【TOKYO SHOSEKI】Japan's Largest Textbook Publisher, but They Also Released Games! The History of TOKYO SHOSEKI, Deeply Connected to the Game Brand "Tonkin House"!

Tokyo Shoseki—Known for the “NEWHORIZON” series of junior high school English textbooks, this publisher is indispensable in Japan's education field. Textbooks with titles like “New ○○” are fondly remembered and sometimes humorously noted for their unique names. Nonetheless, they have undoubtedly secured their position as Japan's largest publisher through trust and proven results.

Since its founding in 1909, Tokyo Shoseki has not been confined to just textbook production but has continually expanded its business. In addition to textbooks, they produce study guides, digital teaching materials, and even create academic assessment tests. Furthermore, they publish a wide range of general books, from educational to literary works, creating diverse content centered around education. This flexibility is the driving force behind their 110-plus years of history.

In fact, Tokyo Shoseki once ventured into the production and sales of home video game software. In the early days of the Famicom, they mainly focused on educational software for elementary school students, but in 1987, they shifted gears by porting Nihon Falcom's masterpiece “Romancia,” marking their entry into entertainment games. The game brand “Tonkin House,” born from this effort, became somewhat iconic for gamers of the time. The renowned soundtracks in the Super Famicom version of “Ys III,” known as “Tonkin Sound,” remain legendary to this day.

Despite being an education-rooted company, Tokyo Shoseki expanded into the entertainment field in response to the needs of the times. Their adventurous spirit and flexibility highlight their multifaceted appeal beyond the confines of a typical publisher. Particularly, their foray into the gaming industry and subsequent achievements can be seen as pioneering the possibilities of “education × entertainment.”

Having surpassed 110 years since its founding, Tokyo Shoseki continues to challenge new frontiers such as digital textbooks and online learning. These efforts are an important step in supporting future education and also contribute to the evolution of Japan's culture and learning.

Tokyo Shoseki is a company brimming with potential beyond the realm of textbooks. Beyond nostalgic textbooks, looking at the wide range of activities behind them is sure to reveal new discoveries.