Tokyo, December 2, 2014 – Rakuten, Inc. today announced it will offer a special illustration card to purchasers of the latest issue of the popular comic series “Attack on Titan,” written by Hajime Isayama, to be released by publisher Kodansha on Tuesday, December 9, which will allow them to download eBook content related to “Attack on Titan” from the Rakuten Kobo eBook store for free. The illustration card will be offered at more than 370 bookstores throughout Japan.
The illustration card, with content provided by Kodansha, will be offered to customers who purchase issue 15 of “Attack on Titan” at the more than 370 bookstores which publication distribution company Osakaya distributes to around Japan while stocks last*1. The postcard-sized illustration card, which features cover illustrations from issue 14 on the front, has a QR code and URL on the back that allow the purchaser to download special content from four of the “Attack on Titan” spin-off titles for free. The special content can be downloaded from December 9 until February 9. By reading the special content along with the latest issue in the series, readers can further enjoy the world of “Attack on Titan.”
In order to support the publication distribution companies that connect publishers and bookstores and contribute to the revitalization of the publishing industry as a whole, Rakuten has invested in Osakaya*2, and this Rakuten Kobo illustration card is the first round of collaboration between Rakuten and Osakaya since the investment.
Rakuten and Kobo will continue to support the publishing industry which delivers Japanese culture, not just by providing a variety of ways for people to enjoy books, but also by offering projects that help the development of bookstores and the eBook market.
*1: The illustration card offer will end when the supply of cards runs out. A Rakuten user ID is required in order to download the free content.
*2: Rakuten has become the leading shareholder in Osakaya Co., Ltd. by investment in the company on November 27, 2014.