Ribon – April 1991 Issue

Ribon – April 1991 Issue
Title (cover headline): ときめきトゥナイト・アニメ放映中（池野恋）
Published: April 1991
Publisher: Shueisha
Category: Shōjo manga magazine

Description:
This April 1991 issue of Ribon, a leading shōjo manga magazine, is an epitome of the 1990s girls' media culture in Japan. Lead manga Tokimeki Tonight by Koi Ikeno was being serialized simultaneously as both a manga and anime. The magazine contained serialized romantic comedies, school life dramas, and fantasy tales targeting pre-teen and teenaged girls.

Ribon located itself at the center of young girls' aesthetics, emotions, and cultural practices. It was not just a comic magzine—it included stationery, horoscopes, and idol pieces and thus a rich, thick media environment.

Design Notes:
The cover boasts rounded, whimsical katakana lettering in primary colors with a whimsical touch. The title "ときめきトゥナイト" boasts dotted pop-style lettering in yellow and red to reflect the lively romantic comedy inside. Layout is tight and energetic, reflecting 90s Japanese children's design in media: bold and inviting fonts, hand-drawn pictures, and emphasis-making exclamation marks.

Designer:
Cover art by Koi Ikeno, designer of Tokimeki Tonight. The internal editorial staff at Shueisha created the magazine design and typography, in accordance with the Ribon brand of late 80s and early 90s