Kodansha is a leading Japanese publishing company founded in 1910 by Seiji Noma and headquartered in Bunkyō, Tokyo. The company specializes in publishing manga magazines such as Weekly Shōnen Magazine, Afternoon, Evening, and Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, as well as literary magazines like Gunzō and Shūkan Gendai. Kodansha also publishes the Japanese dictionary Nihongo Daijiten. The company operates globally, offering a diverse range of products including books, light novels, CDs, and DVDs.
Kodansha has made significant contributions to the publishing industry, particularly in the manga and literary sectors. It remains a family-owned business, with members of the Noma family involved either directly or through the Noma Cultural Foundation. The company has expanded its influence worldwide, maintaining a strong presence in the global market. Notable figures include Yoshinobu Noma, who serves as president and CEO.