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最終更新：2025/12/09
A Comparison of Japanese Harry Potter Edition
The Harry Potter series has been published in many different versions (editions) in Japan. If you want to read Japanese edition of Harry Potter, you need to search which versions to choose. I’m going to compare these various Japanese novel versions of the Harry Potter series in depth! We hope this guide will be helpful for those who are confused about which edition to buy.
No Need to Worry Too Much!
As you can see, so many versions have been released that it’s easy to get confused about “which one to buy?” However, the story content is the same regardless of which edition you choose.
Also, all Japanese versions of Harry Potter were translated by Yuko Matsuoka, so you don’t need to worry about different translators. While minor translation revisions mean the wording may differ slightly between editions, they are all changes that do not affect the story.
The major differences are only the book size, font/text decorations, and the presence or absence of furigana (reading aids using hiragana). Therefore, for enjoying the story, there is absolutely no problem with choosing any version!
However, please be cautious about versions that have not been fully released.
In Japan, the “20th Anniversary Edition” was published for only the first volume, Philosopher’s Stone. Also, the “MinaLima Edition” has been released up to Volume 3, but there are no plans for further publications.
The “Illustrated Edition” is still being published and will likely be completed in a few years. Since it is currently unfinished, you should also be mindful of this when purchasing.
＊Original Hardcover (Tankobon)
This is the original Japanese Harry Potter version, first released in Japan, although it has become less common in bookstores recently. It is thick and substantial—truly a Harry Potter novel!
Although the Harry Potter series has 7 volumes, this edition consists of 11 volumes in total. Volumes 4 and later were sold as upper and lower sets (Part 1 and Part 2). Dan Schlesinger was responsible for the covers and the illustrations for each chapter’s title page. The fantastic and beautiful atmosphere gives them character and makes them very beautiful.
A characteristic feature is the text decorations. While rare in other novels, various fonts are used in this Harry Potter hardcover: Pop font for spells, a creepy font for Parseltongue, and so on. Newspaper articles in the story are enclosed in boxes, and some parts feature stamp designs, making for plenty of unique Japanese text decorations that immerse you in the world.
Furigana (reading aids using hiragana) are applied to some kanji—it seems to be applied to characters learned in upper Japanese elementary school grades and above.
＊Hardcover Re-edition (Shinso-ban)
This is the re-edition of the Hardcover version mentioned above. Miho Satake newly designed the covers. She also drew the illustrations for each chapter’s title page, allowing you to enjoy “title page illustrations” not found in the Bunko editions!
Compared to the Original Hardcover, the size is slightly smaller, making it easier to carry. The size is B6 (Shiroku-ban), which is a common hardcover size in Japan.
Like the Hardcover version, it consists of 11 volumes, but unlike the original, you can buy the upper (“上”) and lower (“下”) volumes of Volume 4 and later separately.
If you want to fully enjoy the world of Harry Potter, please consider the Re-edition.
＊Harry Potter Bunko Re-edition (Pocket Edition)
This is a typical pocket-size edition, created for “adults” in Japan. It was released with anime-style illustrations by Chiaki Otonai on the covers. The wonderful covers are very charming!
It consists of 20 volumes. Since the first volume is divided into two books, “1-1” and “1-2,” each volume is thinner, making it perfect for carrying around!
Another feature is the inclusion of commentary at the end of each volume. Be aware that furigana is only included on few significantly difficult kanji!
If you can read kanji, this edition is the best choice. However, some kanjis are very difficult.
＊Seizansha Pegasus Bunko Re-edition
The most distinctive feature is that it is a slightly larger pocket size (Shinsho-ban) than the standard Bunko, and it was created for “children” in Japan. This is the contrasting version to the “Adult-oriented Harry Potter Bunko Re-edition” mentioned above.
Since it is for children in Japan, furigana is applied to all kanji. Furthermore, even though it is a Bunko edition, text decorations are included, making it an edition that you can enjoy reading easily!
This Pegasus Bunko series is the only one with furigana on every kanji, so it is especially recommended for all people!
＊MinaLima Edition
The “MinaLima Design Edition” is a luxury art edition in which MinaLima (the designers for the movie graphics) handled all the illustrations, binding, and book design. It is packed with full-color illustrations and features delicate pop-up elements.
The beautiful design is perfect for collectors and gifts for fans!! You can enjoy a slightly luxurious Harry Potter experience!
＊Illustrated Edition
The “Illustrated Edition” is a version filled with illustrations by Jim Kay. It is a super deluxe, all-color edition, with designs applied to many pages.
The main text is formatted horizontally in a two-column layout per page, and the size is a large format book. It is a series that everyone can enjoy.
However, Furigana (reading aids using hiragana) are applied to some kanji—it seems to be applied to characters learned in upper Japanese elementary school grades and above.
＊20th Anniversary Edition
This was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter. It is a series with bindings themed after the four Hogwarts houses (four types in total).
Only the first volume, Philosopher’s Stone, has been published in Japan. Therefore, we do not recommend it for those planning to read the entire Harry Potter series.
Summary of Book Comparison
For every Japanese learner who cannot yet read many kanji, the “Seizansha Pegasus Bunko” which has furigana on all kanji is a perfect fit. Since this edition is larger pocket size, you can carry easily!