In a deal with an eye-popping numbers, Japanese eBook distribution company Media Do Holdings has acquired US Manga publisher Seven Seas for $80 million (about 12.4 billion yen) through its California-based arm, Media Do International. The acquisition price was reported in Media Do’s Japanese release.
Seven Seas was founded by Jason DeAngelis in 2004 and has been an active presence on the US manga scene for a while, well known for their “Wonderful Wednesdays” news releases here.
Concerns over Media Do’s AI-assisted translation program exploded over social media, drawing comment from manga authors such as Itaru Kinoshita. In his post, the Dinosaur Sanctuary creator expressed his opposition to Media Do’s potential impact: “Im not familiar with Media Do, but If you don’t want AI translation, neither do I [sic].”
Unease over the acquisition were further spurned by Media Do’s full corporate statement, which states the company’s development of its AI translation system, called MDTS (MediaDo Translation System). It states the tool will combined with Seven Sea’s current production system by shortening the time translators need to translate works.
Although Seven Seas’s own PR message on the move did not address any details on the integration of MDTS, it states it will continue to operate “under existing leadership and editorial direction.” Penguin Random House Publishing Services will continue to distribute the company’s books worldwide.
Media Do International, Inc., part of the MEDIA DO Group, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Seven Seas Entertainment, Inc., the largest independently owned manga publisher in the English-language market and one of North America’s leading publishers of manga, light novels, webtoons, and danmei.
Founded in 2004 by Jason DeAngelis, Seven Seas has played a central role in the growth of manga and light novels in the English-language market. Over more than two decades, the company has licensed and published over 1,300 series and thousands of titles from Japan, China, South Korea, and beyond. Known for its pioneering spirit, bold publishing choices, thoughtful curation, and strong editorial standards, Seven Seas has built enduring relationships with creators, licensors, retailers, and readers.
The acquisition reflects continued global momentum in manga, light novels, and international storytelling across print, digital, and audio formats, and positions Seven Seas for long-term growth within an expanding worldwide readership.
Seven Seas will continue to operate under its existing leadership team and editorial direction. There are no changes to distribution, publishing schedules, or core operations as a result of this transaction. All Seven Seas print imprints will continue to be distributed worldwide by Penguin Random House Publisher Services.
“For more than twenty years, our focus has been simple: publishing exceptional stories and treating them with care, respect, and the passion of fans who never forget what drew us to these stories in the first place,” says Seven Seas CEO and founder Jason DeAngelis. “This partnership strengthens our long-term position while preserving the creative independence and publishing mission that define Seven Seas. We remain deeply committed to our creators, partners, and readers.”
“Seven Seas has built a distinctive and highly respected publishing program, with a strong track record and deep connections across the industry,” says Daihei Shiohama, President and CEO of Media Do International. “We look forward to supporting their continued success and providing resources that allow the Seven Seas team to do what they do best—champion great stories for readers around the world.”
The companies will collaborate to further strengthen global distribution and support the continued growth of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean storytelling in the English-language market.
