Danica Davidson
August 6, 2025 
Using AI to translate manga (or anything else for that matter) is a controversial thing, and VIZ is in the crosshairs for allegedly using an AI translation for the digital version of Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze.
According to The Comics Beat, eagle-eyed readers found the issue, though it wasn’t apparently that difficult to find because of the sheer number of errors in the writing.
There’s an AI startup known as Orange Inc. (which is completely different from the anime studio Orange) that’s using artificial intelligence to translate through its app, emaqi. Shogakukan, a co-owner of VIZ Media, has invested in Orange. VIZ Media’s Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze reads exactly the same as emaqi’s version of Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze, errors and all. However, VIZ Media said that both the translation and lettering were “provided by Shogakukan.”
The Comics Beat was pretty scathing at the notion that not only would VIZ give a shoddy translation from emaqi (though, to be fair, it’s possible this decision was made above VIZ’s head) but then to be dishonest about it.
“VIZ Media knew fans wouldn’t read the series if they saw the emaqi label, so they bent the truth,” the article opined. “Rather than investing in quality, VIZ is betting that we’ll pay the same price for a worse product.”
Later it continued, “Publishers will tell you that adopting AI is for the sake of greater manga availability and fighting piracy, but that’s just a false display. Instead, they are using AI as an excuse to justify cheaper production costs and poorer quality translations. And if that means undercutting translators and alienating true manga fans, so be it.”
The article suggests that if you don’t like manga being translated by AI, you contact VIZ and let them know. There’s an official form here. The article notes, “But remember, there are still human employees at VIZ Media—editors, letterers, and translators—who aren’t responsible for these decisions. So when speaking out, be firm and direct, but also respectful. Be loud, but not cruel. The more voices, the merrier!”
Source: The Comics Beat
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
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