Shogakukan, one of Japan’s leading publishers, has launched its highly anticipated “Novelous” app in the United States and Canada. This innovative platform, available on both iOS and Android devices, is set to revolutionize how Western audiences access and enjoy Japanese light novels and manga. The app distinguishes itself by utilizing cutting-edge AI-assisted translation technology, aiming to bridge the cultural gap and bring Japanese storytelling to a global audience.
Novelous App: A New Era for Manga and Light Novel Consumption
The Novelous app debuted on January 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EST, marking a significant step in the international expansion of Japanese media. It offers a user-friendly interface combined with unique features, positioning it as a strong contender in the digital manga and light novel market. With over 80 titles available at launch, Novelous provides a diverse collection that caters to both seasoned fans and new readers.
Extensive Library and Genre Variety
The app’s initial catalog includes well-known series such as Witch and Hound and Kengan Ashura. This diverse selection highlights Shogakukan’s dedication to introducing a wide variety of genres, including adventure, romance, and fantasy, to the North American market. While the initial offerings primarily consist of manga, the company plans to expand into light novels and feature original works from Western authors in the future.
User-Friendly Features for an Enhanced Reading Experience
Novelous is designed with the user experience in mind. The app employs vertical scrolling, optimizing readability on mobile devices. It also incorporates real-time commenting, enabling readers to engage with each other and share their thoughts as they read. One of the most notable features is the use of character word balloons with icons. This addresses a common challenge for international readers by making it easier to follow conversations and remember character names. By using character icons next to their dialogue, the app enhances the user’s ability to follow the narrative, especially in stories with numerous characters.
AI-Powered Translations: Balancing Efficiency and Quality
A defining aspect of the Novelous app is its reliance on AI-assisted translation. Shogakukan has partnered with Mantra, a startup specializing in AI translation, to handle the English localization of its content. This approach is intended to reduce translation costs by 50% and accelerate the release of English versions. Mantra’s technology has already been used for the simultaneous English releases of The Ancient Magus Bride and Ghost and Witch manga.
Mantra’s Role in Translation
Shogakukan’s investment in Mantra underscores its commitment to innovative solutions in the publishing industry. By using AI, the company aims to overcome the financial challenges often associated with translating and distributing light novels, which typically have lower circulation numbers compared to manga. Although AI is the main component, it is likely that the translations are not completely made with AI, as Mantra has positions for “Translation Post-Editor” open on their website.
Industry Trend: The Rise of AI in Localization
Shogakukan’s adoption of AI-assisted translation aligns with a broader trend in the manga and light novel industry. Other Japanese publishers have also started exploring machine translation to meet the growing demand for English-language content. For example, TO Books’ Corona EX website uses Google Translate for some titles. However, such implementations have raised concerns about the quality and accuracy of machine-translated content. This makes the emphasis on balancing AI and human oversight a key factor in the success of projects like Novelous.
Novelous App: Business Goals and Future Plans
Shogakukan has ambitious plans for the Novelous app. The company aims to release 400 works within the next two years. This number is thought to potentially include both new titles and volumes from existing series. The publisher also intends to introduce original English-language light novels and attract 1 million users by 2027. The business goals for the app include achieving sales in the billions of yen by the end of the 2027 fiscal year.
Expansion and Content Development
Shogakukan plans to expand the app’s library, including titles from other publishers if requested. Furthermore, there will be an upcoming competition where writers can submit their own English light novels for a chance to be featured on the app. This initiative seeks to integrate Western creative talent into the platform and grow the user base.
Payment Options and Access
The app uses a combination of free and paid options. Users can unlock long-term access to new chapters via in-app purchases using coins, while short-term access can be obtained through free coins, which are earned through various in-app activities.
Addressing Fan Concerns About AI Translations
The use of AI-assisted translations has been a controversial topic amongst fans. Some have expressed concerns about the accuracy and quality of AI translations. However, Shogakukan aims to strike a balance between cost efficiency and translation quality. The integration of post-editors suggests a commitment to refining AI-generated text, ensuring that the translations are more accurate and reflective of the original work’s nuances.
Community Feedback and Iteration
Shogakukan is also committed to using feedback from readers to improve the app. The real-time commenting and accessible dialogue systems are designed to encourage communication between users and the company. This iterative approach will allow the app to adapt to user feedback and needs.
Novelous: A Step Towards Globalizing Japanese Storytelling
The launch of Novelous marks a significant milestone in bringing Japanese light novels and manga to an international audience. By using AI-assisted translation and engaging features, Shogakukan hopes to redefine how Japanese storytelling is experienced worldwide. The app is designed to serve as a bridge for cultural exchange and innovation in the manga and light novel industries.
As the Novelous app expands its library and user base, it has the potential to become a leading platform for global fans. With its innovative approach and focus on community, Novelous is poised to bring Japanese stories to a wider global audience.
