#Shogakukan Launches Novelous App for Light Novels & Manga Series in U.S. & Canada

Shogakukan has announced the launch of a new digital light novel and manga app called “Novelous” in the United States and Canada. The Novelous app will be available to download on Android and iOS devices on January 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM PST. 

The app will include English translations for over 80 popular light novel and manga series across various genres such as adventure, romance, fantasy, and more. Last July, the Japanese Nikkei newspaper reported, via Anime News Network, that Novelous uses AI translation for English releases, utilizing the Mantra translation system. 

Some of the featured light novels in the app include the dark fantasy Witch and Hound, the romantic comedy Too Many Losing Heroines!, and the action manga series Kengan Ashura. 

Novelous will allow readers to share their favorite series, as well as rate and leave impressions about their favorite works. The translated releases will also include character icons and speech bubbles to keep track of different characters’ lines. In addition, users can unlock long-term access to new chapters with in-app paid coins, or short-term access via free coins. 

Shogakukan announced in the future that it will also include original light novels in Novelous written in the West. Participants will be able to submit their own English light novels for a chance to win a prize and be featured on the Novelous app. 

Source: press release