BookWalker#Subsidiaries

{{Infobox website

| name = Book☆Walker

| logo = BookWalker logo.svg

| logo_size =

| logo_caption =

| company_type = Subsidiary

| type = E-commerce

| languages =

| founded = {{Start date and age|2005|12|01}}

| dissolved =

| predecessor =

| successor =

| location_city = Chiyoda, Tokyo

| location_country = Japan

| area_served = Worldwide

| owner =

| creator = Kadokawa Corporation

| key_people = Ichiro Hashiba (president and CEO)

| industry = Publishing, E-books

| products = Manga, Light novels, Magazines

| services =

| revenue =

| employees =

| parent = Dwango

| divisions =

| subsidiaries = GeeXPlus
Trista

ComicWalker

| url = {{URL|https://bookwalker.jp/}}

| commercial = Yes

| registration = Required

| num_users =

| launch_date = {{Start date and age|2010|12|03}}

| current_status = Active

| footnotes =

}}

{{nihongo|BookWalker|ブックウォーカー}}, stylized as Book☆Walker and BOOK☆WALKER, is a Japanese e-book store that sells manga, light novels, and magazines from various publishers, as well as a few published by themselves. It is based in Chiyoda, Tokyo and was created by Kadokawa Corporation. The company was founded in 2005 before launching their store in Japan in 2010 and internationally in 2014, in which year a webtoon-focused mobile application counterpart, ComicWalker,{{efn|ComicWalker changed its name to {{nihongo|Kadocomi|カドコミ}} in December 2023.{{cite web|url=https://comic-walker.com/news/detail/2622/|script-title=ja:サービス名変更のお知らせ|work=Kadocomi|publisher=Kadokawa Corporation|date=December 13, 2023|access-date=February 6, 2024|language=ja|archive-date=February 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206131042/https://comic-walker.com/news/detail/2622/|url-status=live}}}} was also launched.

It has two direct subsidiaries, each with different focuses. One promotes the company's relationship with influencers and the other does reading-related software.

On February 2025, Kadokawa announced the merger of Dwango, BookWalker and Kadokawa Connected into one company, with Dwango being the surviving company. This merger won't affect the activities of the merged companies, such as BookWalker, which will continue with its brand and operations but now managed by dwango.{{cite web | url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-02-02/bookwalker-dwango-kadokawa-connected-to-merge-with-dwango-becoming-the-surviving-company/.220744 | title=BookWalker, Dwango, Kadokawa Connected to Merge with Dwango Becoming the Surviving Company (Updated) }}

History

BookWalker was founded as Kadokawa Mobile Co., Ltd. on December 3, 2005 by the Kadokawa Corporation.{{cite web|title=About Us|date=December 2005|url=http://bookwalker.jp/info/corporate/|publisher=BookWalker|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=April 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410054230/https://bookwalker.jp/info/corporate/|url-status=live}} On December 1, 2009, it was renamed to Kadokawa Content Gate Co., Ltd. In December 2010, the service was launched on iOS in Japan under the name Book☆Walker.{{cite web|title=角川グループが電子書籍を中心としたコンテンツ配信プラットフォーム事業に本格参入！「Book☆Walker」をサービス名称に、オンリーワンの次世代型電子書籍プラットフォームを目指します。|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000104.000001227.html|website=PR Times|date=October 26, 2010|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103131557/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000104.000001227.html|url-status=live}} An Android app and a PC website followed in April 2011 and December 2011 respectively.{{cite web|title=角川グループの電子書籍配信プラットフォーム「BOOK☆WALKER」がAndroid端末にもサービス提供開始|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000142.000001227.html|website=PR Times|date=April 21, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103132201/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000142.000001227.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=人気作を次々と感謝プライスで販売！書店で『未来日記』を購入すると新作の電子書籍をプレゼント「BOOK☆WALKER ナンバーワン！キャンペーン」開催中！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000227.000001227.html|website=PR Times|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103132302/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000227.000001227.html|url-status=live}} On July 1, 2010, the company was renamed to BookWalker Co., Ltd. In September 2013, the store was expanded to feature manga as well as light novels.{{cite web|title=ラノベだけじゃない！ BOOK☆WALKERが"フロア増床"リニューアル|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/ebook/spv/1309/11/news013.html|website=IT Media|date=September 11, 2013|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103131634/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/ebook/spv/1309/11/news013.html|url-status=live}}

BookWalker Global was launched in English in November 2014, featuring manga from Viz Media and Dark Horse Comics.{{cite web|title=Kadokawa's English BookWalker Manga App Launches With Ga-Rei, Magical Warfare, Riddle Story of Devil, Tokyo Ravens|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-11-05/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-manga-app-launches-with-ga-rei-magical-warfare-riddle-story-of-devil-tokyo-ravens/.80671|website=Anime News Network|date=November 5, 2014|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428185240/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-11-05/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-manga-app-launches-with-ga-rei-magical-warfare-riddle-story-of-devil-tokyo-ravens/.80671|url-status=live}} However, due to the lack of titles it was closed temporarily, before reopening in October 2015.{{cite web|title=Kadokawa's English BookWalker App to Relaunch With Light Novels|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-24/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-app-to-relaunch-with-light-novels/.93346|website=Anime News Network|date=September 24, 2015|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203144351/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-09-24/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-app-to-relaunch-with-light-novels/.93346|url-status=live}} In November 2015, the global store added thirty-five titles from Shōnen Gahōsha.{{cite web|title=Kadokawa's English BookWalker App Adds 35 Manga Volumes from Shonengahosha|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-11-19/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-app-adds-35-manga-volumes-from-shonengahosha/.95536|website=Anime News Network|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305152427/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-11-19/kadokawa-english-bookwalker-app-adds-35-manga-volumes-from-shonengahosha/.95536|url-status=live}} In July 2015, the global store started offering titles from Yen Press.{{cite web|title=Yen Press Licenses ERASED, Bungo Stray Dogs Manga (Update)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-07-04/yen-press-licenses-erased-bungo-stray-dogs-manga/.103964|website=Anime News Network|date=July 4, 2016|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129030546/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-07-04/yen-press-licenses-erased-bungo-stray-dogs-manga/.103964|url-status=live}} In December 2016, the Japanese store launched a magazine subscription service, called Magazine☆Walker.{{cite web|title=マンガ誌含む電子雑誌が月額500円（税抜）で読み放題！「マガジン☆WALKER」サービス開始|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000761.000001227.html|website=PR Times|date=December 5, 2016|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=May 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524022243/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000761.000001227.html|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, the global store started offering titles from Kodansha USA.{{cite web|title=BookWalker Now Offers Simulpubs From Kodansha Comics|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2019-03-04/bookwalker-now-offers-simulpubs-from-kodansha-comics/.144135|website=Anime News Network|date=March 4, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428185413/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2019-03-04/bookwalker-now-offers-simulpubs-from-kodansha-comics/.144135|url-status=live}} In April 2019, the global store started offering titles from Tokyopop.{{cite web|title=Tokyopop Manga Now Available on Book☆Walker Global|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-04-25/tokyopop-manga-now-available-on-book-walker-global/.146097|website=Anime News Network|date=April 25, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028043720/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-04-25/tokyopop-manga-now-available-on-book-walker-global/.146097|url-status=live}} In May 2019, the global store started offering titles from Sol Press.{{cite web|title=Sol Press Titles Now Available on Book☆Walker Global|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-05-24/sol-press-titles-now-available-on-book-walker-global/.147080|website=Anime News Network|date=May 24, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028043729/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2019-05-24/sol-press-titles-now-available-on-book-walker-global/.147080|url-status=live}}

In December 2019, the Japanese store launched a subscription service that offers some of the books published by the parent company for a fee.{{cite web|title=小説・ライトノベル10,000点以上が読み放題！「角川文庫・ラノベ読み放題」スタート！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000006569.000007006.html|website=PR Times|date=December 3, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217081351/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000006569.000007006.html|url-status=live}} On April 2, 2020, Magazine☆Walker ended service and was replaced with a new service called Book☆Walker Manga/Magazine Unlimited Reading.{{cite web|title=BOOK☆WALKER、「少年エース」などマンガ定額読み放題開始|url=https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1244649.html|website=Impress Watch|date=April 2, 2020|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=May 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507092600/https://www.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1244649.html|url-status=live}}

Publishing

BookWalker has published a few titles internationally on their own for sale on their store, which include the following:

The 31st Consort (manga)
A Boy Raised By Gods Will Be The Strongest (manga)
The Combat Baker and His Automaton Waitress (light novel){{cite web|title=Bookwalker Global to Release The Combat Baker and His Automaton Waitress Light Novel|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-21/bookwalker-global-to-release-the-combat-baker-and-his-automaton-waitress-light-novel/.115150|website=Anime News Network|date=April 21, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=August 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825142914/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-21/bookwalker-global-to-release-the-combat-baker-and-his-automaton-waitress-light-novel/.115150|url-status=live}}
Ga-Rei (manga)
Higehiro (light novel)
I'm Quitting Heroing (light novel, manga)
The Insipid Prince's Furtive Grab for The Throne (light novel, manga){{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Kadokawa Announces Simulpub Program Starting with 7 Manga, Licenses 3 Light Novel Series|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-07/kadokawa-announces-simulpub-program-starting-with-7-manga-licenses-3-light-novel-series/.175900|website=Anime News Network|date=August 7, 2021|access-date=September 24, 2023|archive-date=February 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206003455/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-07/kadokawa-announces-simulpub-program-starting-with-7-manga-licenses-3-light-novel-series/.175900|url-status=live}}
The Lotus Eaters, Drunk and Sober (manga)
Magic Stone Gourmet: Eating Magical Power Made Me The Strongest! (manga)
Magical Warfare (manga)
My Little Sister Stole My Fiancé: The Strongest Dragon Favors Me And Plans To Take Over The Kingdom? (manga)
New Normal (manga){{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Akito Aihara's New Normal Manga Gets English Release on BookWalker|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-07/akito-aihara-new-normal-manga-gets-english-release-on-bookwalker/.177101|website=Anime News Network|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2023|archive-date=November 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101233958/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-07/akito-aihara-new-normal-manga-gets-english-release-on-bookwalker/.177101|url-status=live}}
Riddle Story of Devil (manga)
The Ryuo's Work Is Never Done! (light novel){{cite web|title=Book☆Walker Picks Up "The Ryuo's Work is never Done!" (Working Title) Light Novel Series for Translation|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2017-07-13/book-walker-picks-up-the-ryuo-work-is-never-done-light-novel-series-for-translation/.118772|website=Anime News Network|date=July 13, 2017|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028043756/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2017-07-13/book-walker-picks-up-the-ryuo-work-is-never-done-light-novel-series-for-translation/.118772|url-status=live}}
Sentenced to Be a Hero (manga){{cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|title=BookWalker Global Exclusively Releases 'Why Does Nobody Remember Me in this World?,' Sentenced to Be a Hero Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-10-23/bookwalker-global-exclusively-releases-why-does-nobody-remember-me-in-this-world-sentenced-to-be-a-/.203609|website=Anime News Network|date=October 23, 2023|access-date=October 23, 2023|archive-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023071329/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-10-23/bookwalker-global-exclusively-releases-why-does-nobody-remember-me-in-this-world-sentenced-to-be-a-/.203609|url-status=live}}
Tokyo Ravens (manga)
Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World? (manga)

Subsidiaries

;GeeXPlus

GeeXPlus is Kadokawa's talent agency division that was founded on July 1, 2019, with the goal of "connecting Japanese brands to global influencers by providing promotion planning, production, and distribution."{{cite web|title=GeeXPlus brings anime YouTubers to Japan|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/02/03/general/geexplus-brings-anime-youtubers-japan/|website=The Japan Times|date=February 3, 2020|access-date=February 28, 2021|archive-date=May 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524065531/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2020/02/03/general/geexplus-brings-anime-youtubers-japan/|url-status=live}} Talents affiliated with the Kadokawa-owned agency include The Anime Man, CDawgVA, Daidus, Emirichu, OniGiriEN, Gigguk, Ohara, Minori, Sydsnap, and TheGamingBeaver as of April 3, 2024.{{cite web |title=GeeXPlus {{!}} Tokyo-based talent management and global media company. |url=https://www.geexplus.co.jp/en/creators/ |access-date=April 3, 2024 |publisher=GeeXPlus, Inc. |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407015810/https://www.geexplus.co.jp/en/creators/ |url-status=live }}

;ComicWalker

Established in March 2014, this subsidiary and mobile application, joining an existing app, Manga Box, allows free access to browse the digital manga and webtoons made available by BookWalker, in the languages of Japanese, English and Mandarin, as well as its own exclusive content.{{cite web |last=Zhou |first=Jiajia |title=[Apps] ComicWalker – App Offers Latest Manga for Free in Japanese, English and Mandarin |url=https://theridge.sg/2014/10/07/comicwalker-app-offers-latest-manga-for-free-in-japanese-english-and-mandarin |access-date=October 7, 2014 |date=October 7, 2014 |publisher=The Ridge |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103201920/https://theridge.sg/2014/10/07/comicwalker-app-offers-latest-manga-for-free-in-japanese-english-and-mandarin/ |url-status=live }}

;Trista

Established in September 2014, this subsidiary provides various services, such as Niconico manga and an app to help monitor time spent reading.{{cite web|title=Company Profile|url=https://trista.jp/company/#company-profile|publisher=Trista|access-date=February 28, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929014618/https://trista.jp/company/#company-profile|url-status=dead}} It became a subsidiary of BookWalker on April 1, 2018.