Welcome to the Nihongo Lesson feature. We strive to give you useful manga-based Japanese language tips and maybe even a glimpse into the translation process. This week’s lesson will focus on the JUMP START initiative once again but with particular emphasis on the technical terms seen in manga magazines in Japan. This might help you decipher the busy text that’s splashed all over Japanese magazines!

SHINRENSAI (しんれんさい)

SHINRENSAI is the term for a new series. It means “new serialization,” and it applies to series like Straighten Up! and Devilyman. Weekly Shonen Jump has many SHINRENSAI throughout the year, and it’s great that we can bring you a taste of the newest manga with the JUMP START initiative. Sometimes they stick around as SHINRENSAI in our magazine as well! This round features some really interesting and unique manga series. Who knew we’d see a Shonen Jump manga about competitive dancing? And following that up with a pathetic salaryman devil...? Sold!

YOMIKIRI (よみきり)

YOMIKIRI is the term for a manga one-shot, meaning a single stand-alone chapter. Many SHINRENSAI start off as a YOMIKIRI. Comparing a SHINRENSAI and the YOMIKIRI it was based on can be an enlightening look into the manga-making process. There can be vast differences, like brand-new characters and plot structures between the two versions. But sometimes, like with Kagamigami recently, they are nearly identical with the only major change being the title of the series.

ZASSHI (ざっし)

ZASSHI means “magazine.” This term refers to all types of magazines, not just manga ones. There are so many manga magazines in Japan that it can be overwhelming! For a more in-depth look at Japanese manga industry terms, check out the manga about making manga, Bakuman!

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