Top 10 Most Popular Unlimited Magazine Reading Subscription Services in Japan for Men and Women in Their 30s
Japan boasts a rich variety of magazine genres, from fashion and lifestyle to weekly, monthly, and specialized men's and women's publications. For many in their 30s, reading magazines remains a cherished activity, offering a valuable way to stay updated on trends and current events.
This article explores the top unlimited magazine reading subscription services available in Japan, ranked by their price-to-value ratio. We delve into the distinctive features and offerings of each service, providing newcomers with a comprehensive guide to help them choose the ideal option to match their reading preferences.
Ranking of Magazine Reading Subscription Services
(*Ranking by price from lowest to highest.)
- Rakuten Magazine
- au Book Pass
- Hikari TV Book
- Amazon Prime Reading
- Book Hōdai
- d Magazine
- Book Walker
- FOD Premium
- Kindle Unlimited
- U-Next
1. Rakuten Magazine
Website: https://magazine.rakuten.co.jp/
Monthly Fee: 572 yen
Available Magazines: Over 8,000
Rakuten Magazine provides excellent value with access to over 8,000 magazines for just 572 yen per month. New users can take advantage of a 31-day free trial, allowing them to explore the platform before committing. The service offers both monthly and annual subscription options, with the Best Plan bringing the cost down to a very affordable 422 yen.
2. au Book Pass
Website: https://bookpass.auone.jp/
Monthly Fee: 418 yen
Available Magazines: More than 300
au Book Pass offers a budget-friendly option for casual readers, providing a variety of content at an affordable price. For those seeking a broader selection, the more comprehensive plan priced at 618 yen per month unlocks a diverse range of genres, including magazines, manga, novels, and photo books. New users can enjoy a 30-day free trial to explore the platform's offerings. Additionally, subscribers can earn and use Ponta points, further enhancing the value of their subscription.
3. Hikari TV Book
Website: https://book.hikaritv.net/book/static/getugaku_486/data/index.html
Monthly Fee: 495 yen
Available Magazines: Over 800
Hikari TV Book offers an extensive selection of genres, ranging from fashion and recipes to travel, thereby accommodating diverse interests. The service is compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs, allowing users to access content on up to 3 devices at the same time, providing flexibility for on-the-go reading. With its intuitive search and ranking features, Hikari TV Book makes it easy to discover and explore new magazines.
4. Amazon Prime Reading
Website: https://www.amazon.co.jp/kindle-dbs/fd/nonprime-pr
Monthly Fee: 600 yen
Available Magazines: More than 200
Included with an Amazon Prime membership, Prime Reading offers access to an extensive collection of magazines spanning a variety of genres, including business, manga, and novels. This service is compatible with multiple devices, allowing users to easily sync their reading progress across smartphones, tablets, and Kindle devices. Whether at home or on the go, Prime Reading ensures an enjoyable reading experience, tailored to fit into the user’s lifestyle.
5. Book Hōdai
Website: https://bookhodai.jp/
Monthly Fee: 550 yen
Available Magazines: Over 800
Operated by a SoftBank Group company, Book Hōdai (or Book Unlimited) provides an expansive collection of over 800 magazines, 300 travel guidebooks, and more than 60,000 comics. Particularly favored for its wide selection of fashion and beauty content, the service offers users access to current and back issues, allowing for a rich and diverse reading experience. With a 1-month free trial included, it presents an excellent opportunity for users to explore its extensive library before committing to a subscription.
6. d Magazine
Website: https://dmagazine.docomo.ne.jp/
Monthly Fee: 580 yen
Available Magazines: Over 1,400
d Magazine, operated by NTT Docomo, offers a broad range of magazines, spanning genres from fashion to travel. The platform boasts a powerful search feature that enables users to filter content based on specific topics of interest, including recipe collections. This intuitive function enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to discover and enjoy the latest content tailored to individual preferences.
7. Book Walker
Website: https://bookwalker.jp/top/?adpcnt=7qM_FM
Monthly Fee: 836 yen
Available Magazines: More than 100
Book Walker, managed by Kadokawa, is a platform tailored to fans of manga, anime, and art books. It offers an extensive collection of manga magazines and anime-themed publications, making it an ideal service for enthusiasts of these genres. New users can enjoy a 14-day free trial, thereby gaining an opportunity to explore Book Walker’s unique library before deciding to subscribe.
8. FOD Premium
Website: https://fod.fujitv.co.jp/
Monthly Fee: 976 yen
Available Magazines: More than 200
FOD Premium, operated by Fuji Television, provides unlimited access to a diverse selection of weekly and women’s magazines, as well as an extensive library of manga, dramas, and movies. This diversity makes it the perfect choice for those who want a combination of reading material and TV programs.
9. Kindle Unlimited
Website: https://read.amazon.ca/landing
Monthly Fee: 980 yen
Available Magazines: Over 240
Kindle Unlimited offers unlimited access to a vast selection of magazines and books, including both back issues and the latest releases, across multiple devices. With a 30-day free trial, users can enjoy seamless reading on smartphones, tablets, and Kindles. The platform also provides helpful features such as note-taking and highlighting, making it easy to keep track of key points and revisit favorite sections.
10. U-Next
Website: https://video.unext.jp/
Monthly Fee: 2,189 yen
Available Magazines: More than 200
U-Next offers a comprehensive collection of magazines across various genres, complemented by an extensive library of movies, dramas, and manga. Through its 31-day free trial, it offers users the opportunity to explore a vast array of content, making it an ideal choice for those seeking diversity in their entertainment options. Whether you're a fan of magazines, films, or TV shows, U-Next delivers a comprehensive viewing and reading experience.
Conclusion
Each magazine subscription service provides its own set of unique features, whether it’s affordability, an extensive selection of magazines, specialized genre offerings, or even a combination with other entertainment options such as dramas and movies. To make the most of your subscription, we recommend taking advantage of free trials to choose the ideal service that aligns with your preferences in terms of content and subscription costs. After carefully evaluating different services, you’re likely to know which one best suits your needs and lifestyle.
