Yen Press
Yen Press is a New York-based publisher of licensed Japanese manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks in English, operating six imprints under Hachette Book Group and distributing to readers across North America, UK/Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and LATAM.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What Yen Press does
Yen Press, LLC is a New York-based English-language publisher of licensed Japanese manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks, founded in 2006 and operating as a wholly-owned imprint under Hachette Book Group. The company publishes across six imprints: Yen Press and JY for manga, Yen On and J-Novel Club for light novels, Yen Audio for audiobooks, and Ize Press for Boys Love and Girls Love titles. Its catalog includes high-profile franchises such as Solo Leveling, Goblin Slayer, Delicious in Dungeon, Overlord, The Summer Hikaru Died, and Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, with same-day or near-simultaneous digital release alongside Japan for many titles.
The company's go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer e-commerce via yenpress.com with a broad wholesale and channel network. Print is distributed globally through Hachette Book Group (North America and LATAM), Hachette UK (UK/Ireland), Hachette Australia, Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand, and Hachette India, with Hachette Ireland acting as the EU Economic Operator. Direct-market comic shops are served through Diamond Comic Distributors (US) and Diamond UK, while libraries access content via Ingram, Baker & Taylor, and Comics Plus powered by LibraryPass. Digital titles are sold across at least nine third-party platforms (Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, comiXology, Google Play, Kobo, MangaPlaza, MANGA MIRAI, emaqi).
Yen Press monetizes primarily through one-time unit sales of print editions (standard paperbacks at roughly $13-17, deluxe hardbacks at $55-75), individual digital chapters priced at $1.99 US / $2.99 CAD, and audiobook licenses under the Yen Audio imprint. The customer base is fragmented across individual readers, comic shops, bookstores, and libraries, with fan engagement supported through active social channels, convention presence (Anime Expo, Sakura-Con, Anime North, Book Con), and the YP Community platform.
Yen Press firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Yen Press
- Legal name
- Yen Press, LLC
- Website
- https://yenpress.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Yen Press is a New York-based publisher of licensed Japanese manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks in English, operating six imprints under Hachette Book Group and distributing to readers across North America, UK/Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India, and LATAM.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Yen Press industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Manga and Light Novel Publishing
- NAICS
- Book Publishers (513130), Book Publishers (51313), Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (5131)
- SIC
- Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Manga Publishing (Japanese & Global) (MPAJAGAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Digital Comics, Manga & Serialized Reading Platforms (BPAMAJAJ), Adult/Seinen/Josei Comics Publishing (MPAJAGAJ), Genre & Category Publishing (Romance, Mystery/Thriller, Sci‑Fi/Fantasy, etc.) (MPAJAAAB)
Keywords
Where Yen Press is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Yen Press business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others
Revenue model
- Print Book Sales: Yen Press generates revenue through the sale of printed manga, light novels, and comics distributed through wholesale channels (Hachette Book Group, Hachette UK, regional Hachette distributors) and direct market comic shop distributors (Diamond Comic Distributors). Products include standard paperbacks, deluxe hardback editions, and collector's editions at various price points.
- Digital eBook and Chapter Sales: Yen Press sells digital manga and light novel chapters and volumes through yenpress.com and third-party platforms including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, comiXology, Google Play, Kobo, MangaPlaza, MANGA MIRAI, and emaqi. Digital chapters are priced at approximately $1.99 US / $2.99 CAN per chapter.
- Audiobook Sales: Yen Press publishes audiobooks under the Yen Audio imprint, making titles available in audio format through the same distribution channels as print books.
- Library Distribution: Yen Press makes print titles available to libraries through Ingram and Baker & Taylor, while digital titles are distributed to school, public, and academic libraries through Comics Plus service powered by LibraryPass.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Digital single chapter purchase |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard paperback edition |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Deluxe hardback edition |
| Subscription | Annual | Promotional seasonal sales |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels5 records
Yen Press product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Yen Press publishes and distributes licensed English-translated manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks through six imprints (Yen Press, Yen On, JY, Yen Audio, Ize Press, J-Novel Club) in print and digital formats. The company sells directly to consumers via yenpress.com and through a global wholesale network anchored by Hachette Book Group, Diamond Comic Distributors, and regional Hachette distributors across North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Latin America.
Product overview
Yen Press is a multi-imprint manga, comics, and light novel publishing company offering content through two primary product lines: print publications (manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks) and digital delivery (eBooks available across major retail platforms). The company operates six distinct imprints—Yen Press (manga and graphic novels), Yen On (light novels), JY (selected titles), Yen Audio (audiobooks), Ize Press (Boys Love print titles), and J-Novel Club (light novel series)—each serving different audience segments within the manga and light novel market.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Yen On: Light novel imprint publishing translated Japanese light novels
- JY
- Yen Audio
- Ize Press
- J-Novel Club
Products and services
- Print Manga Physical print volumes of manga published across all Yen Press imprints, offered in standard paperback and deluxe hardback collector's editions at unit prices ranging from $13.00 to $75.00. Targeted at individual manga readers and collectors.
- Print Light Novels Physical print volumes of translated Japanese light novels, published primarily through the Yen On and J-Novel Club imprints, available in standard and collector's editions. Targeted at readers of Japanese fiction and light novel enthusiasts.
- Print Comics and Graphic Novels
- Digital eBooks (Chapters and Volumes) Digital format for manga, light novels, and comics sold as individual chapters (approximately $1.99 US / $2.99 CAN) and complete volumes through yenpress.com and third-party platforms including Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Book Walker, comiXology, Google Play, Kobo, MangaPlaza, MANGA MIRAI, and emaqi. Targeted at digital-first manga and light novel readers.
- Audiobooks (Yen Audio) Narrated audiobook versions of light novels and selected manga published under the Yen Audio imprint, available through the same retail and library distribution channels as print books. Targeted at audiobook consumers and listeners who prefer audio formats.
Companies that use Yen Press
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Yen Press technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Yen Press partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.
- Hachette Book GroupcoreHachette Book Group serves as the primary wholesale and retail distribution partner for Yen Press in North America and Latin America. Yen Press titles are directly sold and distributed by Hachette Book Group. Retailers can open accounts by emailing or calling (800) 759-0190.
- Hachette UKcoreHachette UK distributes Yen Press titles in the UK, Ireland, and other territories via Hachette UK Distribution. To open an account, visit the HUKD Account Form or contact via email/call +44 (0)1235 759555.
- Diamond Comic DistributorscoreDiamond Comic Distributors distributes Yen Press titles to direct market comic shops and retailers in North America. Account inquiries: email or call (443) 318-8308.
- Diamond UKcoreDiamond UK distributes Yen Press titles to UK-based direct market comic shops and retailers. Account inquiries: email or call +44 (0)1928 531 760.
- Hachette Australia / Alliance Distribution ServicesregionalHachette Australia distributes Yen Press titles in Australia via Alliance Distribution Services (ADS). Account inquiries: email Hachette Australia or contact ADS.
- Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand / Alliance Distribution ServicesregionalHachette Aotearoa New Zealand distributes Yen Press titles in New Zealand via Alliance Distribution Services (ADS). Account inquiries: email or call +64 9 477 4120.
- Hachette IndiaregionalHachette India distributes Yen Press titles in India. To open an account, email or call +91-124-4195000.
- Ingram, Baker & Taylor, BookazineminorAdditional North American distribution sources for Yen Press print titles available to book retailers and libraries.
- LibraryPass / Comics PlusminorYen Press digital titles are available to school, public, and academic libraries through the Comics Plus service powered by LibraryPass.
- Hachette IrelandregionalHachette Ireland serves as the EU economic operator for Yen Press products subject to EU harmonization legislation including the Toy Safety Directive 2009/48, as well as all other Yen Press products, located at 8 Castlecourt Centre, Dublin 15, D15 XTP3, Ireland.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Yen Press competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- VIZ Media: VIZ Media is the largest English-language manga publisher in North America, jointly owned by Shueisha, Shogakukan, and Shueisha subsidiary. It competes directly with Yen Press for licensed Japanese titles and shelf space across bookstores, comic shops, and digital platforms.
- Kodansha USA: Kodansha USA is the US publishing arm of Japanese publisher Kodansha, releasing manga such as Attack on Titan and Blue Lock. It directly competes with Yen Press for licensed Japanese manga rights and bookstore/digital shelf placement.
- Seven Seas Entertainment: Seven Seas is an independent English-language manga and light novel publisher with a comparable multi-imprint structure (including Airship for light novels and Ghost Ship for mature titles), competing directly with Yen Press's Yen On and Ize Press imprints.
- Dark Horse Manga: Dark Horse Comics' manga division publishes English translations of Japanese titles (e.g., Berserk, Blade of the Immortal). It competes with Yen Press in the same bookstore and comic shop channels and pursues similar Japanese licensing deals.
- Square Enix Manga & Books: Square Enix's English manga and light novel division publishes titles from its Japanese parent in English (e.g., Final Fantasy, Solo Leveling novel). Direct competitor to Yen Press on translated light novel and manga titles.
- Tokyopop: Tokyopop was an early pioneer of English-language manga publishing and continues to release licensed Japanese and original English-language titles. It overlaps directly with Yen Press on shojo, BL, and original English-language manga.
- One Peace Books: One Peace Books is an independent publisher of manga and light novels targeting similar niche and genre audiences. It competes with Yen Press for shelf space and reader attention in the translated manga/light novel category.
- Cross Infinite World: Cross Infinite World publishes English-translated Japanese light novels and isekai titles, overlapping with Yen Press's Yen On and J-Novel Club imprints in the translated light novel category.
- BookWalker: BookWalker is Kadokawa's digital manga and light novel storefront. While it is a direct competitor to Yen Press's own e-commerce and digital channel, it also distributes some Yen Press titles, making it both a competitor and partial channel partner.
Emerging players
- Tapas Media: Tapas is a digital-first comics platform hosting webcomics, manhwa, and serial content. It is an emerging competitor in the broader serialized comics/digital reading space where Yen Press distributes chapters, though primarily in a different format (webtoon-style).
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Yen Press social profiles
Digital presenceYen Press financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Yen Press leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Yen Press subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Yen Press funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Yen Press M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Yen Press
What does Yen Press do?
Yen Press publishes and distributes licensed English-translated manga, light novels, comics, and audiobooks through six imprints (Yen Press, Yen On, JY, Yen Audio, Ize Press, J-Novel Club) in print and digital formats. The company sells directly to consumers via yenpress.com and through a global wholesale network anchored by Hachette Book Group, Diamond Comic Distributors, and regional Hachette distributors across North America, UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Latin America.
Is Yen Press a public or private company?
Yen Press is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Yen Press founded?
Yen Press was founded in 2006. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Yen Press based?
Yen Press is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Yen Press make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Print Book Sales are the primary driver. The others are digital eBook and Chapter Sales, audiobook Sales and library Distribution.
Who are Yen Press's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are VIZ Media, Kodansha USA, Seven Seas Entertainment, Dark Horse Manga, Square Enix Manga & Books, Tokyopop, One Peace Books, Cross Infinite World and BookWalker. Tapas Media is listed as an emerging player.
Does Yen Press have an API?
No public API is recorded for Yen Press.
What industry is Yen Press in?
Yen Press's product category is Manga and Light Novel Publishing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAJAGAA, Manga Publishing (Japanese & Global), with a secondary code of BPAMAJAJ, Digital Comics, Manga & Serialized Reading Platforms. Its NAICS code is 513130 and its SIC code is 2731.