Nobumasa Konagai is the legend behind many of our favourite manga magazines.
The world of manga suffered another great loss this month. Legendary manga editor and publisher Nobumasa Konagai passed away on 2 February, 2025, at the age of 94. Although he was an editor, Konagai was also known for guiding many young Shōjo manga artists and influencing some of the most beloved series that we love till day.
Born in 1930, Nobumasa Konagai joined the publishing giant Shueisha at a young age and worked at the editorial department of Ribon and Omoshiro Book. There, he became the editor-in-chief of the Shōjo manga magazine Bessatsu Margaret and boosted sales astronomically. In 1973, Konagai helped found the Hakusensha publishing company, which now operates as a separate company from Shueisha.
During this time, Konagai launched many new manga magazines, including LaLa, Hana to Yume, MOE, and Young Animal. In 1990, he became the president and representative director of Hakusensha. He finally retired from the company in 2005. In 2012, Nobumasa Konagai was awarded the Achievement Award at the 16th Japan Media Arts Festival in 2012 for his massive contribution to the Shōjo manga industry. Although his passing is deeply saddening for us all, the legend’s legacy will live on in all of the amazing magazines and artists he helped grow.
Source: Japan Media Arts Festival profile for Nobumasa Konagai.
