ALBATROSS-VIEW

ALBATROSS-VIEW (アルバトロス・ビュー), commonly known as ALBA, is a Japanese semi-monthly golf magazine published by ALBA Corporation and distributed by President Inc. It is released on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. First launched on April 2, 1987, by Koike Shoin and sold by Mainichi Newspapers, it has grown to boast one of the highest circulations among Japanese golf magazines, with strong readership among men in their 30s and 40s. The magazine is positioned as a "golf lesson magazine," featuring professional golfers' techniques, club information, and golf manga. Its cover has evolved from illustrations to photographs of professional golfers. Over the years, ownership and publishing operations have changed hands: in 2005, Opt Inc. acquired the publishing business through its subsidiary FT Uniting, which was renamed ALBA Corporation. In 2008, a management buyout separated ALBA from Opt, and the business was split into publishing (ALBA) and new ventures (ALBA Partners). In 2017, ALBA merged with Par Golf, publisher of Weekly Par Golf, forming Global Golf Media Group, which published both magazines until Weekly Par Golf ceased in June 2021. In January 2023, the company name reverted to ALBA Corporation. Since August 2010, ALBA has had a capital and business alliance with Xebio, a sports retailer, which holds 5.66% of ALBA and acquired ALBA Partners as a consolidated subsidiary. The official website, ALBA Net, is jointly operated by ALBA and Xebio Communication Networks. ALBATROSS-VIEW remains a key brand in Japanese golf media, offering instruction, equipment reviews, and golf-related comics.

ALBATROSS-VIEW was first published on April 2, 1987, by Koike Shoin and sold by Mainichi Newspapers. It quickly established itself as a prominent golf magazine in Japan, known for its instruction content and high circulation. In March 2005, Opt Inc., an internet advertising company, decided to transfer the publishing business of Koike Shoin (including ALBATROSS-VIEW) to its subsidiary FT Uniting. In April 2005, FT Uniting was renamed ALBA Corporation and began publishing the magazine. In November 2008, ALBA's management conducted a management buyout, separating from Opt's capital. Simultaneously, ALBA's business was divided into publishing (ALBA) and new ventures (ALBA Partners). In August 2010, ALBA formed a capital and business alliance with Xebio, a sports retailer; Xebio acquired a 5.66% stake in ALBA and purchased ALBA Partners, making it a consolidated subsidiary. In January 2017, ALBA merged with Par Golf, the publisher of Weekly Par Golf, to form Global Golf Media Group. Both magazines continued under the new entity until Weekly Par Golf ceased publication on June 22, 2021. In January 2023, the company name was changed back to ALBA Corporation. Throughout its history, ALBATROSS-VIEW has featured golf manga, including series such as 'Manga Lesson Miyazato Dojo' and 'Golf of Vision 54', and has maintained a strong presence in Japanese golf media.

• 2023

  Company name changed back to ALBA Corporation in January.

• 2021

  Weekly Par Golf ceases publication on June 22.

• 2017

  Merger with Par Golf to form Global Golf Media Group.

• 2010

  Capital and business alliance with Xebio; Xebio acquires 5.66% stake and ALBA Partners.

• 2008

  Management buyout separates ALBA from Opt; business split into ALBA and ALBA Partners.

• 2005

  Opt Inc. transfers publishing business to subsidiary FT Uniting, renamed ALBA Corporation in April.

• 1987

  First published on April 2 by Koike Shoin, sold by Mainichi Newspapers.

A leading golf lesson magazine with high circulation, targeting 30-40 year old golfers.

• ALBATROSS-VIEW magazine

  Semi-monthly golf magazine published on the 2nd and 4th Thursday.

• ALBA Net

  Official golf information portal website jointly operated by ALBA and Xebio Communication Networks.

1. 1アルバトロス・ビュー - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org
2. 2ALBATROSS-VIEW - Wikidatawikidata.org