Langaku, the Manga-Based English Extensive Reading App, Launches Inquiry-Based Learning Program for Schools

In collaboration with BYD, Mantra Inc. launches a new program blending Extensive Reading, Inquiry, and DX—Case studies to be presented at EDIX Tokyo.

Mantra Inc. (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shonosuke Ishiwatari), the developer of the English extensive reading app "Langaku," has partnered with BYD Inc. (hereafter "BYD"), a provider of student workshops, to launch an inquiry-based learning program for junior and senior high school students.

Langaku has already been adopted as an English extensive reading tool by several high schools, including Tokyo Metropolitan high schools. Through this new initiative, Mantra aims to bring extensive reading to more students while expanding opportunities for inquiry-based learning centered around manga.

As the first phase of this initiative, an inquiry-based workshop titled "Increasing Interest in English and DX through Langaku" was held on April 22, 2026, at Taisei High School in Mitaka, Tokyo.

■ A New Form of Learning Starting with Manga

This program utilizes Langaku to provide inquiry-based learning through three key perspectives:

  • Manga × English Extensive Reading: Students read their favorite manga in English and discover how familiar lines are translated. Because they are reading stories they already enjoy, English expressions are absorbed naturally through the power of narrative.
  • Manga × Inquiry: Students deepen their thinking by sharing impressions with peers and discovering new works. Starting from their own "passions," students expand their learning by engaging with the perspectives of others.
  • Manga × DX (Digital Transformation): Students explore the app's functions under the theme "What kind of service is Langaku?" and learn about the AI and technical mechanisms that power it.

■ Implementation at Taisei High School

On April 22, 2026, the program was conducted for 118 students across three classes at Taisei High School.

The students at Taisei High School, the first school to implement the program, showed a highly proactive attitude. In a post-workshop survey (95 valid responses), the overall satisfaction rate was 4.09 out of 5, and the interest level in manga within the app averaged 4.16.

Notably, there was a significant shift among the 65% of respondents who identified as "unskilled at English." Approximately half (52%) of these students stated that they "felt they could continue reading English manga on their own." This indicates success in both lowering the psychological barrier to English learning and fostering deep, inquiry-led engagement.

Student Feedback:
  • "Just facing a textbook didn't last long for me. With this, I feel like I can engage with English every day." (Student who identified as most unskilled at English)
  • "I didn't think I could become this interested in English. I want to try using it personally." (Student who identified as most unskilled at English)
  • "Just turning English into manga made it many times more fun to read than school texts."
  • "It was so fun I forgot that I used to hate English."
Comment from Mr. Hagiwara, Teacher at Taisei High School: "I was surprised to see students who previously said they were bad at English engaging so proactively. It was particularly impressive to see them enjoying the discovery of how famous lines from manga they’ve read before are expressed in English. I believe they were able to experience firsthand how combining multiple elements with technology can create new value. I hope these insights serve as a starting point for deeper inquiry activities based on each student's interests."

■ Case Study Presentation at EDIX Tokyo

This program will be featured at the BYD booth during EDIX Tokyo, Japan's largest comprehensive education exhibition, held from May 13 (Wed) to 15 (Fri), 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight.

EDIX Tokyo Event Overview:

  • Dates: May 13 (Wed) – 15 (Fri), 2026
  • Venue: Tokyo Big Sight
  • Booth: BYD Booth (3-1)
  • Seminar: May 13 (Wed) 15:00 – 15:30
    • Title: "Langaku Inquiry-Based Learning Program: Manga x English Reading x DX x Inquiry — The Most Fun Way to Build an English Brain"

■ Future Outlook

Langaku has already received high praise as an English extensive reading tool from current partner schools. Mantra plans to expand its reach to schools nationwide. Furthermore, Mantra and BYD will strengthen their collaboration to deliver this new "Manga x English Reading x Inquiry x DX" learning model to educational institutions across Japan, continuing to create opportunities where every student can learn proactively and grow through enjoyment.

■ How to Apply

The "Langaku" app and the "Langaku Inquiry-Based Learning Program" are available to junior and senior high schools nationwide for the following purposes:

  1. As an English extensive reading tool for classroom and self-study.
  2. As an inquiry-based learning program.

Educational institutions interested in implementation should contact us via the dedicated forms or email addresses below.

  • For English Reading Materials: Inquiry Form
    | Email: info@mantra.co.jp
  • For Inquiry-Based Programs: BYD Website
    | Email: byd.management2015@gmail.com

■ About Langaku

Langaku is an app that provides an immersive English extensive reading experience through manga. Users can naturally improve their English skills while enjoying nearly 100 popular titles, including ONE PIECE and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

Unique Support Features:

  • Switch between English and Japanese text with a single tap on a panel.
  • AI-powered explanations for context-specific idioms and slang.
  • Adjustable English-to-Japanese ratio based on the user's proficiency level.
  • Audio narration and auto-play modes.

■ Company Profiles

Mantra Inc. Founded in 2020 with the slogan "Bringing manga to the world in every language." Mantra develops manga-specific AI technology, the "Mantra Engine" for high-speed translation, and the "Langaku" app.

  • URL: https://mantra.co.jp
  • Awards: HONGO AI Award (2019), Weekly Toyo Keizai "Amazing Venture 100" (2020), Google Play Best of 2025 (Personal Growth Category) Grand Prize, etc.

BYD Inc. BYD provides inquiry-based learning programs in collaboration with corporations to bridge the gap between schools and the real world.

■ Contact Information

Mantra Inc.
Attn: Norimine / Funakoshi
Email: info@mantra.co.jp

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