Weekly Shōnen Champion

Akita Shoten launched Weekly Shōnen Champion on July 15, 1969, establishing a weekly presence that has endured for over five decades. The magazine hits newsstands every Thursday in Japan and currently hosts around 32 serialized titles alongside numerous short stories. Its catalog spans action, sports, comedy, fantasy, and drama, often blending traditional shōnen tropes with more mature or niche storytelling elements that appeal to a broad demographic.

Readers have followed iconic runs like Fist of the North Star, which defined the martial arts genre globally, and Itazura na Kiss, a romantic comedy that spawned multiple live-action adaptations including Itazura na Kiss: Love in Tokyo. The roster shifts frequently as new creators debut; Yūji Nakamura launched a new manga in January 2026, while Paru Itagaki contributed a one-shot in May 2026. Recent moves include the spinoff Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun: IruMafia Edition joining the main magazine in December 2025.

Digital expansion remains a priority, with the September 2023 introduction of the Champion Buzz Digital Supplement and a free access promotion in January 2024 designed to boost circulation. The magazine continues to support major franchises like Baki-Dou: The Invincible Samurai, which received an anime second cours confirmation in early 2026, proving its ability to sustain long-running properties across print and screen. [edit]