New publishing deal brings Japan’s Manga comics to Saudi Arabia

New publishing deal brings Japan’s Manga comics to Saudi Arabia

Japan’s longest-running Manga comics will be published in Arabic for the first time, following the signing of an agreement between Saudi Research & Media Group (SRMG) and Japanese publisher Kodansha. The partnership grants SRMG the exclusive copyrights to publish the Arabic adaptations of Kodansha’s popular fiction series through Manga Arabia, first launched in August this year. SRMG owns more than 30 media outlets including Asharq Al-Awsat, Asharq News and Arab News. “Our [collaboration] with Kodansha is the latest in our recent series of partnerships with Japan’s leading publishing houses for Manga Arabia, ensuring our innovative storytelling can reach manga enthusiasts across the Arab world through official and legal channels,” said Jomana Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG. The content licensing agreement follows the launch of Manga Arabia Kids, featuring manga tales juxtaposed with simplified Arabic graphics. “This partnership is a historic milestone for us, helping us widen the reach of titles loved by an extensive Japanese fanbase and enabling us to officially publish and distribute them in an Arabic-speaking country for the very first time,” added Satoru Matsumoto, vice president and board member of Kodansha. (Writing by Cleofe Maceda; editing by Seban Scaria ) Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes