Projected Manga Releases Down in 2009

ICv2 reports that the number of manga volumes expected to hit American store shelves in 2009 will be nearly 10% lower than the number of manga volumes released to market in 2008. The number of domestic manga volumes published increased by 18% from 2006 to 2007, but declining sales, decreased ordering from major bookstore chains, and manga publishing industry layoffs and closures will result in a shrinkage in manga publishing next year.