DNP and Kodansha to Establish Publishing Joint Venture in Delhi, India

Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshihito Kitashima; hereinafter: DNP) will jointly establish a publishing joint venture company, 'Kodansha India,' in Delhi, India, in July 2026, together with Kodansha Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President and CEO: Shigeyuki Noma) and IJ Kakehashi Services Pvt. Ltd. (Headquarters: Delhi, India; President and CEO: Sanjay Kumar Panda). Kodansha India will conduct marketing activities for Kodansha's manga and other content, adapting it for the Indian market and manufacturing and publishing it locally.

This marks the first time* a comprehensive Japanese publishing company has established a local entity in India to publish physical books and manga. Kodansha India is scheduled to begin operations in autumn 2026, with DNP managing the production of books published by the company.

【Background of Establishing 'Kodansha India'】

In India, driven by population growth and economic expansion, the fanbase for Japanese manga and related content is rapidly expanding, particularly among younger demographics. While demand for physical books remains strong, the availability of Japanese manga in India is limited, making it difficult to meet local needs. In response, the three companies will establish a publishing company within India. The new company will comprehensively handle marketing, manufacturing, and publishing of popular Kodansha titles such as 'Attack on Titan' and 'Blue Lock' in localized Indian editions. Through these publishing and content initiatives, the company aims to meet Indian manga fans' expectations in terms of pricing and product availability, while expanding the market for Japanese entertainment.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Kodansha India Private Limited.

Shareholder Structure and Ownership Ratios: Kodansha Ltd. (81%), Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (14%), IJ Kakehashi Services Pvt. Ltd. (IJ Kakehashi Services Corporation) (5%)

Managing Director: Hiroatoshi Kurita (Director, Kodansha Ltd.)

Capital: 95 million Indian Rupees

Headquarters: Delhi, India

Business Activities: Publishing and content business

Company Establishment and Operational Start: Company to be established in July 2026, with operations commencing in autumn 2026

* According to Kodansha's research (Comprehensive publisher: A publishing company that primarily engages in publishing, with diversified media including magazines, books, and digital content)

※ Company names and logos mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

※ The information stated is current as of the announcement date and is subject to change without prior notice.