An Obsession With Comics (Press, 29 April 1988)

In an article published on 29 April 1988, Robert Whymant highlights the significance of manga, or comic books, in Japanese society. He notes that "Young Jump," the most popular manga, sells nearly five million copies each week, demonstrating the widespread appeal of comics among all demographics, including professionals in business attire who often read them on their daily commute. Manga serves as a form of escapism for many, contrasting with the serious reading of newspapers like the “Nihon Keizai Shimbun.” The range of comics available is vast, with over 200 regular titles that encompass various genres. Popular themes include science fiction, school adventures, ghost stories, and gangster tales, often containing elements of violence and sexuality. Meanwhile, comics marketed to women typically revolve around romance, while feminism is notably absent from these narratives. The sheer scale of the comic book industry in Japan is significant. In 1987 alone, 1.3 billion comics were sold, and the three top-selling titles accounted for over eight million sales per week. Scholars, including Professor Yoshiya Soeda, argue that understanding Japanese lifestyle requires acknowledging the power of comic books in shaping culture and society. Some comics delve into darker themes, including the depiction of violence against women, although not all content is salacious; many comics retell classic literary works and have educational aspects. Noteworthy publications include "An Introduction to the Japanese Economy," which achieved remarkable success, selling a million copies. There are also comics that celebrate historical figures, such as a quarterly comic about former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, aimed at informing supporters about his life and career. Despite some educators expressing concern that younger generations may be sidelining traditional literature in favour of comics, the publishing industry remains optimistic. Comics constitute about a quarter of Japan's total book and magazine production, with over 1.5 billion books printed last year, alongside a staggering 2.84 billion magazines (excluding comics). The magazine market is flourishing, with 35 new titles released in the first quarter of 1988 alone, expanding the total to around 170 by the year's end. This expansion includes magazines targeting working women, covering topics such as cuisine, travel, and fortune-telling, with initial press runs reaching 200,000 copies for their first editions. Overall, the demand for practical information and entertaining content drives the success of new publications. The Japanese culture values information highly, and Whymant effectively captures this sentiment by quoting Arthur Koestler, who remarked on the Japanese belief in the “nutritive value of information" across all subjects, suggesting a collective appetite for knowledge.

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