[Shueisha Co., Ltd.] Manga magazine for girls “Ribon” is celebrating its 70th anniversary! The magazine, which has created masterpieces that represent the history of girls’ manga, such as “Tokimeki Tonight,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” and “Kokkou Monogatari,” has a series of projects planned for this special year.
Shueisha Co., Ltd. Press release: January 7, 2025 The manga magazine for girls “Ribon” is celebrating its 70th anniversary! The magazine, which has created masterpieces that represent the history of girls’ manga, such as “Tokimeki Tonight,” “Chibi Maruko-chan,” and “Kokkou Monogatari,” has a series of projects planned for this special year. Illustrations drawn by 12 popular Ribon manga artists, including those currently serialized, for the 70th anniversary supplement will be printed on Lawson multi-copy machines nationwide. Now on sale with “Lawson Print” that can be printed out!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-d9b38eebe29ef90f19c41cda018a94cd-508×729.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-2ec1cc9d50e6effb0e7d01bfb9dac02e-1451×2057.jpg (c) Ribon first issue/Shueisha Ribon, a girls’ manga magazine published by Shueisha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, 2025. It was born in August 1955 as a sister magazine to Shueisha’s first manga magazine for girls, “Shoujo Book.” Since then, we have continued to publish numerous manga, stories, and special features as a magazine that satisfies intellectual curiosity and is sensitive to the feelings of girls living in the times. This release features a close-up of Ribon’s representative works and special projects commemorating its 70th anniversary. Please take a look at this special initiative that expresses our gratitude for 70 years and our determination to continue delivering excellent works and special features. ■ “Ribon” history First published on August 3, 1955. Since then, we have published information about children around the world and works and articles that capture the subtleties of all emotions, tickling the curiosity of elementary school readers who change with the times. It plays the role of a general magazine for acquiring various knowledge useful for healthy growth, and in order to make it easy for children to read, it not only includes manga, but also “picture stories” written with illustrations and text, reading materials using photos, gravure, etc. We have included a wide variety of articles such as coloring pages and quizzes. In the late 1970s, supplements such as letter sets with illustrations from manga artists, notebooks, and paper bags were included. In particular, the supplements contributed by Ako Mutsu, Yumiko Tabuchi, Hideko Tachikake, and others, who gained tremendous support as a “girly manga artist” for their cute illustrations and stories, accelerated Ribon’s popularity at once. . In the February 1994 New Year’s special issue, circulation reached an all-time high of 2.55 million copies, making it the number one girls’ manga magazine in terms of circulation. And in 2024, it will once again be the number one girl’s manga magazine in terms of circulation. To this day, celebrating our 70th anniversary, we have continued to deliver “fun” to our readers, not only by enriching our classic manga works, but also by focusing on special features and supplements, without changing our editorial style. ■ “Ribon” representative works We will introduce representative works from the first edition to the present, along with cover images from those days.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-52519ca288a682b2a717fbc9787d48f0-1500×2112.jpg (c) Ribon February 1985 issue/Shueisha 1: “Tokimeki Tonight” Serialized in the July 1982 issue to October 1994 issue. Ranze Eto, whose father is a vampire and mother is a werewolf, falls in love with a human boy, Shun Makabe. The early part of the story was comically depicted, focusing on Ranze’s pure love and skirmishes with her rival, Yoko Kamiya. After that, it was revealed that Makabe-kun’s birth had a great deal to do with the demon world, and the story developed into one that involved the entire demon world. Ranze’s single-mindedness in his love for Makabe-kun, and Makabe-kun’s occasional expressions of affection, which he rarely talks about, gained support. The first part was serialized with Ranze as the main character, the second part was with Ranse’s younger brother, Suzuyo’s childhood friend Narumi, and the third part was with Ranse and Makabe’s daughter Aira as the main character. It was made into a TV anime in 1982. All 16 volumes of comics (paperback version). More than 40 years after its
serialization, it remains popular, and “Tokimeki Tonight Sorekara” is currently being serialized in the women’s manga magazine “Cookie” (published by Shueisha).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-9b16f6123c7917e4aad934ce661fbfd1-1868×2630.jpg (c) Ribon March 1990 issue/Shueisha 2: “Chibi Maruko-chan”
Serialization began in the August 1986 issue, and is currently being serialized irregularly. Set in Shizuoka Prefecture in the 1970s, where Momoko Sakura spent her elementary school days, the film depicts the daily life of Maruko, a third-year elementary school student, and her family and friends. Maruko’s lazy and slightly cunning character resonated not only with readers of her own age, but also with adults who were once elementary school students. When it was made into a TV anime on Fuji TV in 1990, it became a social phenomenon, with the theme song “Odoru Ponpokorin” (B.B. Queens) winning the 32nd Japan Record Award. Its popularity has spread throughout the country, and the anime is still being broadcast. Since 2018, when Sakura passed away, her longtime assistant Botan Kohagi has been in charge of the illustrations. Comics volumes 1 to 18 have already been published (continued below).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-0c6184dd3aa048d80c06e273ce7908cb-1894×2615.jpg (c) Ribbon November 1990 issue/Shueisha 3: “Hime-chan’s Ribbon” Serialized in the August 1990 issue to January 1994 issue. A classic fantasy work that begins when Himeko Nonohara, a tomboyish and boyish junior high school student, acquires a “magic ribbon that allows her to transform into anyone in the human world.” In addition to the excitement of transformation, Himeko’s growth, which lies behind her brightness and worries about a lack of confidence in herself, her love with her classmate Daichi, and the princess Erika who lives in the magical world, and her ability to speak through magic. A timeless masterpiece that is loved for its story filled with many important things about youth, such as the bond with Pokota, a stuffed animal that turned into a boy. It was made into a TV anime in 1992 and a musical in 1993. All 6 volumes of comics (paperback version). Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-a20669dee0b34078ea4c3f5c93b2c742-1481×2116.jpg (c) Ribon February 1994 issue/Shueisha 4: “Marmalade Boy” Serialized in the May 1992 issue to October 1995 issue. High school student Mitsuki Koishikawa is told by her parents that they will divorce and at the same time switch partners with another couple and remarry, so she ends up living with her classmate Yu Matsuura. Unable to accept the truth, Miki clashes with Yuu, who has a calm demeanor, but gradually becomes attracted to him. The story develops like a “trendy drama” depicting the situation of being “under one roof” with classmates, the mysterious nature of Yu’s true feelings, and the love story between an urban man and a woman that was a trend in the early 1990s. Readers at the time watched with excitement. Made into a TV anime in 1994. It was made into a live-action drama in Taiwan in 2001, and a live-action movie was released in Japan in 2018. All 5 volumes of comics (paperback version).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-9099cb993184c4f7304364a8fb017ffe-1491×2116.jpg (c) Ribon April 1995 issue/Shueisha 5: “Children’s Toys” Serialized in the August 1994 issue to November 1998 issue. The story revolves around the interactions between Kurata Sanan, a 6th grade elementary school student who is active in the entertainment industry as a child actress, and her classmate, Akito Hayama, a problem child in class 1. While it has elements that can be laughed at as a comedy, it also incorporates many serious elements, such as classroom disruption and corporal punishment, which were social issues at the time. Sanan, who was in the 6th grade of elementary school when the series started, is a familiar figure to the readers, and the way she realizes she is in love and the way her feelings fluctuate as she becomes a middle school student attracted attention. It was made into a TV anime in 1996, and made into a stage play in 2015 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Ribon. In 1999, a one-shot manga depicting the story of the movie “Water House”, which Sanan faced with all her heart and soul, was published and became popular. All 7 volumes of comics (paperback version).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-8844452f3c326796bbfcce26863e1158-1354×1945.jpg (c) Ribbon January 1997 issue/Shueisha 6: “Neighborhood Story” Serialized in the February 1995 issue to October 1997 issue. A school love story depicting the main character, Mikako Koda, who attends the fashion department of Yazawa Art Academy (commonly known as Yazagaku), as she strives towards her dream of owning her own brand, and her love affair with her childhood friend Tsutomu Yamaguchi. The fashion and hair and makeup of the characters, who set up a flea market circle with their friends and stick to what they think is “cute” and “like,” has become the admiration of many readers. In addition, from the complex and detailed psychological depictions of the students who belong to the club, it depicts the sweetness and bitterness of love, and how they grow while looking to the future despite conflicts, and continues to transcend the times and gain support both domestically and internationally. There is. It was also made into a TV anime in 1995. All 5 volumes of comics (paperback version).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-fe9ab16094cdd76642e1bad8a8d7acdf-1575×2267.jpg (c) Ribon February 1999 issue/Shueisha 7: “Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne” Serialized in the February 1998 issue to July 2000 issue. A school fantasy work depicting a 16-year-old high school student, Maron Kusakabe, who plays an active role as a “kamikaze phantom thief, Jeanne” who steals paintings at night. The characters’ pasts include a novel setting in which they are actually collecting the “devil” lurking in a painting while working as a phantom thief, the natural enemy phantom thief Sinbad who appears in front of classmates Wakkaku Nagoya and Jeanne, and their respective partners’ angels. The story, in which characters and relationships connect toward a climax, received enthusiastic support. The detailed and gorgeous illustrations drawn by Arina Tanemura also shocked and influenced many readers and writers. It was also made into a TV anime in 1999. All 5 volumes of comics (paperback version).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-e2efe41f38f003de15a1e9b42f00946d-1583×2278.jpg (c) Ribbon July 1999 issue/Shueisha 8: “GALS! ”〈Written by Mihona Fujii〉 Serialized in the February 1999 issue to June 2002 issue. A work that depicts all kinds of troubles faced by high school girls at the time, such as problems with love, school, and family, with a mix of comical and serious aspects, with Shibuya’s number one gal, Juran, as the main character. Loose socks, hibiscus, flip phones, ganguros, and other “Heisei gal culture” of the time are fully incorporated, and the characters’ fashions have become aspirational for young girls. Combined with Ran’s positive and powerful words and deeds, it became a charismatic and popular work. In 2001, “Chou GALS! It was made into a TV anime with the title “Juran”. All 10 volumes of comics (electronic version). From 2019 to 2023, the sequel “GALS!!”, set in 2002 after the final episode of the main story, was serialized on the manga app “Manga Mee”.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-ea846927785d52d3821656280e7d79d0-1880×2700.jpg (c) Ribon December 2022 issue/Shueisha 9: “Honey Lemon Soda” Started serializing in the February 2016 issue (currently being serialized). A school love story in which Hana Ishimori, who was bullied in middle school, changes when she meets the lemon-colored haired Kai Miura in high school. At the beginning of the series, Kai protects Hanaka and pushes her back, but gradually they start to care for each other and grow, becoming a unique relationship. For readers, this scene becomes one of the ideal images of first love in modern times. As of December 2024, the cumulative circulation of comics has exceeded 14 million copies, making it a work that represents the current girls’ manga world. In 2021, it will be made into a live-action movie with Raul (Snow Man) playing Kai Miura and Ai Yoshikawa playing Hana Ishimori. Furthermore, the TV anime will begin broadcasting on Fuji TV “ Ultra” and other channels on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Comics volumes 1 to 27 have been published (continued below). Illustrations drawn by 12 popular Ribon manga artists, including those currently serialized, for the 70th anniversary supplement will be sold at Lawson Print, which can be printed out using Lawson multi-copy machines nationwide. start! The special supplement of the February extra-large issue of “Ribon” which is currently on sale is “Ribon 2025 Schedule Book Set”. The cover can be changed with illustration cards drawn by popular manga artists, and 12 of Ribon’s most representative writers (including those currently being serialized) have contributed. The lineup suitable for the anniversary attracted a lot of attention. These 12 illustrations will be available for purchase as bromides and stickers at Lawson multi-copy machines nationwide from January 7th (Tuesday).
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-cb94b509816425499bd9829a60159ff4-987×1383.jpg (c) Noriko Asaka/Shueisha, (c) *Aira*/Starts Publishing
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-b5b1660b221aadd4821aad5131dffba5-987×1383.jpg (c) Koi Ikeno/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-ccd2d4378922b0736427c88b9d3af102-987×1383.jpg (c) Emi Ishikawa/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-5bfe3e99f8776b45d42b58600748c35a-987×1383.jpg (c) Minori Kurosaki/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-5f91680462bcd200e35271a6fc2f020f-987×1383.jpg (c) Sakura Production, (c) Momoko Sakura
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-642c343764fa87d46a94ee202397309a-987×1383.jpg (c) Arina Tanemura/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-bc591eeda24ec9b8add5d1192ec62838-846×1185.jpg (c) Mihona Fujii/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-15591eeb3f01fd092bc43b0ed019b9c9-987×1383.jpg (c)maki/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-d98a25dea1eca7b29e779df59fed9e04-987×1383.jpg (c) Megumi Mizusawa/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-3091c761ad0eade6458268f040cf1cbe-987×1383.jpg (c) Mayu Murata/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-24deb88cf26a62bb419f67e691508252-987×1383.jpg (c) Yazawa Manga Productions/Shueisha
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-b1798ca30f531d643cd8deadd48d5d55-987×1383.jpg (c) Mizuka Yuzuhara/Shueisha Select “Ribbon 70th Anniversary (Bromide/Sticker)” from “Lawson Print”, a service that allows you to print various contents using the multi-copy machine installed in Lawson stores. You can print out your favorite illustrations as bromides (L size and 2L size) or stickers (L size). This is a project that not only those who currently read Ribon, but also adults who were once Ribon children, can enjoy it while looking back on their memories. [Sales Overview] Lawson Print “Ribbon 70th Anniversary (Bromide/Sticker)” Implementation period: January 7th (Tuesday) to March 3rd (Monday) Implementation location: Multi-copy machine installed in convenience store/Lawson store Sales price: Bromide L size 300 yen, Bromide 2L size 500 yen / Sticker L size 400 yen (All prices include 10% tax, price per illustration) *Click here for details→https://lawson-print.com/products/categories/ribon70 [12 manga artists who contributed illustrations] *Names in alphabetical order, honorifics omitted, names in parentheses are the names of the illustrations Noriko Asaka (“The unparalleled evil woman is loved by the demon prince” (original idea: *Aira*)) Ren Ikeno (“Tokimeki Tonight”) Emi Ishikawa (“Scream Class Reincarnation”) Minori Kurosaki (“First × Marriage”) Kohagi Botan (“Chibi Maruko-chan” “COJI-COJI” (original story/screenplay: Momoko Sakura)) Arina Tanemura (“Kamikaze Phantom Thief Jeanne”) Mihona Fujii (“GALS!”) maki (“no words.”) Megumi Mizusawa (“Hime-chan’s Ribbon”) Mayu Murata (“Honey Lemon Soda”) Ai Yazawa (“Neighborhood Story”) Mizuka Yuzuhara (“My neighbor is an ordinary Nijika (chan)”) In 2025, we will carry out projects to commemorate the 70th anniversary of “Ribon”!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/11454/683/11454-683-6c35c3a413411929425114fe8d3e2bc8-476×682.jpg “Ribon” February 2025 super-large issue back cover illustration (c) Ribon February 2025 super-large issue/Shueisha “Ribon” will carry out a rich program to commemorate its 70th anniversary throughout the year 2025. The February special issue, which is currently on sale, celebrates the beginning of the 70th anniversary year by featuring a collective illustration of characters from 38 popular manga works, including those currently being serialized, on the back cover. In addition, in the March special issue of “Ribon” (released on Monday, February 3rd), the manga artist who is currently serializing will start a series of illustrations about “memory Ribon works”. In the first episode, Noriko Asaka will talk about “Looking for the Full Moon.” In addition, we are planning a series of collaborative projects with various parties, such as making past popular works into goods, as well as commemorative events. Please pay attention to the 70th anniversary of “Ribon”. [“Ribon” basic information] The main target is girls in the upper grades of elementary school to middle school. Rather than “manga for children,” we feature many works that can be said to be the royal road to girls’ manga that adults will also want to read. It has received enthusiastic support from girls’ manga fans of a wide range of age groups. The popular work “Honey Lemon Soda” (written by Mayu Murata), which has exceeded 14 million copies in cumulative circulation (as of December 2024) and was made into a movie, and the topic that won the 68th Shogakukan Manga Award in the children’s category. Works such as “Hatsu x Marriage” (written by Minori Kurosaki) are currently being serialized. “Ribon” official website: https://ribon.shueisha.co.jp/ [Latest issue bibliographic information] Book title: “Ribon” February 2025 super special issue Release: Friday, December 27, 2024 Special price: 690 yen (10% tax included) Number of pages: 644 pages (B5 size) Appendix: “Ribon 2025 Schedule Book Set” Shueisha
