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.

The 67-year-old LDP hawk is known for his manga fandom and stands a good chance to clinch the party presidency on September 22, making him de-facto premier of the ruling coalition of the LDP and the New Komeito party.

Fukuda announced his resignation Monday over lack of public support and a political stalemate with the opposition, which controls the upper house of Japan's parliament.

Shares of Japanese Anime - or animation products - spiked for a short period in September, when Aso previously ran for party leadership, but declined when he lost to Fukuda. (dpa)