Independent Publishers Group will sell and distribute worldwide Kodama Tales, effective June 1.
Founded last year and launching this year, Kodama Tales, Los Angeles, Calif., specializes in bringing the best Japanese manga, both classics and new material, to English-speaking readers. Initial titles include the Baki series, which has sold more than 100 million copies in Japan, making it one of the bestselling martial arts manga series ever.
Kiyotaka Hirai, president of Kodama Tales, said, "For us in Japan, manga is more than entertainment. It's a deeply rooted part of our culture, offering not only joy and inspiration, but also valuable life lessons. We're excited to share this rich manga culture with readers around the world. Each title has been carefully selected and will be printed in Japan to ensure the highest quality."
Pierre Dubost, co-founder of Kodama Tales, added, "At Kodama, our goal is simple: publish exceptional manga with the quality and attention these works deserve. As readers ourselves, we care deeply about every detail, from production to translation to how a book feels in your hands. This launch is just the beginning, and we're excited for what's ahead."