In a groundbreaking move, the companies Dwango and Taiwan Manga Read Co., Ltd., operating the comprehensive e-book stores BOOK☆WALKER and Taiwan BOOK☆WALKER, respectively, are set to launch an exciting new venture. Commencing on May 15, 2026, they will begin the mutual sale of doujinshi, complemented by an automatic translation viewer system developed in collaboration with Mantra Inc. This innovation will enhance the reading experience by allowing manga fans to overcome language barriers, offering access to translated works from both Japan and Taiwan.
Background
Launched in 2010 as part of the KADOKAWA Group, BOOK☆WALKER has evolved into a leading e-book store, starting with publications from major publishers and expanding to include doujinshi since 2015. With over 10,000 titles available, it also provides e-comic creation tools. Japan's doujinshi sales have seen increasing interest from overseas fans, prompting the rise of multilingual needs. In response, BOOK☆WALKER has sought to facilitate individual authors’ access to foreign markets, addressing challenges such as high translation costs.
Thanks to the innovative automatic translation system from Mantra, introduced into the marketplace in Spring 2025, this cross-border venture enables Japanese doujinshi to be sold on Taiwan’s platform, and vice versa, for Chinese traditional characters. This arrangement has already undergone successful trial runs.
When fans purchase selected doujinshi, they can enjoy natural, context-aware translations that appear on-screen, providing a seamless reading experience. Initially, the initiative will encompass around 340 titles, with plans for further expansion to include a broader selection and more supported languages.
Creating Connections through Art
Dwango's vision of "creating a world where 'likes' connect" aligns perfectly with the aims of this cross-border doujinshi project. By breaking down linguistic barriers, the companies hope to foster a broader community of readers and creators across nations. This initiative’s significance lies in its potential to connect audiences with the high-quality, passion-driven works of doujinshi authors, an essential aspect of cultural exchange.
User-Friendly Translation Features
For readers, interacting with translations is straightforward. Users can click or hover over speech bubbles to view translations at the bottom of their screens, streamlining the reading process. Please note that translation services will support only the dialogues contained within speech bubbles, leaving out sound effects and external text. Moreover, translations are available only through web browsers, excluding apps and previews.
Promotional Campaign for Launch
To celebrate this major release, a special campaign will run from May 15 to May 31, 2026, offering exciting discounts and rewards. For users on the BOOK☆WALKER platform, a 20% coin return will be available on eligible titles, and Taiwan users can enjoy discounts of 15% on one title, 21% on three, and 31% on five titles. Additional details about the campaign can be accessed through designated promotional sites in both regions.
About BOOK☆WALKER and Mantra
BOOK☆WALKER is a comprehensive e-book platform that has celebrated a remarkable journey, approaching its 15th anniversary in December 2025. With over 1,500 publisher partnerships and a library exceeding 2 million titles across various genres, it seeks to provide a unique e-reading experience. On the other hand, Mantra Inc. stands as a pioneer in manga-specific AI technologies, aiming to deliver high-quality translations and enhance literacy through their offerings. Their commitment has garnered multiple awards, positioning them as significant players in the translation and reading app sectors.
In conclusion, the collaboration between BOOK☆WALKER and Mantra signifies a monumental step toward a more connected and inclusive reading community, reinforcing the role of technology in bridging cultural and linguistic divides in manga fandom.