Kodansha to Launch Young Magazine USA in North America on Aug 21

Key Facts

• Kodansha will release Young Magazine USA on August 21 (JST: August 22)
• The issue includes 19 entirely new manga works in English
• Titles will be available via Anime NYC, Kinokuniya, and online
• A voting campaign will select five series for U.S.-Japan simultaneous serialization
• Cover illustration is by Ghost in the Shell creator Masamune Shirow

Kodansha has announced the release of Young Magazine USA, a special edition of Young Magazine tailored for the North American market. Launching on August 21 (JST: August 22), the 1,044-page issue features 19 newly created manga titles in English. The initiative includes a public voting campaign, where readers will help select five series for future serialization on both Kodansha’s Young Magazine and KMANGA app.

What Young Magazine USA Aims to Achieve

Interview with Emi Shiraki, Editor-in-Chief of Young Magazine USA

Q: Why did you decide to create a special edition for North America?
A:
The growing global interest in manga, especially the depth of seinen manga, prompted us to launch this project. As Young Magazine has introduced classics like AKIRA and Ghost in the Shell, we hoped to spark the next such milestone. With this year marking our 45th anniversary, the timing felt right to embark on an international edition as part of our commemorative efforts.

Q: How does Young Magazine USA differ from the Japanese version?
A:
While the Japanese edition often features stories involving hitmen and drugs, this special issue focuses on science fiction and dark fantasy. We've kept the magazine’s core identity as a home for outsiders but curated titles that resonate on a more global scale. The lineup aims to reflect international sensibilities and universal themes.

Q: How was the theme “UN-filtered MANGA” developed?
A:
The concept emerged from discussions with advertising partners who asked, “In a filtered world, do we need filters on imagination?” This aligns with what seinen manga has always aimed to portray—reality, not just fantasy. Manga is a medium capable of expressing raw human emotions, including struggle, pain, and social alienation. This project embodies that idea.

Details of the 19 New Manga Works

The special edition includes 19 new titles across various genres, emphasizing realism and diversity. Featured creators include Shuichi Shigeno (Initial D), with his new work Subaru and Subaru, and contributions from Shuzo Oshimi (The Flowers of Evil), Masaaki Nakayama (PTSD Radio), and Kengo Hanazawa (Under Ninja).

Also included is BOYS RUN THE RIOT -IN TRANSITION- and several other original works selected from over 100 applicants via an open call last October. North American staff provided input during the selection process to ensure alignment with the cultural and social considerations of the region.

Cover artwork is by Masamune Shirow, creator of Ghost in the Shell, visually representing the intersection of humanity, city, and technology.

Availability and Voting Campaign

Young Magazine USA will be distributed for free starting August 21 at the ANIME NYC 2025 event and Kinokuniya booths in New York. Additionally, 17 Kinokuniya stores across North America will participate in a limited-time pop-up distribution campaign. The magazine's content will also be published sequentially on the official Young Magazine USA X account and website.

A voting campaign will be held through X (formerly Twitter) and a special website. Out of the 19 new titles, 16 are eligible. Users’ Likes and Reposts will be counted as votes, and the top five titles will receive simultaneous serialization in both Young Magazine (Japan) and KMANGA. Results will be announced on December 15 (JST: December 16).

FAQ

Q: When will Young Magazine USA be released?
A: It will be released on August 21 (Japan time: August 22).

Q: How many new manga titles are included?
A: The issue includes 19 newly created manga works in English.

Q: Where can readers access the content?
A: It will be distributed at Anime NYC 2025, 17 Kinokuniya stores in North America, and online via official X and website.

Q: How does the voting campaign work?
A: 16 out of 19 titles are eligible. Likes and Reposts on X and the website will count as votes. The top five will be serialized in Japan and the U.S.

Q: Who illustrated the cover of Young Magazine USA?
A: The cover illustration was drawn by Masamune Shirow, the creator of Ghost in the Shell.

Source : ORICON NEWS