SB Creative

SB Creative Corp. is a Japanese publishing company and a wholly owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group, specializing in the publication of business books, practical guides, IT and PC-related titles, light novels, and digital content such as romance comics.^[1][2] Founded on March 24, 1999, as SOFTBANK Publishing Inc. through a spin-off from SoftBank Corp., the company underwent several mergers and name changes, including a merger with SBMM Creative Corp. in 2005 to become SOFTBANK Creative Corp., before adopting its current name in 2013.^[3] Headquartered at 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, SB Creative operates in three main business areas: digital content distribution, traditional publishing, and planning and production services.^[2] In its publishing division, the company produces best-selling general books like Talk within One Minute and What the God of Disney Taught Me (over 1 million copies sold), the pocketbook series SB Shinsho (3–4 titles per month by prominent authors), and technical PC/IT books on topics such as Excel, Python, and Java, which are widely used in corporate training, universities, and technical schools.^[1] Its light novel imprints, GA Bunko (launched 2006) and GA Novel (launched 2016), feature popular series including Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (adapted into anime and films) and Goblin Slayer, with the company hosting the semiannual GA Bunko Award to discover new talent.^[1][4] Additionally, since 2008, SB Creative has been a key distributor of digital Harlequin Comics—full-color, vertical-scroll adaptations of Harlequin romance novels—available worldwide in languages including English, Korean, French, Chinese, and Indonesian through online platforms and its own services.^[5] The company also digitizes its catalog for e-books, licenses foreign rights to over 660 publishers in more than 20 countries (securing around 300 titles annually), and supports other publishers in digital transitions.^[1]

History

Founding and early development

SB Creative was established on March 24, 1999, as SOFTBANK Creative Corp., initially operating under the name SOFTBANK Publishing Inc., through the spin-off of SoftBank Corp.'s publishing business.^[3] This move allowed the new entity to focus independently on publishing activities, drawing from SoftBank's existing resources in software distribution and media.^[6] As a subsidiary within the SoftBank Group, which had roots in telecommunications and investments, SB Creative began operations emphasizing print media tailored to technology and business audiences.^[3] In December 1999, the company expanded into online publishing by launching ITmedia Inc., initially named SOFTBANK ZDnet Inc., marking SoftBank's first venture in digital media production.^[3] This initiative reflected the growing internet boom in Japan and positioned SB Creative at the forefront of emerging digital content distribution alongside traditional print efforts.^[3] By March 2000, the company underwent a restructuring: its name changed to SOFTBANK Media & Marketing Corp., and SOFTBANK Publishing Inc. was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary to handle core publishing operations.^[3] This separation streamlined management and allowed for specialized focus on both print publications and nascent digital platforms within the SoftBank ecosystem.^[3] In May 2000, the headquarters relocated to Akasaka in Tokyo's Minato Ward, facilitating better access to the city's media and business hubs.^[3] Early development centered on integrating print and online media, capitalizing on SoftBank's broader investments to build a foundation for technology-oriented content creation.^[3]

Corporate mergers and rebranding

In August 2005, SOFTBANK Media Marketing Holdings Corp. was established as a wholly owning parent company through the share transfer of SOFTBANK Media & Marketing Corp., SOFTBANK Publishing Inc., and SBMM Creative Corp., marking the initial step in consolidating SoftBank's media subsidiaries.^[7] This was followed in October 2005 by the merger of SOFTBANK Media & Marketing Corp. with SOFTBANK Publishing Inc. and SBMM Creative Corp., resulting in the new entity being renamed SOFTBANK Creative Corp.; the primary motivation for these mergers was to streamline SoftBank's diverse media operations and enhance efficiency across publishing and marketing functions.^[7][3] In January 2006, the holding company SOFTBANK Media Marketing Holdings Corp. acquired and absorbed its subsidiary SBMM Holdings Corp., further integrating the group's structure under centralized control.^[3][7] A significant milestone in the group's financial positioning occurred in April 2007 when ITmedia Inc., a key internet media subsidiary originally established in 1999 as part of SoftBank's online publishing initiatives, was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market.^[8][3] These structural changes laid the groundwork for expanded digital efforts, such as the April 2008 joint venture between SOFTBANK Creative Corp. and HARLEQUIN K.K. to distribute digital Harlequin comics.^[3] By October 2013, reflecting a broader simplification of branding within the SoftBank ecosystem, the company officially changed its name from SOFTBANK Creative Corp. to SB Creative Corp.^[3]

Expansion into digital and imprints

In the mid-2000s, SB Creative began diversifying its operations beyond traditional print publishing by establishing key imprints that supported its entry into the light novel market, marking an early step in building a multifaceted publishing portfolio. In January 2006, the company launched the GA Bunko imprint, focusing on light novels targeted at young male readers, which laid the groundwork for expanded content creation in digital-compatible formats. This initiative aligned with broader industry trends toward serialized, adaptable storytelling that could transition seamlessly into electronic distribution. Similarly, in 2016, SB Creative introduced the GA Novel imprint for larger-format light novels, further enriching its offerings and facilitating integration with emerging digital platforms. These imprint launches represented a strategic pivot toward an ecosystem where print and digital media could coexist and cross-promote. SB Creative's digital expansion accelerated in 2008 with a joint venture for digital distribution of Harlequin comics alongside HARLEQUIN K.K., enabling electronic access to romance titles for Japanese audiences. This partnership extended internationally in August 2009, when distribution of the digital Harlequin comics launched in Korea, broadening SB Creative's reach into Asian markets through mobile and online channels. In May 2010, the company secured exclusive mobile distribution rights in Japan for content related to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, capitalizing on high-demand events to test and refine its digital delivery infrastructure. These efforts underscored SB Creative's growing emphasis on mobile-first content, positioning it as a player in the burgeoning digital entertainment sector. Further advancements in digital infrastructure came through strategic partnerships focused on signage and content display technologies. In August 2010, SB Creative reached an agreement in principle with two Korean companies to develop digital signage businesses across Japan and Korea, enhancing its capabilities in visual media dissemination. This was followed in June 2011 by a business alliance with ORIX Corp. to advance digital signage operations, which included collaborative development and deployment in both countries; concurrently, the company's headquarters relocated to Roppongi, Tokyo, to support these expanded activities. These collaborations not only diversified revenue streams but also integrated digital advertising with publishing content, fostering innovative applications like interactive displays for books and media. By the 2020s, SB Creative continued to evolve its physical and digital footprint, transferring its headquarters to Toranomon, Tokyo, in January 2024 to better accommodate hybrid operations. This relocation reflected ongoing investments in facilities that support both traditional publishing and advanced digital tools. Overall, these developments from 2008 onward illustrate SB Creative's shift toward an integrated digital-book publishing ecosystem, where partnerships in mobile distribution, event content, and signage technologies complemented its imprint expansions to create synergistic growth opportunities. The light novel imprints, in particular, served as a bridge in this broader digital strategy, enabling adaptable content for online serialization and multimedia adaptations.

Publishing imprints

GA Bunko

GA Bunko serves as SB Creative's flagship imprint for bunko-sized light novels, launched in January 2006 to expand the company's portfolio in affordable, accessible fiction.^[9] This establishment marked a strategic entry into the burgeoning light novel market, emphasizing serialized storytelling that appeals to emerging readers.^[10] The imprint primarily targets teenagers and young adults with content centered on fantasy, romance, and isekai genres, fostering immersive narratives that blend adventure, emotional depth, and otherworldly elements.^[9][11] These themes resonate with the demographic's interests in escapist and relational dynamics, positioning GA Bunko as a key player in young adult literature.^[11] Adopting the traditional bunko format, GA Bunko publications feature compact A6-sized paperbacks (105 mm × 148 mm), designed for portability and cost-effectiveness, with volumes typically retailing at accessible prices around 600–800 yen to encourage frequent purchases.^[12] This setup supports ongoing serialization, with new volumes released monthly to maintain reader engagement through episodic progression.^[10] A pivotal milestone for the imprint is the GA Bunko Award (GA文庫大賞), a semiannual competition initiated to scout and nurture emerging authors, contributing to a diverse catalog of original works. The award has been instrumental in talent discovery since its inception, aligning with SB Creative's commitment to fresh voices in light novels.^[1] GA Bunko's growth is evidenced by the successful adaptation of numerous titles into anime and manga, amplifying the imprint's reach and cultural impact within Japan's entertainment ecosystem.^[10] Leveraging parent company SoftBank's digital infrastructure, the imprint also facilitates e-book distribution to broaden accessibility beyond print.^[1]

GA Novel

GA Novel is a light novel imprint launched by SB Creative on April 15, 2016, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of GA Bunko. Unlike the standard A6-sized bunko paperbacks of GA Bunko, GA Novel publishes in a larger format, allowing for more expansive layouts and premium production quality. This imprint evolved from diversification efforts to cater to broader entertainment novel demands within the light novel genre.^[1][13] The imprint primarily targets older readers and collectors who appreciate deluxe editions featuring enhanced illustrations, superior binding, and supplementary materials such as attached drama CDs or special audio content. These premium elements distinguish GA Novel titles, providing a more luxurious reading experience compared to standard light novels. Publications emphasize expansions of established series or original works in genres like science fiction and adventure, often drawing from popular web novels with themes of isekai, fantasy quests, and heroic narratives.^[13][14][15] GA Novel integrates seamlessly with SB Creative's digital ecosystem, offering all titles as e-books through platforms like the SBCr Electronic Books Store and major retailers such as BOOK☆WALKER. This dual physical-digital approach supports accessibility for global audiences, including English translations for select series. Since its inception, the imprint has demonstrated growth through steadily increasing title output, with monthly releases expanding from an initial lineup of four works to over a dozen new volumes and special editions annually by the mid-2020s. In October 2025, SB Creative partnered with Amutus to establish Mecha Comic GA, a new company focused on planning, production, and sales of manga related to the GA imprints.^{[16][17][9][18]}

Notable publications

Light novel series

SB Creative has published several prominent light novel series under its GA Bunko imprint, with a focus on fantasy, romance, and action genres that have achieved significant commercial success and multimedia expansions. One of the most notable is Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (commonly abbreviated as DanMachi), written by Fujino Ōmori and illustrated by Suzuhito Yasuda, which began serialization on January 15, 2013.^[19] By May 2025, the series had surpassed 20 million copies in circulation worldwide, including spin-offs, establishing it as a cornerstone of SB Creative's catalog and a major driver of light novel sales.^[20] The title's cultural impact is amplified by multiple anime adaptations produced by J.C. Staff, including five seasons airing from 2015 to 2025 and a feature film, which have broadened its audience through global streaming platforms.^[21] Another key series is The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, authored by Saekisan and illustrated by Hanekoto, originating from a web novel before SB Creative acquired and published it starting June 15, 2019, under the GA Bunko imprint (with some volumes under the related GA Books line).^[22] As of late 2025, the series exceeds 13 volumes, including side stories like Volume 11.5 released in September, reflecting sustained popularity and ongoing serialization.^[23] Its romantic slice-of-life narrative has resonated internationally, leading to English licensing by Yen Press, which has released multiple volumes since 2022, and an anime adaptation by Project No.9 that aired in 2023 with a second season premiering in April 2026.^[24] The series' success underscores SB Creative's strategy of adapting web-sourced content into polished print editions, contributing to steady revenue through domestic and overseas markets. In the mecha-fantasy genre, Hundred stands out as an earlier hit, written by Jun Misaki and illustrated by Nekosuke Ōkuma, published by SB Creative under GA Bunko from November 2012 to 2018 across 16 volumes.^[25] The story blends school-life battles against alien threats with mecha weaponry powered by personal "Hundred" devices, appealing to fans of sci-fi action and harem elements.^[26] Its adaptation into a 2016 anime series by Production IMS further extended its reach, though the light novel's core narrative emphasized tactical combat and character-driven drama in a post-apocalyptic setting.^[27] A more recent standout is Love Unseen Beneath the Clear Night Sky (original Japanese title: Tōmei na Yoru ni Kakeru Kimi to, Me ni Mienai Koi o Shita), written by Ruka Shima and illustrated by Raemz, which debuted under GA Bunko in August 2023 after winning the Grand Prize at the 15th GA Bunko Award in 2022.^[28] The romance-focused tale explores themes of hidden emotions and urban encounters, quickly gaining acclaim and ranking third in the 2024 Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! guidebook's overall category.^[29] By November 2025, adaptations were announced, including a TV anime (air date TBA) and a live-action drama series set to air starting December 11, 2025, highlighting the series' rapid ascent and potential for multimedia expansion.^[29] Overall, SB Creative's light novel portfolio demonstrates high adaptation rates to anime and other media, with titles like DanMachi and The Angel Next Door exemplifying how such crossovers boost visibility and sales in a market projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2024 to $3.8 billion by 2033, driven by global demand for adapted content.^[30] These series significantly contribute to SB Creative's revenue, as blockbuster franchises like DanMachi alone generated over one million print copies in peak years like 2015, supporting the publisher's emphasis on fantasy-romance hybrids.^[31]

Other book series

SB Creative has diversified its portfolio beyond light novels by publishing series that integrate educational themes with narrative storytelling, targeting young adult and broader audiences with a focus on conceptual exploration rather than fantasy-driven plots.^[32] This niche includes young adult novels that blend rigorous academic subjects with engaging fiction, as well as romance adaptations in digital formats, emphasizing accessibility and international distribution over speculative genres.^[5] The Math Girls series, authored by Hiroshi Yuki, exemplifies SB Creative's commitment to educational young adult literature. First published in 2007 under the SB Creative imprint, the series follows high school students navigating advanced mathematical concepts through interpersonal dialogues and light romance, making complex topics like Fermat's Last Theorem and Gödel's incompleteness theorems approachable via fictional narratives.^[33] Spanning multiple volumes, including Math Girls (2007), Math Girls 2: Fermat's Last Theorem (2008), and up to Math Girls 7: Riemann Hypothesis (2025), the books have been praised for their innovative fusion of mathematical rigor and youthful storytelling, attracting readers who appreciate the beauty and challenge of math without traditional textbook dryness.^[32] By 2025, the series concluded its main storyline, with over 1 million copies sold in Japan, underscoring its impact in promoting mathematical literacy through literature.^[34] In the romance genre, SB Creative has partnered with Harlequin Enterprises since 2008 to distribute digital comics adapting Harlequin novels into manga-style formats. These publications target female readers with stories of love, drama, and relationships, rendered in visually appealing comic art by Japanese illustrators.^[5] The partnership has expanded globally, starting with English and Korean editions, and later including French and other European languages, enabling over 1,000 titles to reach international markets by 2015.^[35] This initiative highlights SB Creative's role in bridging Western romance literature with Eastern comic traditions, fostering cross-cultural appeal without relying on fantasy elements.^[3] Through acquisitions like the Tugikuru Books imprint, SB Creative has incorporated select series that align with its storytelling focus, such as The Daily Life of a Middle-Aged Online Shopper in Another World by Hifumi Asakura. Acquired in collaboration with Tugikuru Corporation in 2018, the series—originally serialized online—was published under the Tugikuru Books label starting May 10, 2018, with three volumes released by 2021.^[36] Illustrated by Yamakawa, it follows a middle-aged protagonist using modern e-commerce knowledge in a fantastical setting, but emphasizes practical life lessons and adaptation over high-fantasy adventure, fitting SB Creative's broader educational narrative style. This acquisition reflects SB Creative's strategy to integrate user-generated content into print, enhancing its digital distribution ecosystem.

Corporate profile

Leadership and operations

SB Creative is currently led by President and CEO Kosei Tsuchihashi, who oversees the company's strategic direction as a subsidiary of SoftBank Group.^[37] Supporting the executive leadership are managing directors including Tatsuya Shimoyama and Hiroyuki Sakamoto, along with a board of directors and executive officers focused on administrative and publishing functions.^[37] The company maintains a workforce of 249 employees as of April 1, 2025.^[38] Its headquarters are located at Sumitomo Fudosan Toranomon Tower, 2-2-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, following a relocation in January 2024 to this central business district site shared with other SoftBank entities.^[7][37] Operationally, SB Creative is structured around key divisions including publishing and administrative, with business segments encompassing digital contents, planning and production, and digital signage.^[37] These divisions facilitate integration with affiliated entities like ITmedia for enhanced digital media capabilities. The company also pursues international partnerships, notably through collaborations for global content distribution such as Harlequin Comics. Daily operations emphasize content acquisition, editorial processes, and multimedia licensing, tailored to support SoftBank subsidiaries across publishing and digital platforms.^[39] This structure ensures streamlined production of IT-related books, business publications, and electronic content while adapting to evolving digital demands.^[40]

Financial overview

SB Creative Corp. operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp., with full ownership held through its intermediate parent, SB Media Holdings Corp.^[37] In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, the company recorded total assets of 14,196,146,000 yen and a net profit of 1,585,503,000 yen.^[41] The company's revenue is derived mainly from its publishing business, including light novel sales under imprints like GA Bunko—highlighted by contributions from the DanMachi series, which has seen significant circulation boosts from anime adaptations—along with digital content distribution and licensing agreements for media tie-ins.^[37][21] Since its 2013 rebranding from SoftBank Creative Corp., SB Creative has demonstrated steady operational growth in its core publishing segment, fueled by successful anime collaborations that enhance print runs and overall market performance, despite occasional one-off financial adjustments in other areas.^[42][43]