Kodansha to Print Manga Locally in India in Hindi, English

In a major move for the growing manga market in South Asia, Kodansha has announced plans to print manga locally in India, making titles available in both Hindi and English. The decision marks a significant step toward expanding manga accessibility for Indian readers and highlights the increasing popularity of Japanese entertainment in the region.

The initiative is expected to help manga become more affordable and widely available across India by reducing import costs and improving distribution. By producing books locally, Kodansha aims to reach a broader audience, including new readers who may prefer stories translated into Hindi alongside English editions.

The publisher’s decision reflects the rapid growth of anime and manga fandom in India, where streaming services, conventions, and online communities have helped fuel interest in Japanese pop culture. Fans have long expressed demand for officially licensed manga that is easier to access and reasonably priced in local markets.

Local printing in Hindi and English could also play a major role in introducing manga to younger audiences and readers unfamiliar with Japanese storytelling. Hindi-language editions, in particular, may help manga reach audiences beyond major metropolitan areas, opening the door for wider cultural adoption.

While Kodansha has yet to reveal a complete lineup of titles planned for local printing, fans are already speculating about which major manga series could become available first. Popular action, romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life titles are all likely candidates for release.

The move could also encourage other Japanese publishers to invest more heavily in India’s manga industry, potentially creating a stronger physical manga market in the country over the coming years.

As anime and manga continue to grow globally, Kodansha’s expansion into localized printing demonstrates confidence in India as an important and emerging market for Japanese entertainment media.

More details regarding release schedules, title announcements, and distribution are expected to be shared in the near future.