Square Enix and Mantra to Use AI to Streamline Manga Editing

Square Enix and the Tokyo-based company Mantra are jointly developing Mantra Engine, an AI-powered tool to automate the layout and text editing process for Japanese manga. The project came about after Square Enix invested in Mantra in 2024.

According to the announcement, manually specifying the font type, size, style, and placement of each line of dialogue consumes more than 3,000 hours per year in Square Enix's editorial department. Mantra Engine uses image recognition technology and style estimation developed from Mantra's translation tool, but it only works with what is already in the manuscript: it does not generate new text, does not modify the artwork, and does not use data for training.

Square Enix executive Katsuyoshi Matsuura explained that the goal is not solely to improve efficiency, but to create an environment where editors can focus on their core work: supporting the creative activities of authors. The tool is currently in internal testing, and once implemented, the developers plan to offer it as a service to the entire manga industry.

Originally published on Anitsu by Laura Martínez. Text reviewed and fact-checked for DonOtaku on November 5, 2026; the original date is retained.