KADOKAWA announced that its Manga Learning Series: Japanese History has surpassed 10 million copies in total sales. To mark its 10th anniversary, the publisher has updated volumes 1 to 15 to reflect the latest historical research and to improve gender balance, emphasizing that the revisions are an “update,” not a correction.

Quick Summary

・KADOKAWA’s Japanese History manga series has sold over 10 million copies since its 2015 debut.
・All 15 volumes were updated for the series’ 10th anniversary to reflect recent academic findings.
・Volume 1 revises gender representation, removing fixed male-female role assignments.
・Volume 10 reinterprets Tokugawa Tsunayoshi’s Edict on Compassion for Living Things based on modern views.
・The editorial team emphasized that the update reflects progress in research, not past errors.

When Did KADOKAWA Update Its Japanese History Manga Series?

KADOKAWA announced on November 10 that the Manga Learning Series: Japanese History had been updated to coincide with its 10th anniversary. The revision aligns the 15-volume series with the latest findings in historical and archaeological research while maintaining its educational appeal for young readers.

Gender Balance Revisions in Volume 1 of Japanese History

In Volume 1, KADOKAWA reviewed overall gender representation. Earlier editions depicted more male characters and linked roles such as hunting to men and gathering to women. The updated version removes this fixed gender-role association, following current archaeological perspectives that indicate women also took part in combat during the Yayoi period.

In the image below, the old version depicted fixed gender roles—men as hunters and women as gatherers. The revised edition, based on current research, removes this link between gender and role in both text and artwork.

Revised Portrayal of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi in Volume 10

Volume 10 revises its description of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi’s policy, the Edict on Compassion for Living Things. Previously presented as a misguided law, the new edition reflects modern research that recognizes Tsunayoshi’s attempt to promote moral respect for life. Page 52 now offers a more balanced interpretation of his governance.

For example, the description of the shogun promoting the Edict on Compassion for Living Things has been changed from “heading in a strange direction” to “seeking to spread a spirit of valuing life.”

KADOKAWA’s Editorial Statement on the Updates

The editorial team expressed gratitude to readers, stating, “These changes are not corrections but updates. The previous versions were not wrong, but history evolves as research advances.” They emphasized that history serves as a mirror of its time and invited continued readership of the series.

Impact of the 10th Anniversary Update on Readers and Education

The update underscores KADOKAWA’s commitment to keeping educational content relevant and inclusive. By integrating new academic insights and promoting gender balance, the publisher aims to foster historical literacy that reflects both contemporary scholarship and diverse perspectives.

Source : ORICON NEWS