Mantra Launches First Overseas Expansion of Manga Language Learning App "Langaku"

Provides Japanese Learning Version for South Korea, Simultaneously Expands Availability of Japan’s English Learning Version Across 11 Overseas Countries/Territories

Mantra Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shonosuke Ishiwatari; hereinafter "Mantra") has initiated the first overseas expansion of its manga language learning app, "Langaku." As the first phase of its international localization, Mantra simultaneously launched the South Korean version of "Langaku" on iOS and Android. This version allows users in South Korea to read manga in its original Japanese with Korean translations, making learning Japanese enjoyable. Concurrently, Mantra expanded the distribution of its English-learning version (featuring a Japanese user interface, originally offered in Japan) to 11 overseas countries and territories, including the United States. This initiative marks Mantra's first step in delivering language learning experiences leveraging authorized manga, along with the manga, AI, and translation technologies it cultivated in Japan, to international audiences.

■ "Langaku," Surpassing 1 Million Downloads in Japan, Embarks on First Overseas Expansion

"Langaku" is an app that combines authorized manga with AI-powered learning support, allowing users to learn languages while enjoying manga. Since its service launch in 2022, it has been offered in Japan as an English learning app designed for Japanese speakers to engage in extensive English reading through manga. By shifting the mindset from "reading to study" to "reading to find out what happens next"—a unique experience intrinsic to manga—the app encourages sustained learning. It offers support features such as panel-by-panel switching between Japanese and English, dictionaries, AI explanations, and audio narration. In May 2026, cumulative downloads surpassed 1 million, and by June of the same year, the lineup of titles available in both Japanese and English exceeded 100 titles. Building upon the user base and operational track record established in Japan, Mantra has now launched the international expansion of "Langaku."

■ Redesigned for Japanese Language Learners in South Korea as First Overseas Expansion
Korean Tagline (Japanese Translation): Enjoyably Master Japanese While Reading Original Japanese Manga — Shueisha Officially Certified App

In 2025, Mantra conducted market research to understand manga reading habits, interest in Japanese language learning, and demand for "Langaku" in South Korea. The results confirmed strong demand from users wanting to learn Japanese while enjoying original manga, alongside numerous requests stating, "I want to use 'Langaku' in South Korea, too." Responding to this local feedback, Mantra developed the South Korean version of "Langaku" as its first overseas localized release.

The South Korean version is not a direct translation of the English-learning version offered in Japan. Instead, its UI, learning features, and content have been specifically engineered for Japanese language learning, allowing South Korean users to read manga in original Japanese with Korean translation support and learn Japanese expressions, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Key Features of the South Korean Version of "Langaku"

Korean Tagline (Japanese Translation): AI Translation Support for Natural Korean
  • Read manga in original Japanese accompanied by Korean translations
  • Context-aware AI explanations for vocabulary, grammar, and Japanese-specific nuances
  • Japanese AI audio to verify dialogue pronunciation and intonation
  • A dedicated lineup of titles based on distribution rights in South Korea (Note: Featured titles and title counts differ between the South Korean version and the domestic Japanese English-learning version.)

*Screenshots shown are under development. Actual designs and features are subject to change. *Uses AI-generated translations, explanations, and audio.

■ Utilizing Shueisha Officially Certified Authorized Manga for Language Learning

"Langaku" is officially certified by Shueisha. Based on permissions from publishers, creators, and relevant rights holders, it provides authorized manga as language-learning content. The South Korean version offers a unique title lineup tailored to licensing agreements in South Korea. Key titles available at launch include:

Key Featured Titles in the South Korean Version

Korean Tagline (Japanese Translation): Read Popular Japanese Manga in the Original Language!


(In Japanese alphabetical order)

  • Blue Exorcist / Kazue Kato
  • Blue Box / Kouji Miura
  • Ao Haru Ride / Io Sakisaka
  • Arabake! Arahabaki Gungun Park / Kyosuke Usuta
  • 【Oshi No Ko】 / Aka Akasaka, Mengo Yokoyari
  • Love Me, Love Me Not / Io Sakisaka
  • Kaiju No. 8 / Naoya Matsumoto
  • Kaguya-sama: Love Is War / Aka Akasaka
  • Kagurabachi / Takeru Hokazono
  • Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You / Karuho Shiina
  • Kuso Onna ni Sachi Are / Mizuki Kishikawa
  • SAKAMOTO DAYS / Yuto Suzuki
  • Thank You Pitch / Kyu Sumiyoshi
  • Shiba Tsuki Bukken / Esu Omori
  • You and I Are Polar Opposites / Koucha Agasawa
  • D.Gray-man / Katsura Hoshino
  • DEATH NOTE / Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
  • The Prince of Tennis / Takeshi Konomi
  • Dr. STONE / Riichiro Inagaki, Boichi
  • NARUTO / Masashi Kishimoto
  • Bye Bye Bye / Anneko
  • Boys Over Flowers / Yoko Kamio
  • Hanjinmae no Koibito / Daichi Kawada
  • Hikaru no Go / Yumi Hotta, Takeshi Obata
  • Black Clover / Yuki Tabata
  • BLEACH / Tite Kubo
  • MASHLE: Magic and Muscles / Hajime Komoto
  • Mushi Musume / Kanya Aki
  • The Promised Neverland / Kaiu Shirai, Posuka Demizu
  • Red Cat Ramen / Angyaman
  • Love is Overkill / Astra Ashima
  • Runaway Darling / Yazu
  • World Trigger / Daisuke Ashihara
  • ONE PIECE / Eiichiro Oda

Number of Featured Titles: 34 titles *Featured titles and release dates are subject to change due to licensing or operational reasons. *The Japanese version of "Langaku" (English-learning version) and the South Korean version differ in featured titles and title counts.

■ Distribution Expansion of Japanese UI English-Learning Version to 11 Overseas Countries/Territories

Simultaneously with the launch of the South Korean version, distribution of the English-learning version of "Langaku" (featuring a Japanese UI, currently available in Japan) was expanded to the following 11 overseas countries and territories:

  • United States
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Philippines
  • Malaysia
  • Vietnam
  • Indonesia
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

This is primarily intended for Japanese speakers living abroad due to study, expatriate assignments, relocation, etc. Unlike the South Korean version, this initiative does not localize the UI or learning features for local users, but expands the app store distribution region for the Japanese-UI English-learning version to 11 overseas countries/territories.

■ Bringing Manga, AI, and Translation Technology to Global Language Learners

Through the R&D of AI technology specialized in manga, the provision of the manga translation tool "Mantra Engine," and the operation of the manga extensive English reading app "Langaku," Mantra has continually developed technologies and services that connect manga with language learning. In this overseas expansion, Mantra combines authorized manga provided in partnership with publishers and rights holders with AI technology—such as context-aware translations, explanations, and audio—to deliver a new learning experience to global language learners. While the localization of the South Korean version and the expansion of the Japanese-UI English-learning version to 11 countries/territories serve different purposes, both represent initial steps toward extending "Langaku" beyond Japan to global markets.

■ Executive Statement

Shonosuke Ishiwatari, Representative Director & CEO, Mantra Inc.
"Since launching in 2022, we have nurtured 'Langaku' in Japan with the goal of turning manga reading time into natural language acquisition. We are thrilled to now bring the experience built in Japan to an international audience for the first time.

Our choice of South Korea as our first overseas localization destination stems from market research conducted in 2025. We received overwhelming feedback from people in South Korea expressing a desire to learn Japanese, enjoy original Japanese manga, and access 'Langaku' locally. This inspired us to develop a dedicated Japanese-learning version for South Korean users.

Manga possesses the power to make readers want to turn the next page and understand characters' words in their original form. By combining authorized manga with the AI and translation technologies Mantra has cultivated, we aim to transform language learning from 'something you have to study' into 'time spent enjoying stories you love.'

With this expansion as our first step, we will work together with publishers and rights holders to continuously expand our learning content, supported languages, and service regions, striving toward a service where people across the globe can learn diverse languages through manga."

■ Future Outlook

Based on feedback and usage data from South Korean users, Mantra will continuously refine learning support features—such as Korean translations, AI explanations, and Japanese audio—along with its title lineup. Furthermore, in collaboration with publishers, creators, and rights holders, Mantra aims to expand content available for both Japanese and English learning. Moving forward, Mantra will explore further expansion of supported languages and service regions while considering local language learning needs and content distribution environments.

■ South Korean Version "Langaku" App Details
■ Japanese UI / English-Learning Version "Langaku" Overseas Distribution Overview
■ About "Langaku"

＜App Details＞

■ About Mantra Inc.

Mantra Inc. was established in 2020 with the corporate mission: "Manga to the world, in every language." The company engages in R&D of AI technologies specialized for manga, offers "Mantra Engine" for high-speed manga translation, and operates the manga language learning app "Langaku." Mantra has received numerous awards, including the HONGO AI Award (2019), Weekly Toyo Keizai "Amazing Startups 100" (2020), AAMT Nagao Award (2021), JEITA Venture Award Early Edge Award (2022), Japan Electronic Publishing Association (JEPA) Challenge Mind Award (2024), Google Play Best of 2025 Best Personal Growth App (2025), and Appliv Best App Award 2025 Excellence Award in Learning Category.

Company Profile

  • Company Name: Mantra Inc.
  • Representative: Shonosuke Ishiwatari, Representative Director & CEO
  • Address: 2F Sumitomo Fudosan Iidabashi Bldg., 2-3-21 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
  • Established: January 28, 2020
  • Capital Stock: 1,000,000 JPY
  • Business Description: Research and development of AI and machine translation technologies specialized for manga; provision of translation and language learning services
  • URL: https://mantra.co.jp/
■ Press Inquiries

Mantra Inc.

PR Representatives: Norimine / Funakoshi

E-mail: info@mantra.co.jp

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