BookWalker Global, a popular platform for digital manga and light novels, is set to change ownership on March 31, 2025. This transition from BookWalker Co., Ltd. to M12 Media LLC (formerly J-Novel Club LLC) has sparked questions among its users. Here’s a breakdown of what the ownership transfer means for readers and the future of the service.
What’s Changing? Ownership Transfer Details
On March 31, 2025, the ownership of BookWalker Global will officially transfer from BookWalker Co., Ltd. in Japan to M12 Media LLC, a U.S.-based company, formerly known as J-Novel Club LLC. This move is part of a broader restructuring within Kadokawa, the parent company of BookWalker. In early February 2025, Kadokawa announced a merger of BookWalker Co., Ltd., Dwango, and Kadokawa Connected, with Dwango becoming the surviving entity.
Who is M12 Media LLC?
M12 Media LLC is the company formerly known as J-Novel Club LLC. They operate the J-Novel Club service, a digital publishing platform specializing in English-translated Japanese light novels. J-Novel Club has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality translations and exclusive content, making Japanese novels accessible to a global audience. The company’s mission is to cultivate a love for Japanese literature and connect fans with the stories they cherish. J-Novel Club confirmed that the name change to M12 Media LLC took place on February 1, 2025, but the public-facing name of J-Novel Club remains unchanged.
Impact on Current Services: No Disruption Expected
The most important point for BookWalker Global users is that the change in ownership “will not impact the current services.” According to the official announcement, customers will continue to have access to their existing content, account details, and features without disruption.
Key Takeaways for Users:
- Continued Access: You will still be able to access your purchased manga, light novels, and audiobooks.
- Account Security: Your account details and registered payment methods will be securely transferred to M12 Media LLC.
- Uninterrupted Service: The transition aims to be seamless, with no expected downtime or loss of functionality.
Future Plans: New Features and Improvements
While the core service remains the same, BookWalker Global plans to introduce new features and improvements tailored to English-speaking audiences. These include:
- Localized Campaigns and Special Offers: Expect more promotions and deals designed specifically for the North American market.
- User Interface Enhancements: BookWalker Global is working on improving the user interface to provide a better reading experience.
- Expanded Catalog: The platform aims to continue expanding its catalog of digital literature and entertainment.
Data Transfer Details
As part of the ownership transfer, customer information will be managed by M12 Media LLC starting March 31, 2025. This includes:
- Personal information (name, email address, etc.)
- BookWalker Global rank information
- BookWalker Global purchase history
- Information on titles purchased on BookWalker Global
- Registered payment method for pre-order/subscription service, etc.
Customers who have obtained free or purchased English eBooks or audiobooks, or created an account through the Global Store (global.bookwalker.jp) will be affected. If a customer has moved English titles to the Archive and then deleted them completely, they will be excluded from the list.
BookWalker’s History and Kadokawa’s Restructuring
To understand the context of this ownership change, it’s helpful to know BookWalker’s history and Kadokawa’s recent restructuring.
BookWalker’s Origins:
- 2005: Founded as Kadokawa Mobile Co., Ltd. by Kadokawa Corporation.
- 2010: Launched as Book☆Walker on iOS in Japan.
- 2014: BookWalker Global launched in English.
- 2015: Reopened after a temporary closure with manga from Viz Media and Dark Horse Comics.
Kadokawa’s Merger:
In February 2025, Kadokawa announced the merger of Dwango, BookWalker, and Kadokawa Connected, with Dwango as the surviving company. This merger is not expected to affect the operations of BookWalker, which will continue with its brand and services but will now be managed by Dwango.
Concerns and Considerations
While BookWalker assures users of a seamless transition, some concerns remain:
DRM (Digital Rights Management):
BookWalker’s DRM has been a point of discussion among users. Some find it restrictive, as it limits the ability to read books on other platforms. It remains to be seen whether M12 Media LLC will make any changes to the DRM policies.
Global Content Access:
BookWalker Global offers a wide selection of manga, light novels, and audiobooks in English. The platform has more than 60,000 licensed titles. BookWalker Global also releases some manga as simulpub releases. Users can expect the service to continue offering a diverse range of content.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for BookWalker Global
The ownership transfer of BookWalker Global to M12 Media LLC marks a new chapter for the platform. While the transition is not expected to disrupt current services, it opens the door for potential improvements and features tailored to English-speaking audiences. As BookWalker Global integrates into M12 Media LLC, users can anticipate a continued focus on providing high-quality digital manga and light novels to fans worldwide.
