Japanese publishing giant Shogakukan has officially launched its highly anticipated digital app, Novelous, in the United States and Canada. This new platform offers English-speaking audiences access to a vast library of popular Japanese light novels and manga series, many of which have never been officially available in English before. The app, which became available on January 23rd, 2025, for both iOS and Android devices, marks a significant step in Shogakukan’s global expansion strategy and aims to bridge the gap between Japanese content and Western fans.
A New Era for Light Novels and Manga
The launch of Novelous is a game-changer for fans of Japanese pop culture in North America. While anime has gained immense popularity, the original source material – light novels and manga – has often been less accessible. Shogakukan is seeking to change this by providing a dedicated platform that caters specifically to these formats. The app is poised to become a go-to destination for readers looking to immerse themselves in diverse genres, including adventure, romance, fantasy, and more.
What Novelous Offers
The Novelous app boasts several key features designed to enhance the reading experience:
- Extensive Library: Over 80 titles are available at launch, with plans to expand to 400 works within two years. This includes a mix of well-known series and new releases, providing a steady stream of content for readers. Some of the initial titles include Witch and Hound, Too Many Losing Heroines!, and Kengan Ashura.
- AI-Powered Translation: To facilitate the swift release of English content, Novelous uses AI translation through the Mantra system. This technology aims to cut down translation costs and accelerate the availability of new content for English-speaking readers. This is the same system that provides AI translations for The Ancient Magus Bride and Ghost and Witch manga.
- Vertical Scrolling & User Interaction: The app incorporates a user-friendly vertical scrolling format optimized for mobile reading. It also allows users to comment on and share their impressions of the works, fostering a sense of community among readers.
- Character Identification: A unique feature is the inclusion of character icons and speech bubbles that clearly indicate which character is speaking. This addresses the feedback that “Japanese names are hard to remember,” making the stories more accessible to new readers.
- Flexible Access: Users can access new chapters using a dual-currency system. They can obtain short-term access to new content via free coins, or unlock long-term access to new chapters with in-app paid coins.
Shogakukan’s Vision and Goals
Shogakukan, a major player in the Japanese publishing industry since 1922, is aiming to bring the world of Japanese light novels to a broader audience. The company has a long history of publishing a wide range of materials, from educational magazines to manga and novels. With the Novelous app, they are venturing deeper into the digital realm, adapting to changing reading habits. Shogakukan’s goal is to reach one million app users and introduce a vast array of Japanese stories to the North American market.
Addressing the Western Market
Shogakukan recognizes that while anime has achieved global success, many viewers are unaware of the light novels and manga that serve as the foundation for these adaptations. The company intends to cater to this audience by introducing them to these original stories. Novelous’ producer, Yuki Wada, explained that light novels are not as well-known in the West, which is why Shogakukan is committed to sharing these works with a global audience.
The Future of Novelous
Shogakukan’s ambition for Novelous doesn’t end with the launch. The company has plans to include original light novels written in the West on the app in the future. They intend to host a competition where writers can submit their English light novels for the chance to be featured on the platform. This strategy emphasizes Shogakukan’s aim to integrate Western creators into their platform while further enriching the app’s content offerings.
Shogakukan’s Digital Strategy
The Novelous app is a key component of Shogakukan’s larger digital strategy. The publishing house has been expanding its reach into digital platforms, including websites and apps. With a focus on innovation, Shogakukan is investing in technologies like AI to streamline the translation process and make Japanese literature more accessible to a global audience. This move demonstrates their commitment to digital publishing, recognizing the changing consumption habits of readers.
Community and Engagement
Beyond simply providing content, Novelous aims to build a community around light novels and manga. The app allows users to share their favorite series, rate content, and leave comments, fostering a sense of engagement and connection among readers. The focus on user interaction highlights the platform’s commitment to creating a space where fans can discover and discuss their shared interests.
The Impact of AI Translation
The use of AI translation is a notable aspect of the Novelous project. While AI translation technology is continually improving, it is not without its limitations. Shogakukan is using Mantra’s AI translation service. The potential benefit to this method is a significant reduction in translation costs and time, allowing for a greater number of works to be translated and released at a faster pace. However, this approach is not without its considerations regarding the nuances of language and the potential impact on translation quality. However, Shogakukan has made an effort to address potential drawbacks with its character icons and speech bubbles, to help make the stories easier to follow for English-speaking audiences.
Novelous: A Gateway to Japanese Storytelling
The Novelous app is more than just a digital library; it is a bridge connecting Western readers with Japanese storytelling. It represents a significant step in making light novels and manga more accessible to a global audience and has the potential to introduce countless new fans to these genres. As the app grows and evolves, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital publishing for Japanese content.
Accessibility and the Future of Reading
Shogakukan’s approach to digital content is also influenced by an understanding of the need for accessibility. Their new online media platform, Dokusho Hyakkei (100 Reading Views) explores diverse ways to enjoy reading including considering the accessibility needs of those with disabilities. This approach aligns with their goal to foster inclusivity and accessibility in the publishing industry.
Conclusion
Shogakukan’s launch of the Novelous app marks a new chapter in the distribution of Japanese light novels and manga in North America. With its vast library, user-friendly interface, and innovative translation methods, the app is set to become a key player in the global digital publishing landscape. As Shogakukan continues to expand its content and explore new possibilities, Novelous is positioned to provide a growing community of fans with fresh and engaging reading experiences.
