Comico Manga Service to Close in Japan in January 2027 After 13 Years
Comico, one of Japan's leading digital manga platforms, has announced it will close in January 2027 after 13 years of publication. The service, launched by NHN Japan in 2013, was known especially for its original series in the webtoon format. According to Anime News Network, the platform's closing date has been officially set for January 2027.
Comico was one of the first platforms in Japan to offer a digital manga reading experience optimized for smartphones. It hosted popular series such as ReLIFE and Momokuri, which later reached wider audiences through anime adaptations. The platform was among the pioneers that popularized the vertically scrolling webtoon format in Japan. However, in recent years, increasing competition and changing reader habits led to a decline in Comico's user numbers.
The decision to close is seen as a reflection of consolidation in the digital manga industry. In Japan, competition has intensified with major platforms like LINE Manga, pixiv Comic, and Shonen Jump+, as well as international players entering the market. Comico's closure raises questions, especially about the future of platform-exclusive series and creators. NHN Japan has not yet provided detailed information on how existing users' data and purchases will be protected.
Comico's closure does not mean that the webtoon format's influence in Japan is waning; rather, the adoption of this format by mainstream manga platforms makes it harder for independent services to survive. Experts suggest that similar closures may occur in the coming years, and that smaller-scale platforms may survive by focusing on niche audiences. It has been reported that Comico will continue to operate until its final days, and users will still be able to access their archives.
This development marks the end of an era for digital manga readers while once again highlighting the industry's dynamic nature. Whether the series published on Comico will be moved to other venues remains a topic of interest. NHN Japan is expected to make an official announcement on this matter in the coming months.
