Shueisha is using its MANGA MILLION initiative to introduce international readers to hundreds of manga, including several works that have not previously received official translations in many markets. Among the titles highlighted by Shuhei Hosono, Editor-in-Chief of MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA, are three classic shojo manga that he believes deserve attention from readers discovering Shueisha’s catalog for the first time.
In an exclusive written interview with OtakuKart, Hosono was asked which manga he would personally recommend to international audiences receiving access through MANGA MILLION. While the project includes major modern franchises such as One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer and Chainsaw Man, his recommendations point toward older shojo works that may be less familiar to younger global readers.
The three titles are Hime-chan’s Ribbon, Kodocha: Sana’s Stage, and Chibi Maruko-chan. All three represent different parts of Shueisha’s extensive shojo and family-oriented manga history.
Hosono’s Three Shojo Manga Recommendations
Hosono specifically encouraged international readers to explore these classic series as part of MANGA MILLION’s wider effort to expose audiences to manga beyond the publisher’s biggest global hits.
Hime-chan’s Ribbon follows a young girl who receives a magical ribbon that allows her to transform into other people, combining fantasy with everyday coming-of-age storytelling. Kodocha: Sana’s Stage, meanwhile, centers on child actress Sana Kurata and balances comedy, school life and emotional character development.
Chibi Maruko-chan offers another distinctive experience, following the everyday adventures of Maruko and her family through humorous stories inspired by creator Momoko Sakura’s childhood.
Hosono’s recommendations reflect one of MANGA MILLION’s broader goals: helping readers discover unexpected manga rather than simply consuming already-famous franchises. The platform currently makes approximately 400 Shueisha titles available across more than 100 languages, with nearly 300 receiving translations for the first time.
MANGA MILLION is currently available worldwide for a limited time.
