Orange makes available its translations via the innovative app eMaqi, a nod to “emaki,” Japan’s revered illustrated scrolls that laid the groundwork for modern manga. Additionally, it aims to offer translation services on a freelance basis to US publishing houses.
While Orange has garnered significant support from its US fan base, not everyone in the country has warmly received the brand. At Anime NYC, a prominent US anime convention, Japanese-to-English translator Jan Mitsuko Money recently expressed outrage: “An entity like Orange has no business being at a conference that hosts the Manga Awards, which honors manga and manga professionals in the industry.” Please discourage @animenyc from allowing AI firms to exhibit or host panels.
Brienza takes the identical view. “Working within traditional industries, including translation, ultimately boils down to conveying human intent – not merely transcribing website copy – often at the cost of being poorly compensated and facing precarious circumstances.” “If that’s indeed the prevailing trend, then I must lament the fate of those who’ll fall from modest incomes to complete financial ruin.”
Certain individuals are familiar with Orange’s reputation for cutting corners. The manga leverages stylised visual cues to convey the protagonist’s unspoken thoughts and emotions. “Despite the need for accurate duplication, Orange failed to commission a redrawer or letterer to ensure a precise replication of its original content.” Some users tend to entirely bypass certain written material.
EMAQI
While acknowledging the complexity of manga translation, Kuroda notes that Orange prioritizes human expertise, affirming that “human creativity is entirely indispensable.” He emphasizes that AI-generated content is thoroughly vetted, refined, and concluded only after being carefully reviewed and edited by a team of professionals.
According to Orange, its translations have the full support of the original authors, who have explicitly endorsed its approach. Orange has collaborated with numerous authors like Kenji Yajima, whose book was successfully translated by the company. As a manga artist, witnessing my creations being shared globally, transcending linguistic barriers, is an exhilarating experience that never gets old. “It’s a chance to connect with readers I never thought I’d reach before.”
