Japan's renowned publisher, Shueisha, home to iconic manga magazines like the Jump series, stands as a true titan in the Japanese manga industry.
As Shueisha celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the publisher officially launched its special website, "SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO," on January 9, 2026. This commemorative project will run for a full year, from January to December, featuring a diverse array of manga-themed special events and content to mark this century-long milestone.
The "SHUEISHA MANGA EXPO" special anniversary site is set to unleash a torrent of manga-centric projects, bringing together creators and celebrities from all walks of life to celebrate Shueisha's century-long legacy in style.
Mangakas Pick Their "Most Memorable Chapters"
Kicking off with a star-studded lineup, the "Mangakas' Most Unforgettable Chapters" submission project invites over 40 mangakas to personally select "that one chapter" that holds profound meaning for them, complete with handwritten comments.
The first installment features Osamu Akimoto, creator of "KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops," who shares his feelings and creative background behind the series' final chapter (collected in Volume 200) and a special new draft drawn for the "KochiKame Exhibition" (included in Volume 201). This allows readers to dive into the manga while simultaneously experiencing the author's thoughts at the time.
Future contributors are slated to include authors like Kozue Morimoto and Yasuhisa Hara, with announcements to be made regularly on the special website.
Osamu Akimoto revealed that his most memorable work is the final chapter of "KochiKame: Tokyo Beat Cops." The series ran for 10, 20, even 30 years. While every chapter was a joy to draw and always brought new inspiration, there was a fleeting moment during its creation when he wondered, "Am I going to be drawing this for the rest of my life?" Ultimately, however, the series reached its conclusion.
He finished the final chapter with almost no real sense that it was ending. But once the manuscript was complete, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind: "Am I really never going to draw this series again?" Looking back, he realized he had been drawing it for 40 years, and a wave of loneliness washed over him.
Since it's a gag manga, the final chapter didn't take a sad turn but instead ended on a cheerful note. Coincidentally, the "KochiKame Exhibition" was also being held at the time, and the staff in charge asked him, "Shonen Jump is official, of course, but could you draw a special new draft with a message for the fans visiting the exhibition?" So, he secretly drew one. Because it wasn't published in a magazine, he felt he could express his true feelings more honestly. Both of these works remain deeply profound and unforgettable memories for him.
Celebrities Recommend Must-Read Manga
Another submission project, "My Manga Recommendations," invites over 20 well-known figures from various fields to share "the manga that left the deepest impression on them" and "the works they most want everyone to read now," complete with their personal recommendations.
Kicking things off is Japanese national team member and professional footballer, Takefusa Kubo, who recommends popular titles like "ONE PIECE" and "Naruto." The website thoughtfully includes links to the series pages, so interested readers can dive right in.
In the future, more athletes, creators, and artists will be invited to participate. Details on who will recommend which works, along with other 100th-anniversary events, will be progressively revealed on the special website. If you're interested, it's highly recommended to stay tuned!
