Top 5 Reading Apps Loved by Bookworms in Japan
With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, daily reading habits in Japan have undergone significant changes. While physical books once dominated the market, an increasing number of people now enjoy reading digitally. As a result, numerous reading apps have emerged, allowing users to easily access a wide range of content—from novels and manga to business books and magazines. Many readers now choose apps that best suit their lifestyles. Especially among younger generations, the habit of reading during commutes or in spare moments is becoming increasingly common. In this article, we highlight the top reading apps loved by Japanese readers, outlining their unique features and appeal. Let’s dive in.
Popular Reading Apps Ranked
- ebookjapan
- DMM Books
- dBook
- Comic CMOA
- BOOK☆WALKER
1. ebookjapan
Source: ebookjapan Official Website
ebookjapan is a major eBook service partnered with Yahoo! JAPAN, known primarily for its extensive manga collection—among the best in the country. From trending new titles to classics and out-of-print gems, the selection is sure to delight any manga fan. A standout feature is the bookshelf display, with spines visible, allowing users to enjoy a sense of collection. Frequent sales and coupon campaigns provide great opportunities to read popular titles at a discount. Compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs, the app offers a seamless reading experience across multiple devices. Reliable and user-friendly, ebookjapan is popular among both casual and heavy readers.
2. DMM Books
Source: DMM Books Official Website
DMM Books is one of Japan’s largest digital platforms, offering between 980,000 and 1.26 million titles, including comics, novels, photo books, business books, and adult content. With over 20,000 titles available for free, it’s easy to sample the service. Generous offers, such as 70–90% off for first-time users and multiple mega-sales with up to 100% point return, make it ideal for bulk buyers. Its reader app, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and PCs, includes advanced features like bookmarks, markers, customizable backgrounds and fonts, folder locks, and offline access. It also offers a vast selection of adult titles via FANZA, a unique strength. Although it is a pay-per-download service rather than a subscription-based one, it’s an excellent option for DMM users thanks to shared point usage within the DMM ecosystem.
3. dBook
Source: dBook Official Website
dBook is an eBook store provided by NTT DOCOMO, offering over 600,000 manga, novels, magazines, practical guides, and photo books through one-time purchases. No registration is required, and over 3,000 titles are available for free previews. Users earn 1 dPoint per ¥100 spent, and DOCOMO users can earn up to 3% back with d Card payments. Special “d Book Days” on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of each month offer a 20% point return. First-time users receive a 50% off coupon, and repeat users can access discounts of up to 80%, making it ideal for test purchases. Offline viewing is supported through the app, making it convenient for on-the-go reading. With the reliability of DOCOMO, this service is perfect for those who want to purchase only what they read and for users who actively collect “dPoints.”
4. Comic CMOA
Source: Comic CMOA Official Website
Comic CMOA, operated by NTT Solmare (a member of the NTT Group) since 2004, is a trusted and long-established digital bookstore. With a catalog of over 1.1 to 1.4 million titles and more than 40,000 free works, it is one of the largest in the industry, especially rich in genres such as BL, TL, and Harlequin novels, which are popular among female readers. Users can choose from three usage styles: pay-per-title, rental, or all-you-can-read (Lite: ¥780/month; Full: ¥1,480/month), with a 7-day free trial available. There are many promotional campaigns, including 70% off coupons for new users, up to 20,000 points rewards, and bonuses for linking with LINE or collecting daily visit stamps. The app and web browser versions support bookmarks, folders, offline viewing, and customizable fonts and backgrounds. With reader reviews, exclusive and early-access content, and user-friendly functionality, Comic SMOA is a well-rounded eBook service for those who want variety and value.
5. BOOK☆WALKER
Source: BOOK☆WALKER Official Website
BOOK☆WALKER is a Japan-based eBook store operated by the KADOKAWA Group, offering over 1.2 million titles across genres such as manga, light novels, literature, non-fiction, magazines, and even doujinshi (indie works). With around 45,000 light novels, it boasts one of the largest selections in this category. Users can choose between one-time purchases and a subscription plan (from ¥836/month). First-time buyers receive 50% back in BOOK☆WALKER Coins, and additional bonus returns are available for pre-orders. Depending on member rank, up to 18% in coins can be earned, with bonus coins also offered on prepaid purchases. Exclusive digital perks, such as bonus stories or special messages, along with sales and coupons, add extra value. Accessible via app or browser, the service also offers offline reading and customizable shelves. With a focus on manga and light novels, it’s an ideal choice for readers seeking a well-established platform with both flexible plans and unique bonuses.
Conclusion
As smartphones and tablets become integral to daily life, digital reading has firmly established itself as a modern reading style. As shown above, Japan offers a rich variety of eBook services, each with its strengths—ranging from genre diversity and extensive catalogs to pricing, point systems, subscription options, app usability, and exclusive rewards. By selecting a platform that suits your reading style, you can enjoy a more comfortable and fulfilling reading experience. Whether during a commute or before bed, eBooks offer the freedom to dive into the world of stories anytime, anywhere. If you haven’t tried one yet, now might be the perfect time to find the reading app that’s right for you.
