"Manga" comics that can be downloaded to mobile phones are increasing at a rapid rate and beginning to exceed the number available for personal computers and personal digital assistants.
Industry analysts said the market is expected to grow further as mobile phone technology improves. Improved quality and lower communication charges are leading to a wider range of choices in downloadable manga. Book sales have hit a ceiling while electronic books continue to grow.
"As the length of the comics are small, it's good way to kill time," said a man in his 30s who downloads comics to his PC.