Japanese manga are increasingly being read overseas, with some titles being published in over 60 countries and regions. While English versions are often made available shortly after the original Japanese release, translations into other languages can be significantly delayed. In some cases, titles that are not widely popular may not be translated at all. As a result, even if a manga has strong potential for global appeal, the lack of translation can limit accessibility for international readers and significantly reduce opportunities for them to engage with the work.

This article explores manga translation, focusing on what it means to convey the nuances between the lines and how a work can be effectively expressed in another language.

What is the Reality of Manga Translation? — Challenges Faced by Scanlation

Given the global popularity of manga, one might assume that it enjoys strong sales across many countries. However, the actual number of manga titles officially translated into other languages remains relatively limited. Furthermore, the prevalence of pirated editions and scanlations is often cited as a factor that undermines the profitability of authorized translations.

"Scanlation" is a coined term that combines "scanning" and "translation." It refers to the process by which groups of fans scan, translate, and edit manga pages. Although these translations are typically done voluntarily and without compensation, scanlation conducted without the permission of the original copyright holders constitutes a violation of copyright law. Such works are commonly referred to as pirated copies.

What Are the Implications of "Well-Intentioned Translations"? —Issues Surrounding Fandom Translations and Copyright Law

The act of fans translating works that have not officially been translated into their language has played a certain role in making manga accessible to speakers of those languages. However, as with the previously mentioned practice of scanlation, the creation and distribution of unofficial translations without the copyright holder’s permission constitutes copyright infringement and poses a serious issue by causing direct harm to the rights holders of the original works.

The circulation of pirated editions not only causes copyright holders and publishers to lose revenue that they would otherwise rightfully earn, but also undermines opportunities for the sale of official translations and hinders the development of a healthy market. Furthermore, when unofficial translations are widely distributed, it can result in a negative cycle that adversely affects the motivation and production frameworks for official publications, where readers find it increasingly difficult to access new works and high-quality translations.

The distribution of unofficial translations is not merely a matter of “making a work accessible;” it constitutes a serious issue that infringes upon the rights of the copyright holder and poses a potential threat to the very future of the work itself.

Therefore, to preserve the value of the work and protect its rights while delivering it properly to the world, it is essential to rely on professional translations that follow official procedures.

What Sets Professional Manga Translation Apart?

A professional manga translator must first and foremost possess a precise understanding of the Japanese language. However, the role involves more than simply translating dialogue—it also requires the ability to interpret and convey the nuances implied between the lines, as well as information inferred from the artwork, all within the concise speech typical of manga. This integration of context and subtext into natural, readable dialogue is what truly defines professional manga translation.

Furthermore, the ability to convey the worldview of the manga, as well as the personalities and emotions of its characters through dialogue, is an essential skill for professional translators. In cases where there is no equivalent onomatopoeia in the target language, the choice of expression is determined not only by the translator, but also by consideration of the editorial team and publisher's policies. While the specific wording may vary depending on the translator, creativity is required to stay within character limits and still deliver appropriate expressions. However, any alteration to the work’s overall direction or worldview is not permitted, making careful and thoughtful translation even more important.

What does Transcreation do Differently?

The tone and atmosphere of a manga can vary significantly depending on the translator. However, if a manga is not enjoyable to read, it risks losing its audience. When the translation feels awkward or makes the content difficult to understand, it fails as entertainment translation. Even if the original work is outstanding, a translation that lacks emotional resonance can prevent readers from connecting with the story's world, leaving them with a sense that the work is unengaging.

By employing natural expressions through transcreation, it is possible to create an experience so seamless that readers may not even realize the content has been translated. Achieving a work that readers can truly enjoy hinges on how naturally the translated language is rendered through transcreation. When a translation maintains consistent and natural expression throughout the piece, it has the potential to become a beloved work among fans.

TOIN’s Manga Translation and Transcreation

TOIN offers high-quality manga translation services across a wide range of languages, including rare and less commonly spoken ones. Our expertise goes beyond simple translation—we specialize in comprehensive manga localization, including the nuanced translation of onomatopoeia and meticulous typesetting work. Additionally, we provide localization and transcreation services tailored specifically for the entertainment industry. With a strong commitment to quality, TOIN is dedicated to supporting your multilingual publishing needs through professional and accurate manga translation.

TOIN's translation services convey the unique worldviews of manga, delivering tailored translations that resonate with the target audience and captivate readers. By enhancing the marketing impact of your manga, our services contribute to its success in the global market. We invite you to consider TOIN's translation services for your international expansion.

Summary

TOIN draws on over half a century of experience and expertise in translation to deliver services that are seamlessly tailored to the unique characteristics and image of each work or product. By eliminating linguistic and cultural barriers, we ensure translations that resonate naturally with the target audience. From localization that adapts content for specific regions, to transcreation that faithfully conveys a work's worldview, we offer a wide range of advanced translation solutions to support your success in the global marketplace.

We specialize not only in accurate translations tailored to your target audience, region, and content, but also in localization optimized for local readability and transcreation that effectively conveys your message. With our strong technical expertise, we are committed to delivering high-quality translations that enhance customer satisfaction.

If you are considering high-quality manga translation, please feel free to contact us at TOIN.

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▶About the Author

TOIN Corporation　Marketing Department
Hiromi Ishikawa

Joined TOIN Corporation in 1990 and was engaged in the production of manuals. Her wide range of duties include everything from transcribing Japanese manuscripts to directing the production of multilingual manuals.
From 2002, her main focus has been on localization project management, and she has been responsible for facilitating many of the company's major projects. Since 2009, she has been working in the Marketing Department, where she has been involved in marketing as well as advertising and public relations activities. She has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Japan Translation Federation and the Asia-Pacific Machine Translation Association since 2018.