Interview With Manga Dive
Location: New York Comic Con
Interview Date: 10/15/2023
Anime Herald: How long have you been involved with Manga Dive?
Manga Dive: We started last year in December. This is the fourth event where we’ve shown it.
Anime Herald: How has the reception been?
Manga Dive: We think it has been great. So far, so good.
Anime Herald: Was this created to combat piracy?
Manga Dive: No. We’re not thinking about combating piracy.
Anime Herald: So, this is just another way of reaching the audience?
Manga Dive: Yes.
Anime Herald: Since As you mentioned this time, it is meant to be a test for the North American market, what would you like potential customers or readers to know? What would you like to tell them?
Manga Dive: There are two things. One is that we want [to know] if Manga Dive inspires people to buy manga. We believe that Manga Dive, which greatly expands the possibilities of manga, has the appeal to energize existing entertainment. The second is we want to see if this new format of entertainment can be a business or not in North America. Manga Dive has already become a popular content in Japan, and several Asian rollouts are in the works. Will we get a similar reaction in the huge North American market? Will we have another unique reaction?
Anime Herald: Do you have any questions for us?
Manga Dive: Do you think Manga Dive can be a successful business here in America?
Anime Herald: I think the answer is “Maybe.” This is somewhere between anime and manga. It is animated, but not anime.
This does not compete with anime. It competes with manga. It is a lot of work on your end, to recreate the manga. The big thing is that if young children find this is easier for young children to use and understand, then yes, you have a business.
Manga Dive: This is very helpful. As I mentioned earlier, Manga Dive can evolve according to the characteristics of each region. It should become a major content for Shueisha, and we plan to conduct proactive North American business development starting in 2024.
Anime Herald: If this is more accessible for children to understand and follow, then it might be worth it.
Manga Dive: Thank you very much.
Anime Herald: Thank you!
