Los Angeles, CA – Kodama Tales Inc. was born from a simple but powerful truth: we are fans first. Before we were publishers, we were kids who spent hours lost in the pages of manga, laughing, dreaming, and finding inspiration in worlds that felt larger than life. That passion has now grown into a mission to share the magic of Japanese manga with English readers everywhere, honoring every detail that makes these stories unforgettable.
Kodama is a proud subsidiary of Kyodo Printing Co., Ltd., a company with over 120 years of history and the official printer behind Weekly Shonen Jump, the magazine that launched cultural icons like Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Naruto. With this legacy of craftsmanship behind us, our promise is to deliver manga of uncompromising quality. From the texture of the paper to obi wraps, from careful translations to thoughtful design, every element is chosen with respect for the original vision.
Our roots are global. Based in Los Angeles and supported by Kyodo Printing in Tokyo, Kodama is also powered by Digital Catapult, one of the pioneer online manga platforms, now rights agency and publishing house. We are a team brought together by love for the medium and a shared dream to publish manga that feels alive, authentic, and deeply cared for.
Our First Step: Baki the Grappler
That dream takes its first bold step this October with the official English debut of Baki The Grappler by Keisuke Itagaki. For the first time, readers worldwide will be able to experience this martial arts epic in its Perfect Edition of 24 volumes.
Baki The Grappler is more than just manga, it is a phenomenon. Originally serialized in Akita Publishing’s Weekly Shōnen Champion, the Baki franchise has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and continues to be beloved for its intense action, unforgettable characters, and raw spirit of combat. With this release, we are honored to bring a true legend into the hands of English readers in the way it was always meant to be read.
What Comes After the First Fight
Baki is only the beginning. Kodama Tales has partnered with a wide range of respected Japanese publishers including Akita Publishing, Asahi Shimbun Publications, Coamix, Daiwa Shobo, echoes, HERO’S, Nihonbungeisha, Shodensha, and Shonengahosha to curate a lineup that is as diverse as it is bold.
At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, we announced our second major release: Smile! by Mitei Hattori. This psychological horror mystery is a striking departure from the explosive world of Baki and signals our commitment to exploring the full spectrum of what manga can offer. From action-packed sagas to chilling mysteries, our upcoming lineup reflects the endless creativity of Japanese storytelling.
Small Company, Big Dreams
We are only at the beginning of our journey, but our hearts are set on something big. With every book we publish, we hope to bring readers closer to the same wonder that first drew us into manga.
Baki The Grappler is the start. Smile! is the next chapter. Beyond them, more titles, more voices, and more unforgettable stories are waiting.
We can’t wait to show you what’s next, and we hope you’ll join us on this journey.