Shogakukan, a Japanese publisher, is set to launch a new app called Novelous to bring English versions of light novels to readers in the United States and Canada. The app will use AI-assisted translation tools developed by Mantra, a Tokyo-based startup, to reduce costs and increase the number of titles available. Light novels are a popular category of Japanese novels that feature short paragraphs and many illustrations.
They cover many genres, including fantasy, romance, and science fiction. Shogakukan plans to offer 400 light novels on the app within two years, with titles like “Frieren” and “Shiotaiō no Satō-san ga Ore ni Dake Amai” among the initial releases. The use of AI in translation is expected to make the process more efficient and cost-effective than traditional methods.
Shogakukan invested in Mantra’s AI translation technology in June, recognizing its potential to help overcome language barriers and bring Japanese content to a global audience. The Novelous app will include features designed to enhance the reading experience, such as vertical scrolling and the ability for users to leave comments and impressions on the works. The app will also display dialogue using word balloons with character icons, addressing feedback that Japanese names can be difficult for new readers to remember.
Shogakukan’s AI translation app
Shogakukan has set ambitious goals for the app, aiming to attract 1 million users and achieve sales in the billions of yen by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. The publisher has also expressed willingness to include works from other publishers on the app if requested.
The launch of Novelous is part of a growing trend among Japanese companies to use AI and machine translation to bring manga and light novels to English-speaking audiences more efficiently. Other recent examples include the Corona EX manga website and the upcoming “emaqi” e-bookstore service. However, concerns have been raised about the quality of AI translations for complex, story-driven content.
The Japan Association of Translators (JAT) has criticized the technology, arguing that it may not effectively translate “high-context, story-centric” writing. An example image of the app shows several mistakes in a single, short sentence, suggesting that even simple sentences can prove challenging for the AI. Despite these concerns, Shogakukan’s initiative represents a significant step in making Japanese light novels more accessible to readers in North America.
As AI translation technology continues to evolve, it may become increasingly important in the global distribution of literature.
