Japanese startup Orange Inc. has successfully raised JPY 2.92 billion (approximately USD 19.5 million) in pre-Series A financing to advance its mission of transforming manga localization. The round, announced on May 6, 2024, saw investments from notable players such as Shogakukan, Globis Capital Partners, ANRI, and several others, reflecting significant confidence in the company’s innovative approach to manga translation.
Founded in 2021, Orange Inc. leverages deep learning models to streamline the traditionally cumbersome process of translating manga. By employing advanced computer vision and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, the company claims it can localize up to 500 manga volumes per month from Japanese to English, a substantial increase from the current industry standard.
Manga has long been a cultural cornerstone in Japan, but its global reach has often been hampered by the slow and intricate translation process. According to Orange’s research, only about 2% of manga released annually in Japan is formally translated into English. This lag has contributed to a thriving piracy market, estimated at $5.5 billion in 2022, which undermines creators and the industry at large.
Orange aims to tackle these challenges by enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of translations. While the company’s proprietary system automates much of the translation process, human translators still play a crucial role in refining the AI-generated output. This hybrid approach aims to balance speed with quality, addressing concerns that machine translations alone might produce subpar results.
In addition to bolstering its translation capabilities, Orange plans to launch a digital manga store, “emaqi,” in the US this summer. The platform will feature titles localized by Orange, with recommendations powered by AI and manga influencers, creating an engaging and personalized experience for manga enthusiasts.
Shoko Ugaki, Founder and CEO of Orange Inc., highlighted the company’s vision: “Since our founding, our goal has been to share all manga with the world, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the stories we love, regardless of language barriers.” This vision aligns with the broader trend of expanding manga’s global footprint, with the market projected to reach USD 42.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10%.
Despite the promise of AI-assisted translation, experts in the field caution against relying too heavily on technology. Katrina Leonoudakis, a seasoned Japanese-English translator, notes that Japanese is a high-context language, presenting unique challenges for AI. “AI isn’t smart enough to understand context fully, often resulting in translations that are messy and error-ridden,” she says, emphasizing the importance of human oversight in the translation process.
Orange Inc. is determined to address these challenges, aspiring to set a new standard in manga localization. With its recent funding, the company is well-positioned to enhance its technological infrastructure and expand its reach, ultimately striving to make manga an everyday joy for fans around the globe.
For more details, visit Orange Inc.’s official website.
