The publisher of Shukan Asahi says it will suspend publication of the magazine in May this year. Started over a century ago, the magazine is said to be Japan's oldest weekly.

Asahi Shimbun Publications says it made the decision because the market for weekly magazines is shrinking. It also explained that revenues from advertisements have decreased.

The firm says that circulation of the Shukan Asahi surpassed one million in the 1950s, but plummeted to about 74,000 on average last December.

The Shukan Asahi contains articles on a wide range of issues, from politics and social issues to culture and history.

The publisher said it wants to extend its gratitude to readers who have supported the magazine for over 100 years.

It said it will focus more on its news website and books.