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Shogakukan has officially launched its AI translated manga and light novel app, Novelous, in the United States and Canada on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. EST.
Shogakukan has partnered with AI translation startup Mantra, in which they invested 780 million yen (US$5.1 million) along with three other manga publishers in June last year.
According to the publisher, many light novels have low circulation numbers, making translation and overseas expansion difficult in terms of profitability.
However, by using AI, they aim to translate many works at a low cost, which they say will also serve as a countermeasure against piracy.
In an interview with Nikkei, Shogakukan had said that human translators will meticulously organize details such as the characteristics of characters, the background, and the context – before AI translation process begins.
Titles
At its inception, Novelous boasts over 80 titles including Too Many Losing Heroines!, and Kengan Ashura. Notably, the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End spinoff novel was expected to be part of the initial lineup but was absent at launch.
Shogakukan has set ambitious goals for the platform, aiming to feature 400 works within the next two years, which could include both new titles and volumes of existing series.
The publishing giant also aims to register 1 million users and generate millions of U.S. dollars in revenue by the 2027 fiscal year.
Features
Novelous has a vertically scrolling format for its manga and light novels, rather than traditional e-book pages.
Dialogue will be presented in speech bubbles with character icons, making it easier to read on a smartphone screen. This will also help users navigate complex Japanese names.
Additionally, the app offers options for both long-term access via paid coins and temporary access through free coins, catering to different user preferences.
The app will also allow readers to leave comments and impressions on works, similar to other e-book services.
Opportunities for Western Writers
In a move to foster global creative exchange, Shogakukan has announced plans to include original light novels written by Western authors in the Novelous catalog.
The publisher will soon host a competition inviting aspiring writers from the US and Canada to submit their works, providing a unique platform for new voices to be heard alongside established Japanese authors.
Additionally, Shogakukan has stated it will also release other publishers’ works if they request it.
Trend Towards AI Translations
Shogakukan is not alone in its venture to bridge the language gap through technology. Several Japanese companies have recently launched AI-powered apps in the US, aiming to tap into the burgeoning market for manga and light novels.
Services like TO Books’ Corona EX and Orange Inc.’s emaqi have also embraced machine translation to varying extents, reflecting a growing industry trend that prioritizes speed and accessibility in publishing translations.
Source: ANN
Crap.
Crap.