"Jump Jumped"... Japanese Manga Artists in Uproar Over Manuscript Fee Increase

Japan Weekly Shonen Jump November Manuscript Fee Increase Announced
Black and White and Color Fees Raised by 23,000 Won Each
Authors Cheer "Amazing"

When Japan's leading manga magazine announced an increase in manuscript fees, manga artists cheered.

On the 19th, Japan's Nikkan Sports reported that when Shueisha raised the manuscript fees for the manga magazine "Weekly Shonen Jump," published by Shueisha, applause erupted among the artists. The Jump editorial department announced on X (formerly Twitter) that "the minimum manuscript fee has been increased starting in November," adding, "Based on the magazine's (print and digital editions) sales profits, we will continue to revise to create a better working environment for the artists."

According to the revised manuscript fees, the fee for one black-and-white page increased from at least 18,700 yen (about 17,000 won) to at least 20,900 yen (about 19,000 won), and the fee for one color page rose from at least 28,050 yen (about 25,000 won) to at least 31,350 yen (about 28,000 won), each increasing by approximately 2,000 to 3,000 won.

Upon hearing the publisher's news, George Morikawa, the author of "First Step," expressed surprise on X with a wide-eyed emoticon saying "Wow." Tsubasa Fukuchi, the creator of "Ueki's Law," said, "Jump's manuscript fees are amazing," adding, "I hope a creator-friendly world gradually spreads." The media also reported that other manga industry figures and fans continued to praise the news of the manuscript fee increase.

Launched in 1968, "Weekly Shonen Jump" was published every Tuesday until May 2003, after which it changed to every Monday, and although prices vary per issue, most do not exceed 300 yen. Despite a decline compared to the past, the circulation remains in the one million copies range.