What are Furoku Magazine Books?

1. History of Furoku

The tradition of including furoku in magazines began in the late 1800s. Magazines used to throw in some freebies or gifts, a.k.a. furoku, to give readers a little nudge to buy their personal copy instead of borrowing from friends.

Early furoku were simple paper goods like postcards, stationery, and games. In the early 1900s, they became more elaborate, including pull-out manga and items featuring popular characters. During World War II, furoku became scarce due to a lack of materials, but they reappeared after the war and continued to grow in popularity.

A significant turning point for furoku came in 2001 when the rule requiring them to be made of paper was lifted. This allowed for a wider variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, and fabric. Today, furoku can be anything from makeup samples and nail polish to tote bags and travel pouches.

2. Why are Furoku Magazine Books Interesting?

Furoku magazine books offer a fascinating glimpse into Japanese marketing culture. They also provide a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up reading Japanese magazines and collecting furoku.

Additionally, these books can be valuable resources for collectors, researchers, and anyone interested in the history of popular culture.

Shop Furoku Magazine from Japan

3. Popular Furoku Magazine Books Publishers

Numerous publishers in Japan produce Furoku Magazine Books, each contributing their unique offerings to the market. Here are some of the renowned publishers:

1. Takarajimasha (宝島社)

   

    

   Takarajimasha is a famous Japanese publisher known for its diverse range of magazines with freebies catering to various interests, from fashion and lifestyle to entertainment and manga. It is known for its high-quality furoku, which often includes practical items like stationery, household goods, and fashion accessories.

   

   If you are a manga and anime enthusiast, keep an eye on Takarajimasha’s next furoku. You will end up collecting exclusive merchandise related to popular manga series, anime, and Japanese cultural trends.

   Some of Takarajimasha’s most popular furoku magazine books include:

   1. InRed

      InRed is another popular furoku fashion magazine from Takarajimasha publishing house. The magazine is targeted at women in their 30s and offers kawaii freebies.

      

   2. Linen or Rin’neru (リンネル)

      This magazine is aimed at women in their 20s and 30s and features furoku related to fashion, home goods, and stationery.

      

   3. Steady.（ステディ）

      This magazine is targeted towards women in their 30s and 40s and often features furoku related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

      

2. Shueisha (集英社)

   

    

   Shueisha is a Japanese publishing company specializing in manga, magazines, and other media. It is known for its popular shonen manga magazines, such as Weekly Shonen Jump and Shonen Jump Next!!, which often include furoku related to the featured manga series.

   Some of Shueisha’s most popular furoku magazine books include:

   1. Weekly Shonen Jump (週刊少年ジャンプ)

      This is a Japanese manga magazine that is published weekly by Shueisha under the ‘Jump’ line of magazines. It offers furoku related to the manga series.

      

   2. CamCam

      This magazine is targeted towards young women and often features furoku related to fashion, beauty, and celebrities.

      

   3. Oggi

      This book is another popular magazine aimed at working women in their 30s and 40s. It features furoku related to fashion, career, and lifestyle.

      

   Also Read: How to buy from Shounen Jump Shop?

3. Shinchosha (新潮社)

   

    

   Shinchosha is a Japanese publishing company specializing in literature, magazines bundled with gifts, and other media. It is known for its high-quality literary magazines, such as Shincho and Shukan Shincho, which often include furoku related to Japanese culture and history. These magazines may include limited edition art prints, literary supplements, or collaborations with renowned artists and authors.

   Some of Shinchosha’s most popular furoku magazine books include:

   1. Shukan Shincho (週刊新潮)

      It is a Japanese weekly news magazine published by Shinchosha and offers furoku based on art and literature.

      

   2. Kangaeru Hito (考える人)

      This magazine covers a variety of topics related to intellectual life and society and sometimes includes furoku related to history, philosophy, or literature.

      

4. Hakusensha (白泉社)

   

    

   Hakusensha is a Japanese publishing company specializing in manga magazines targeting diverse demographics, including shoujo, josei, and seinen genres. Their Furoku Magazine Books often feature exclusive manga chapters, artbooks, or merchandise related to popular series like “Fruits Basket” and “Ouran High School Host Club.” It is also known for its popular shojo manga magazines, such as Hana to Yume and LaLa.

   Some of Hakusensha’s most popular furoku magazine books include:

   1. Hana to Yume (花とゆめ)

      This magazine is a semi-monthly Japanese shōjo manga magazine that comes with freebies like drama CDs, stationery, and calendars.

      

   2. LaLa

      LaLa is a monthly shōjo manga magazine and offers freebies like calendars for New Year issues and other stationery items.

      

5. Shogakukan (小学館)

   

   Shogakukan publishes genres such as manga, fashion, and entertainment. Their Furoku Magazine Books frequently offer bonus manga chapters, DVDs, or promotional items tied to popular Shonen manga magazines, such as Weekly Shonen Sunday and Shogakukan Shonen Sunday.

   Some of Shogakukan’s most popular furoku magazine books include:

   1. Weekly Shōnen Sunday (週刊少年サンデー)

      This weekly shōnen manga magazine published by Shogakukan is the fourth best-selling manga magazine. It comes with exciting freebies related to the manga featured.

      

   2. CoroCoro Comic (コロコロコミック)

      Targeted toward very young boys, this monthly manga magazine offers freebies related to popular game series like Doraemon and Pokémon.

      

4. The Future of Furoku

While digital media offers alternative ways to engage with content, the unique experience of receiving and collecting furoku is likely to continue holding a special place in Japanese culture.

Trying out new things like using augmented reality or digital downloads along with furoku could make the experience even better and appeal to more people.

Also Read: Where to Buy Japanese Fashion Magazines?

5. Where to Buy Furoku Magazines From Japan?

Here are a few top places from where you can buy furoku magazines from Japan:

• ZenMarket ‐ Looking for a hassle-free and easy-on-the-pocket online Japanese store? Buy furoku from ZenMarket, one of the most trusted online stores for international shipping.
• Rakuten Books ‐ Rakuten is another trusted name for buying furoku magazines at the best price.
• 7net ‐ 7net is another online shop where you can find furoku magazines in Japan.
• e-hon ‐ Shop for the latest furoku from e-hon.
• Amazon Japan ‐ You can find the latest and best-priced furoku books on Amazon Japan.
• HMV Books ‐ Find the latest furoku magazines in Japan at HMV Books online shop.
• Takarajimasha Fashion Magazine Online ‐ You can directly shop for their furoku magazines from Takarajimasha’s online shop.

Tips to buy Furoko from japan

Here are some additional tips on how to buy furoku magazines from Japan:

• Use a proxy buying service: If you don’t have a Japanese address or are unfamiliar with the language, consider using a proxy buying service to help you navigate the process.
• Be aware of shipping costs: International shipping can be expensive, so factor this into your budget when purchasing a book.
• Look for used books: You can often find gently used furoku magazine books at a lower price on auction websites or used bookstores.