Akira Kanaieditor of the successful manga “Vinland Saga“recently shared his thoughts on the importance of global exchange in the manga industry and the piracy controversy.

Kanai considers global exchange fundamental to the manga medium. While management at Kodansha, the publisher responsible for “Vinland Saga,” believes that Japan’s declining child population and shrinking domestic market are sufficient reasons for international expansion, Kanai does not entirely agree.I think it's shameful to expand overseas just because the domestic market is shrinking.“, commented Kanai. “It's the same all over the world; the birth rate is declining overall, except in Africa and India.“.

Thanks to advances in digital technology, Kanai acknowledges that it is now much easier for people around the world to access Japanese manga. “I'm glad that people who find Japanese manga interesting are getting in touch with us more and more, and that fans are reading them whether they live in Brazil, Antarctica, Tibet, or Kenya.he said.

Regarding piracy, Kanai admits to a somewhat controversial position. “It would be great if they not only read illegal pirated copies, but paid a little for them. But if they don't have the money and there are a lot of pirated copies, I think piracy is fine for now - I could get killed by a council member for saying that now.,” Kanai joked. “First, it is important to read the manga.” Kanai believes that only when manga is accessible is it possible for authors from other countries to submit their works to Japanese publishers, promoting a broader cultural and creative exchange.

Kanai concludes that expansion into overseas markets should not be based solely on the shrinking Japanese market, but on the desire to share and enjoy manga in a global community.The idea that Japanese publishers will be poorer if they don't expand overseas is pathetic and should be abandoned. Now that it is possible to read and draw manga overseas, I hope the community of manga fans will grow, no matter where they come from or what religion they practice..”

In short, Akira Kanai advocates the globalization of manga not out of economic necessity, but for the pleasure and diversity it brings to the community of fans and creators.

Source: Passion for Manga