series

The 'Yuruyuru Zukan' series has surpassed 1.24 million copies in cumulative circulation. It's a highly acclaimed encyclopedia that uses relaxed illustrations and 4-panel manga to make learning about animal traits and ecosystems enjoyable for everyone. The column pages go beyond animal ecology, introducing information on nature conservation and human-animal relationships. From classic themes like 'Dangerous Creatures' and 'Dinosaurs' to unique topics rarely seen in other encyclopedias—such as 'Sharks' and 'Amazon'—the series stands out with its rich and diverse lineup. A TV anime adaptation is set to begin in October 2026!

▶ Official website: https://zukan.gakken.jp/lp/yuruyuru/

[Product Overview]

'Yuruyuru Zukan Reading Drill: Youkai for Lower Grades'

Supervised by: Kazuhiko Komatsu

Price: ¥1,320 (tax included)

Release Date: July 13, 2026

Specifications: B5 size, 56 pages

Digital version: Available

ISBN: 978-4-05-306444-8

[Book Details & Purchase]

・Gakken Publishing Site: https://hon.gakken.jp/book/1130644400

・Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/02LJcuwN

・Rakuten Books: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/18626105/

Gakken Inc.

https://www.corp-gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Tatsuya Minami ・Incorporation Date: January 13, 2009 (Company name changed on October 1, 2022) ・Capital: ¥50 million ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8416 ・Business: Publishing & content, global operations, medical & nursing publishing, school & kindergarten services, classroom-related services, e-commerce & online services, advertising

GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

https://www.gakken.co.jp/ ・President & CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara ・Incorporation Date: March 31, 1947 ・Capital: ¥19,817 million ・Sales: ¥199.1 billion, 82 consolidated subsidiaries (as of fiscal year ending September 2025) ・Listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Stock Code: 9470) ・Address: 2-11-8 Nishigotanda, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-8510 ・Phone: 03-6431-1001 (main) ・Business: Holding company established in 1946, operating in education, healthcare, and welfare Education: Classroom and tutoring services (e.g., Gakken Juku), publishing of learning materials, textbooks, and childcare/school supplies Healthcare & Welfare: Service-oriented housing for seniors, dementia group homes, childcare and after-school support Global: Operations in over 150 countries