In a recent interview with Manga Passion, Mayu Nakamura, manga editor of Shoujo Manga Bessatsu Friend Magazine, shed light on her preference for live-action adaptations over anime for shoujo manga.
Image source: © Manga Passion
Nakamura attributed the prominence of live-to-business considerations in the industry, emphasizing that it is a reflection of the needs of the domestic media market.
While conceding that shoujo manga may indeed be suitable for anime adaptation, Nakamura emphasized the significant demand for live-action series and movies in Japan, specifically aimed at young women. .
According to Nakamura, the Japanese film industry aims to produce a certain number of romantic films every year, often intended for viewing on dates. Shoujo manga, with their diverse romantic plots, thus provide attractive source material for such works. Furthermore, Nakamura noted that the industry depends on young male actors to star in these romantic films, thereby increasing their popularity.
Nakamura also sheds light on gender dynamics in the anime and film industries, noting that although shoujo manga is widely popular, the decision-makers in these industries, such as producers and directors, mostly men. This, along with the higher budgets required for anime production, may contribute to the underrepresentation of shoujo manga in anime adaptations.
Mayu Nakamura joined Kodansha immediately after graduating and has worked at the company since 2013. The first four years she worked in manga distribution and in charge of bookstores. In her fifth year, she joined the Bessatsu Friend editorial team.
Nakamura is currently in charge of works such as Abe-kun’s Got Me Now! and A Girl & Her Guard Dog. She’s dealt with it before Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, A Kiss with a Cat and Cutie and the Beast.
Bessatsu Friend, formerly known as Bessatsu Shojo Friend, is a Japanese shojo manga magazine published by Kodansha. It is published on the 13th of every month.
Source: Manga Passion