Cartoon-strip publishers, whose printed-matter sales have been losing steam, are actively embracing mobile media because cell phones are what young people are spending their time and money on. Cell phone sites for cartoon strips are booming, as is demand for popular titles. But at the same time, some famous “manga” artists are bypassing publishing houses to offer their works to “keitai” (cell phone) sites directly. (See WWJ’s initial report on this topic — from Sept. 2003!! — here – Ed.)

Toppan Printing Co. in April 2003 became one of the first firms to offer cartoon strips via cell phones. It currently offers 55 titles, including Reiji Matsumoto’s “Ginga Tetsudo 999″ (“Galaxy Railway 999″) in collaboration with major publishers. Full story here.

Related posts:

1. Japan Mobile Manga at SmarTone
2. Mobile Manga from Japan to India
3. Mobile Manga on BusinessWeek
4. DoCoMo Taking Manga to Germany
5. Sony Announcement Makes Cell Phone Manga News, Again

Some sage advise when entering new turf; Stop, Look and Listen.. it’s also good to secure a local guide. Japan is the cradle of mobile civilization – we have been dedicated to this space since 2001 – trust our archives here offer some useful material.

Domestic activities continue to set the pace, and sharp players are looking at global markets. We have hard-earned industry expertise and trusted network of contacts with access to advanced intell. and potential deal flow. Need a lift.. Ok, buckle-up!