With the announced resignation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a number of candidates are being suggested to replace him, including Foreign Minister Taro Aso, who's a big supporter of Japan's anime and manga industries and who developed the International Manga Award as a way 'to enhance the voice of Japanese pop culture and subculture' (see 'Japan Launches International Manga Award').

The International Herald Tribute reported a good day for manga-related stocks on Wednesday, including run-ups in the prices of stocks in retailers Mandarake and Broccoli (which also publishes manga in the U.S.), predicated solely on news of Aso's possible ascension to the top spot and its anticipated impact on the business.