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Anime/Manga Stocks Drop as Asō's Rival Leads in Polls

Manga-related stocks, which surged after manga fan Tarō Asō emerged as a candidate for the next Prime Minister of Japan, have settled as polls showed fellow Liberal Democratic Party member Yasuo Fukuda taking the early lead. Observers attribute the rapid fluctuations to speculating day-traders. Used manga retailer Mandarake's stock dropped 6% on Thursday and 5% on Friday, erasing much of Wednesday's 12.95% gain. Character goods maker Broccoli's stock rose 71% from 92 to 157 Yen On Wednesday, but it fell to 94 yen by week's end. The nationalistic Asō and the more moderate veteran Fukuda are campaigning for the September 23 vote on the party presidency, which will effectively determine who will replace former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe.