Chapter 283: Ranking in Japan

After visiting the Jiuding Securities Company, Xia Yu didn't linger and went straight to the other two companies. He planned to gather all necessary information and assign the tasks by the end of the day.

All four companies were rising stars in their respective industries, and every bit of time had a multiplied effect. Xia Yu naturally didn't want to waste any of it.

Soon, the car stopped again in front of the building where Jiuding Animation Co., Ltd., and Jiuding Publishing Co., Ltd. were located. Xia Yu, accompanied by Li Wuming, headed straight to the animation company's floor.

"Boss, you're here!"

When Xia Yu found Ma Tengdong, he was in his office handling paperwork. Seeing Xia Yu, Ma Tengdong quickly stood up and respectfully greeted him.

"Mm, no need to stand. Let's sit and talk."

Xia Yu said as he stretched out on the sofa, and Ma Tengdong left his desk to sit opposite Xia Yu, beginning to prepare tea.

"Boss, please have some tea!"

Xia Yu took a sip, exhaled the warm steam, and relaxed into the sofa.

"How's the company doing?"

Putting down the cup, Xia Yu leaned back and asked.

"Boss, our manga magazine, *Zhi Yin Man Ke,* has been selling increasingly well. Last week's sales reached 930,000 copies. Here is the detailed sales report by region."

Ma Tengdong handed a report to Xia Yu, who quickly scanned through it.

The total sales were 950,000 copies: 220,000 in Hong Kong and Macau, 180,000 in Taiwan, 200,000 in Southeast Asia, and the highest in Japan at 350,000 copies.

Comparing these numbers to the first issue's formal sales, Hong Kong and Macau only grew by 60,000 copies, Taiwan by 80,000, Southeast Asia by 50,000, but Japan increased by 130,000 copies, showing the largest growth and increment.

"It seems that societal perception hasn't fully shifted yet, but that's expected."

Xia Yu frowned slightly at the small growth in his home base of Hong Kong and Macau, then let out a sigh, understanding the cause.

The Hong Kong manga industry was still under a restructuring phase, with high pressure keeping things in check. Even iconic works like *Bruce Lee* and *Dragon and Tiger Gate* were still under review and hadn't resumed sales.

In other words, Jiuding Animation Co., Ltd. currently had no real competitors, yet sales in Hong Kong and Macau were only 220,000 copies, matching the combined sales of *Dragon and Tiger Gate* and *Bruce Lee* at their peak.

Considering overlapping readership, the actual number of readers buying both comics was about 150,000-160,000. This comparison showed that *Zhi Yin Man Ke*'s 220,000 sales were of high value, indicating that new readers were being drawn in.

However, the overall growth was still limited. Compared to Japan's 130,000-copy increase, Hong Kong and Macau, considered Xia Yu's stronghold, only grew by 60,000. Xia Yu believed it was due to the ongoing societal perception and acceptance issues that hadn't caught up yet.

Nevertheless, growth was still positive, suggesting that the market for manga was expanding and that with time, social attitudes could gradually adapt.

On the other hand, Japan, a mature manga market, showed a huge surge in sales for *Zhi Yin Man Ke,* affirming that its quality was well-received by readers.

"It seems that focusing on the Japanese market is the right strategy, just as I initially thought," Xia Yu murmured to himself.

"Hmm?"

As Xia Yu turned to the next page, he saw something that caught his eye and took a closer look.

**Japan Manga Market Survey Report and Manga Magazine Sales Ranking**

1. *Weekly Shonen Sunday* - Weekly Sales: 2.8 million copies. Published by Shogakukan since 1959, its main works include *Urusei Yatsura,* which has the largest female readership.

2. *Weekly Shonen Jump* - Weekly Sales: 2.5 million copies. Published by Shueisha since 1968.

3. *Weekly Shonen Magazine* - Weekly Sales: 2 million copies. Published by Kodansha since 1959.

...

20. *Zhi Yin Man Ke* - Weekly Sales: 350,000 copies.

Seeing this, Xia Yu's gaze sharpened with a mix of joy, concern, and confusion.

He looked up at Ma Tengdong and asked, "Tengdong, where did this ranking come from?"

Anticipating Xia Yu's question, Ma Tengdong was prepared to answer.

"Boss, this chart was created internally, based on my understanding of the Japanese manga market and data I gathered and analyzed. It's meant to provide a clearer concept and also act as a motivator."

"The data might have some discrepancies, but it should be fairly accurate and representative!"

"Good work!"

Xia Yu praised, looking at Ma Tengdong approvingly.

Xia Yu then studied the chart further, seeing *Zhi Yin Man Ke* ranked 20th with sales of 350,000 copies compared to the top-ranked *Weekly Shonen Sunday* with 2.8 million copies. He fell into deep thought.

This chart clearly highlighted the prosperity of the Japanese manga market. The top magazine sold 2.8 million copies, eight times that of *Zhi Yin Man Ke.* Three magazines sold over 2 million copies, and nine exceeded 1 million copies.

*Zhi Yin Man Ke*'s sales in Hong Kong and Macau were just 220,000, less than two-thirds of the Japanese sales, and 350,000 copies only managed to place 20th in Japan.

Moreover, the manga industry wasn't solely about magazines; individual commercial volumes were the main revenue generators.

Xia Yu realized the sheer scale of Japan's manga market.

"Tengdong, increase marketing efforts in Japan and work to expand sales as much as possible."

"Understood!"

Ma Tengdong replied promptly. This was his plan anyway, considering that the highest sales growth was in Japan. 

However, Xia Yu had another plan in mind. He knew that airing anime was an excellent way to stimulate manga sales, especially since he owned a TV station, which, though not yet fully taken over, would certainly be in his hands before any anime was produced.

"Tengdong, do you know any talent in animation production? Since we're Jiuding Animation Co., Ltd., we need our own animation department."

Xia Yu asked.

"Boss, I know a lot of talent in this area, and I have some expertise myself."

"Boss, are you planning to start making anime now?"

Ma Tengdong asked excitedly. He was fully aware of the impact anime could have on manga and related products. The boost in manga sales from anime adaptations was undeniable.

"That's right. I've acquired all shares of Li's TV, and I'll air whatever anime you produce."

Xia Yu said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Ma Tengdong's eyes widened in surprise, blurting out, "Boss, you bought Li's TV station?"

Xia Yu nodded.

"Ha-ha!"

Ma Tengdong almost jumped for joy and immediately pledged, "Boss, I'll set up the animation production department right away and ensure the anime gets made!"

"Just keep in mind, I haven't taken over the TV station yet, so you still have some time. Focus on one thing—quality!"

Xia Yu reminded him.

"I understand. I'll make sure the quality is top-notch!"

Ma Tengdong solemnly replied. With years of experience at Shueisha, he understood that even the top players in Japan could fail if they didn't focus on quality. Quality was the key to long-term success.

Now, with Xia Yu owning a TV station, Ma Tengdong knew that as long as the anime was made, it would air, and production costs wouldn't be an issue. In such conditions, prioritizing quality was the only sensible approach.