Japanese comic industry profits from political crisis

Tokyo - Producers of Japan's manga comic books are rejoicing over the political hubbub after the surprise resignation of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, a Japanese business daily said Wednesday. Shares of animation companies shot up since former foreign minister Taro Aso, an avid fan of manga, is touted as the most likely candidate to succeed Fukuda at the helm of the Liberal Democratic Party and as prime minister.

Nikkei, Japan's leading business daily said that shares of Broccoli, a company selling animation products rose 21 per cent to 70 yen (0.65 dollars) Tuesday after Aso announced his candidature.