A joint research paper by Coamix and the University of Tokyo, titled "How do the manga experiences differ between paper and digital?", has been published in the academic journal "PLOS One".
We held a joint press conference regarding the research findings in this matter.

Coamix Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Musashino City, Tokyo; President and CEO: Nobuhiko Horie) held a joint press conference on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following the publication of a joint research paper on manga with the research team of Professor Kuniyoshi Sakai of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, in the academic journal "PLOS One".
This study is the first neuroscience study focusing on manga to reveal that reading physical manga is more energy-efficient for the brain than reading e-books.
At the press conference, Professor Sakai and his research team provided a detailed explanation of their research findings on the reading effects of printed manga, as well as its academic and social significance.

[Summary of Press Conference]

• Date and time:June 2, 2026 (Tue) 11:00-12:00
• place:CREATORS LOUNGE ZENON (Hybrid event: in-person and online)
• Speakers:
  • Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo
    • Professor Kunika Sakai
  • Coamix Co., Ltd.
    • President and CEO: Nobuhiko Horie

Research Overview

A research team led by Professor Kuniyoshi Sakai of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo (Assistant Professor Keiritsu Umejima and Master's student Yuki Sunada), in collaboration with Coamix Inc., has for the first time revealed that paper books cause more energy-saving brain activity than e-books.
It should be noted that "energy conservation" refers to suppressing unnecessary brain activity and has nothing to do with efficiency or convenience. Furthermore, while increased brain activity is sometimes evaluated as "brain activation" or promoting activation is said to be "good for the brain," such superficial expressions lack scientific accuracy.

In this study, we used fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) with an MRI machine to measure, for the first time in the world, brain activity indicating energy conservation after reading a paper comic book. Compared to previous studies based on behavioral observation, this study is novel in that it directly measures brain activity, and these research results are expected to contribute to a renewed appreciation of the value of paper in intellectual activities and education.

University of Tokyo Press Release:
https://www.c.u-tokyo.ac.jp/info/news/topics/20260604030000.html

Paper information
Magazine name: PLOS One

Title: "Manga reading on paper vs. digital devices: Prospective effects on core and supportive integration processes in the brain"
Authors: Keita Umejima, Yuki Sunada, Kuniyoshi L. Sakai (Corresponding Authors)
DOI：10.1371/journal.pone.0349778
URL：https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0349778

A message and future outlook from Coamix Corporation

To conclude the press conference, our CEO, Horie, shared our future outlook.
With the increasing popularity of digital comics on smartphones and other devices, digital media offers the great convenience of being able to "read anytime, anywhere." On the other hand, this study has scientifically demonstrated that paper is a very suitable medium for the brain when it comes to a rich manga experience, such as "deciphering complex plotlines and deeply immersing oneself in the characters' emotions."
Our company recognizes the unique value of "paper manga," which has supported manga culture for many years, and will conduct in-depth research into the characteristics of both digital and paper media. Leveraging this knowledge, we will strive to further develop manga culture for all generations and create new possibilities through training editors suited to each medium and supporting manga artists.

At Coamix Corporation, we will continue to promote research and development with the aim of supporting everyone involved in manga.
For inquiries regarding this matter and manga research in general, please contact:mailab@coamix.co.jpPlease contact Takasaki.

■ About the University of Tokyo

Founded in 1877, it is Japan's first national university. In the "University of Tokyo Charter," which sets forth the fundamental principles concerning the organization and operation of the university, it proclaims its mission, entrusted by society, to cultivate "civic elites with a global perspective" who can play a leading role in various fields both domestically and internationally.
Currently, centered around its three campuses in Hongo, Komaba, and Kashiwa, the university conducts educational and research activities as Japan's largest comprehensive university, embodying excellence and diversity. New discoveries made daily at each campus are returned to society as outstanding research results.

https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/index.html

■ About Professor Kuniyoshi Sakai of the Sakai Laboratory, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo

This research laboratory at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Department of Interdisciplinary Basic Sciences) of the University of Tokyo conducts cutting-edge research in systems neuroscience, primarily focusing on "language brain science." Its main themes include "analysis of brain function in humans" and "elucidation of the mechanisms of higher-order brain functions, particularly language."
Using advanced physical measurement technologies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MEG (magnetoencephalography), we analyze brain function and conduct research that approaches the fundamental principles of language information processing in the human brain and the ultimate question of how "universal grammar" is realized in the brain.
This researcher
Professor Kunika Sakai
Keiritsu Umejima, Assistant Professor
Yuki Sunada, Master's student

https://www.sakai-lab.jp/projects/index.html 

■ About Coamix Co., Ltd.

Established in 2000, the company's core business is the editing, publishing, and copyright management of manga works. Notable works include "Record of Ragnarok," "Wakako-zake," "Fist of the North Star," and "City Hunter." The company also handles licensing, production, and rights management. In addition to providing works through multiple media such as the magazine "Monthly Comic Zenon," the web comic manga site "Zenon Editorial Department," and its own app, the company is also involved in international artist and manga artist training at its regional bases, editor education, and industry-academia-government collaborative educational projects.

Head office: Musashino City, Tokyo
https://www.coamix.co.jp/

■ About Coamix Co., Ltd.'s MAI Research Laboratory

This R&D department conducts research and development to support manga artists and editors by studying and analyzing how manga is read and created, using cutting-edge technologies such as bioreactions, data science, and AI, addressing questions such as "Why do people read manga?" and "What impact can manga have on people?".
They also handle the development and operation of IT systems to support the publishing industry.
In addition to his own research, he is conducting collaborative research on manga production and manga reading with several universities in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Takeshi Hanada
Taiyo Nakashima
Kumpei Takasaki
Yusuke Matsumoto

■ About Nobuhiko Horie

Born in Kumamoto City in 1955. Graduated from Waseda University Faculty of Law. In 1979, joined Shueisha Inc. At the editorial department of "Weekly Shonen Jump," he was in charge of serializations such as "Fist of the North Star" and "City Hunter." In 1993, he became the 5th editor-in-chief of the magazine, and during his tenure, the circulation reached 6.53 million copies. In 2000, he established Coamix Inc. and launched publications such as "Monthly Comic Zenon."
In 2020, the company opened its second headquarters and artist training facility, "Artist Village Aso 096 (O'clock)," in Takamori Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. In 2023, in collaboration with the Kumamoto Prefectural Board of Education and Takamori Town, it established the first "Manga Department" in a public high school at Kumamoto Prefectural Takamori High School. In 2025, it received the 4th Kumamoto Nichinichi Manga Culture Award, and in 2026, it was awarded the Konju Medal of Honor. The company also works as a writer under the pen name Kitahara Seibo.

Written by: Coamix MAI Laboratory