Fate/Grand Order Boosts Sales of Dante’s The Divine Comedy in Japan by 130%
The cultural impact of Fate/Grand Order continues to transcend the realm of mobile gaming—this time influencing Japan’s publishing industry in a big way. Japanese publisher Kawade Shobo Shinsha has reported an unexpected surge in sales of Dante Alighieri’s 13th-century literary classic, The Divine Comedy, and they credit one source: Fate/Grand Order: Ordeal Call IV – Tribunal of Humanity: Trinity Metatronius.
In the latest story chapter of FGO, fans encounter heavy references to Dante’s iconic journey through the Nine Circles of Hell, along with the appearance of Dante himself as a summonable Servant. That thematic connection seems to have sparked a widespread interest in reading the original masterpiece.
Fate/Grand Order Boosts Sales of Dante’s The Divine Comedy in Japan by 130%
In an official announcement, Kawade Shobo stated:
“Due to an unexpected spike in demand, we’ve decided to urgently reprint The Divine Comedy: Complete Edition. Sales have increased by 130% compared to last year, likely thanks to the Fate/Grand Order effect. Despite the book being priced at 5,900 yen, many fans seem eager to purchase it—perhaps because its illustrations resemble those featured in the game.”
The publisher noted that many players are specifically choosing the complete illustrated edition, which visually captures the surreal visions of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise—resonating deeply with the game’s own detailed visual storytelling.
When a Mobile Game Revives Classic Literature
This isn’t the first time Fate/Grand Order has influenced real-world trends. In the past, the popularity of a Servant who liked croquette soba triggered a notable uptick in demand for the dish across Japan. Now, it’s elevating interest in European literature, pulling players into Dante’s philosophical and spiritual journey through the afterlife.
The Divine Comedy is considered one of the most important works in world literature, and the fact that a mobile game is drawing a new generation of readers to it is a testament to FGO‘s storytelling power and reach.
