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Manga Translation

We translate webtoons, too!

In the past, we have worked on the translations for many manga titles in the traditional graphic novel format. For this format, all of the dialog, sound effects, signs, and more are translated into other languages in text files prior to being integrated into the artwork (DTP). Now, as webtoons and other digital formats become more popular, the translation and DTP work can be done directly on the data files. In this way, our vast experience has helped us to evolve with the times and meet our clients’ changing needs.

Webtoons are digital/web comics originating in Korea. In contrast to traditional manga/graphic novels, webtoons feature vertical layouts, intended to be read on smartphones.

Active Gaming Media's Manga Translation

Manga translations by avid manga readers

Multi-lingual staff translate manga directly from Japanese into their native language, or translate from their native language into Japanese. Many people from around the world who work with us are fans themselves of manga, games, and anime. This allows us to tailor teams to each manga’s genre and story, and provide a localization in line with what manga fans will expect, as well as seamless continuations of established series.

A wealth of translation experience built up over the years

As Japan’s first company to specialize in game translation and localization, we have built up a wealth of knowledge and skills, both at an individual level and shared throughout the company. In terms of manga translation, our extensive skills and experience have contributed to the translation of over 150 titles.

Flexible support for manga creators and publishers

Our company’s motto is “eliminating all barriers in entertainment,” and with this in mind we all work together to value the wishes of the creators, publishers, and everyone involved in the production of manga. In manga, the language, text display, and expressions are all important, so we work to ensure that multilingual translations are made with these in mind. We also do everything possible to meet client requests, including delivery times, handling of emergencies, and the use of designated communication tools.

Manga Translation Steps

Consultation to ask the client's needs
A consultation is performed regarding the manga to establish frame layouts, how to handle speech bubbles, whether there are supplementary materials, and more to ensure that we can provide quality work that meets the client's needs. We will also establish what method of communication is easiest for the client to provide flexible support.
A consultation is performed regarding the manga to establish frame layouts, how to handle speech bubbles, whether there are supplementary materials, and more to ensure that we can provide quality work that meets the client's needs. We will also establish what method of communication is easiest for the client to provide flexible support.
Preparing Materials
A project manager who speaks the language natively prepares a manual for the project that collects character settings, story overview, glossary, and other materials that will be required for the project.
A project manager who speaks the language natively prepares a manual for the project that collects character settings, story overview, glossary, and other materials that will be required for the project.
Setting up a system for translation/localization
We select the best-matched persons for the manga's genre and fan base from our pool of over 4000 freelance translators to ensure the best quality. If we are tasked with the continuation of a series, we employ the same team to make sure there are no inconsistencies with the previous chapters.
We select the best-matched persons for the manga's genre and fan base from our pool of over 4000 freelance translators to ensure the best quality. If we are tasked with the continuation of a series, we employ the same team to make sure there are no inconsistencies with the previous chapters.
Familiarization
Resources and the manual are shared with all members of the team, and if there are previous volumes of the manga, those are read as well. We do our best to become as knowledgeable about the project as possible. Everyone on the team is able to view the manga from the fans' point of view, allowing them to both start or continue a series and follow through smoothly until the most recent chapter.
Resources and the manual are shared with all members of the team, and if there are previous volumes of the manga, those are read as well. We do our best to become as knowledgeable about the project as possible. Everyone on the team is able to view the manga from the fans' point of view, allowing them to both start or continue a series and follow through smoothly until the most recent chapter.
Start Translation
We will begin translation work on the requested text files. Any questions or points that require clarification are added to a QA sheet shared with everyone involved. At any time if something feels as though it might not be quite correct, it can be handled through reporting, communication, and consulting on both sides to ensure the resulting translation has no ambiguity.
We will begin translation work on the requested text files. Any questions or points that require clarification are added to a QA sheet shared with everyone involved. At any time if something feels as though it might not be quite correct, it can be handled through reporting, communication, and consulting on both sides to ensure the resulting translation has no ambiguity.
DTP work
Native-speaking employees who are familiar with DTP work will begin the translation work directly on the data received. Any questions or points that require clarification are added to a QA sheet shared with everyone involved. At any time if something feels as though it might not be quite correct, it can be handled through reporting, communication, and consulting on both sides to ensure the resulting translation has no ambiguity.
Native-speaking employees who are familiar with DTP work will begin the translation work directly on the data received. Any questions or points that require clarification are added to a QA sheet shared with everyone involved. At any time if something feels as though it might not be quite correct, it can be handled through reporting, communication, and consulting on both sides to ensure the resulting translation has no ambiguity.
Checking the manga translation
A separate proofreader will check the translation, and as with the translation step, any questions or points that require clarification are added to the QA sheet. By having two or more people check the translation, we are able to provide a more natural and unbiased finished product.
A separate proofreader will check the translation, and as with the translation step, any questions or points that require clarification are added to the QA sheet. By having two or more people check the translation, we are able to provide a more natural and unbiased finished product.
Delivery
Once all the work has been checked, the files are delivered back to the client. We are also available to quickly respond to any omissions or issues found with the finished product.
Once all the work has been checked, the files are delivered back to the client. We are also available to quickly respond to any omissions or issues found with the finished product.
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Flexible Supports

If DTP is not included, we are able to handle any form of text file. Transcription on our side is also possible. If DTP is included, we are able to work with InDesign (.indd), Illustrator (.ai), Photoshop (.psd), Clip Studio Paint (.clip), and SAI (.sai) formats. We also accept .jpg and .png.

50+ languages are readily available.

 

Asia: Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Thai, Indonesian, Hindi / North America: English (American/Canadian), French (Canadian) / Central and South America: Spanish (Central/South American), Portuguese (Brazilian) / Europe: English (UK), German, French, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Spanish (European), Portuguese, Swedish, Finnish, Czech, Russian / Middle East: Arabic, Turkish / Africa: Portuguese (African), Arabic (Egyptian), French (African) / etc…

Manga translation rates are calculated based on page count. For webtoon manga, it is calculated based on the number of panels. The rates may vary depending on language pairs, volume, and deadlines. Depending on the volume, a free trial may also be provided. Feel free to make an inquiry.

Services for the Overseas Publication of Manga

Active Gaming Media also provides other services relating to the overseas publication of manga in addition to translation.

Translation and Recording of Promotional Videos

We have partnerships with voiceover recording studios around the world, where we can provide multilingual voice recordings for advertisements using character voices, promotional videos, and more. We can also provide subtitles for trailers, commercials, YouTube, and other short video content.

Production of a Variety of Content

We offer a variety of promotional content, such as banners, videos, posters, special webpages, and more. If we are involved from the production stage, we are able to quickly deliver naturally localized designs that are tailor-made for the target audience. We are also available to provide Japanese content.

Promotion and Advertising Overseas

We offer both domestic and international promotional services. Press releases proofread by native speakers can be sent directly to writers overseas through our network, and we are also able to request promotions with local influencers on behalf of clients.

Business Support and Marketing

We provide multilingual customer support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We respond to inquiries, monitor social media posts to immediately report outages or rumors, collect user feedback, and manage social media accounts to post announcements or respond to DMs, as well as monitor video streaming and hosting services.