Emaqi Service, the e-bookstore platform operated by AI localization company Orange Inc., announced today the English digital release of Keigo Hayasaka’s popular manga series, “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe” (Sabae to Yattara Owaru). The slice-of-life comedy is now available for readers in the United States and Canada.
The addition of “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe” aligns with emaqi’s strategic goal to introduce 100 manga titles that have not previously seen an English release by the close of 2025.
Diving into “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe”
Written and illustrated by Keigo Hayasaka, “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe” originally began its serialization in Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch online magazine in September 2019. The series has garnered a dedicated following in Japan, with its 19th compiled book volume shipping on September 9th.
Plot Summary and Premise
The story centers on Uji, a college student who finds himself in a comedic and awkward predicament with his best friend, Sabae. Sabae is portrayed as a tomboyish and somewhat rough-around-the-edges girl. The dynamic shifts dramatically when, during a discussion about Uji’s dating woes over drinks, he becomes unexpectedly aroused by Sabae’s “surprisingly large breasts.” This sudden realization forces Uji to confront a dilemma: will he prioritize their established friendship or explore a burgeoning lust? The manga navigates the complexities of college life as their relationship teeters on the edge of change.
Live-Action Adaptation
The popularity of the manga led to a live-action adaptation, which aired on Tokyo MX in August 2024. The drama further expanded the reach of Hayasaka’s work, bringing the quirky friendship-or-more narrative to a new audience.
Emaqi Service’s Expanding Digital Library
Emaqi, launched by Orange Inc. in the United States and Canada in September 2024, aims to significantly broaden the availability of Japanese manga in English. The service debuted with approximately 6,000 volumes from 13 publishers and has committed to adding at least one new English-exclusive title every week.
The Role of AI in Localization
Orange Inc. has clarified that its emaqi service leverages AI-assisted translation to support its in-house team of human translators. While acknowledging the use of AI technology for base Japanese-to-English translation, the company emphasizes that native-speaking translators and editors are crucial for correcting and finalizing the work. This hybrid approach is intended to increase localization capacity significantly.
Availability and Other Titles
The emaqi app is currently available for download on both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, serving readers in the U.S. and Canada. Beyond “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe,” emaqi has continuously added new series to its digital library, including “Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze” and other exclusive titles, as it works towards its goal of releasing 100 never-before-translated manga series by the end of 2025.
