Manga-Based English Reading App "Langaku" Wins Double Honors at the 23rd Japan e-Learning Awards, Securing Grand Prize "e-Learning of the Year" and the JEPA Chairman's Award

Mantra Accelerates Deployment Across Educational Institutions in 2026

Mantra Inc. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Shonosuke Ishiwatari; hereinafter "Mantra") is pleased to announce that its manga-based extensive English reading app,"Langaku," has been awarded both the prestigious top honor, the "Japan e-Learning Award (e-Learning of the Year)," and the "Japan Electronic Publishing Association Chairman's Award" at the 23rd Japan e-Learning Awards.

First-Time Recipient Achieves Historic Double Win Including the Grand Prize

Established in 2004, the Japan e-Learning Awards recognize innovative technologies, educational content, and implementation case studies in e-learning.

In this edition, Langaku achieved a historic milestone as the first entry in the award's history to simultaneously receive both the grand prize—the "Japan e-Learning Award"—and the "Japan Electronic Publishing Association Chairman's Award."

The "Japan e-Learning Award (e-Learning of the Year)" is granted to only a single entry chosen as the most outstanding across all submissions. The Japan Electronic Publishing Association (JEPA), which conferred the Chairman's Award, is an industry organization founded in 1986 that has spearheaded the development of digital publishing in Japan alongside publishers, hardware manufacturers, software vendors, printing enterprises, and platform operators.

Shifting Mindsets: From "Reading to Study" to "Reading to Find Out What Happens Next"

Langaku is a language learning app that enables users to practice "extensive English reading"—a pedagogical method focused on absorbing substantial volumes of natural English—through officially licensed manga.

While extensive reading fundamentally requires consistent and high-volume exposure to text, learners frequently encounter obstacles such as feeling fatigued by dense reading passages or struggling to complete traditional materials.

Langaku turns a reader's curiosity to find out what happens next into a catalyst for reading in English. By integrating assistive features that support real-time comprehension while preserving narrative immersion, the app fosters a sustainable learning routine:

  • Instant Translation: Tap any comic panel to toggle seamlessly between Japanese and English.
  • AI Contextual Glossary: Provides on-demand explanations of idioms, colloquialisms, and slang tailored to the context of the story.
  • Adaptive Text Ratios: Allows learners to adjust the proportion of English versus Japanese panels to match their current proficiency.
  • Audio Narration & Auto-Play: Supports listening comprehension with line-by-line voice playback.

Through these proprietary features, extensive reading shifts from an obligation ("reading because I have to study") to an intuitive habit ("reading in English effortlessly because I want to know the next plot twist").

Launched in 2022, Langaku surpassed 1 million cumulative downloads in May 2026, offering a localized library of over 100 popular manga series available in both Japanese and English.

Scaling Deployments in Formal Education Throughout 2026

Beyond consumer use, Langaku is increasingly adopted as an extensive reading teaching resource within formal school environments.

In April 2026, Mantra officially launched its institutional offering, creating a specialized department and helpdesk for schools and educational professionals.

In a deployment pilot conducted with 272 second-year students at a Tokyo metropolitan high school:

  • Students read an average of approximately 32,000 English words each over 150 days.
  • Top-tier active readers achieved up to 332,000 words.
  • In post-trial surveys,90.1% of students who engaged with the app three or more times a week reported an increase in their overall time exposed to English.

Participating students reported using the app effectively during commute times and short breaks, noting that narrative suspense helped them maintain daily habits and that the tool felt approachable even for those with lower confidence in English. Responses also highlighted shifts in overall perception, including reduced anxiety toward English and heightened motivation to continue studying.

Following the success of this pilot, Mantra is expanding manga-based extensive reading into broader educational avenues, including an "Extensive Reading × Inquiry-Based Learning × DX" curriculum for junior high and high schools, alongside collaborative academic programs co-developed with the AI English coaching platform "ELSA."

Executive Statement

Shonosuke Ishiwatari, CEO of Mantra Inc.:

"We are deeply honored to receive both the Grand Prize and the Japan Electronic Publishing Association Chairman's Award at the Japan e-Learning Awards, an institution with over two decades of history. Since our founding, Mantra has focused on integrating AI technologies and language learning through the medium of manga. In 2026, we began actively partnering with educators to bring Langaku into classrooms across the country. Receiving the highest honor in educational ICT alongside recognition from JEPA—the premier association representing digital publishing in Japan—serves as immense encouragement for our mission.
This milestone is made possible thanks to our partners. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Shueisha Inc. for their early development support, to the authors and publishers who entrust us with their titles, to our partner educators and institutions, and to the readers who use Langaku every day."
Press & Interview Opportunities

In connection with this announcement, Mantra is accepting media inquiries and interview requests regarding:

  • How "Manga Extensive Reading × AI" reshapes learner retention and language engagement.
  • Quantitative and behavioral shifts observed in Tokyo metropolitan high school pilot data.
  • Langaku’s 2026 roadmap: Bridging consumer mobile learning and formal classroom instruction.
  • Milestones and operational insights behind reaching 1 million downloads.
  • Direct interviews with the Langaku Product Lead and Mantra CEO Shonosuke Ishiwatari.
  • App demonstrations, UI assets, and institutional case study materials.
About "Langaku"

Langaku is an English language learning app designed around officially licensed manga, featuring over 100 hit titles such as ONE PIECE and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

  • Title: Langaku
  • Category: English Language Learning / Education
  • Platforms: iOS / Android
  • Pricing: Free download (1 free chapter daily) / Premium subscription available
  • Website:Langaku Official Website
About Mantra Inc.

Established in 2020, Mantra Inc. specializes in the research and development of proprietary AI technologies for the entertainment industry. Its core products include the cloud manga translation suite "Mantra Engine" and the language learning platform "Langaku."

Mantra's recognitions include the HONGO AI Award (2019), Toyo Keizai's "Amazing Ventures 100" (2020), the AAMT Nagao Award (2021), the JEITA Venture Award Early Edge Prize (2022), the Digital Publishing Award Challenge Mind Award (2024), the Google Play "Best of 2025" Grand Prize (Personal Growth Category), and the Appliv "Best App Award 2025" Excellence Award (Learning App Category).

  • Company Name: Mantra Inc.
  • Representative: Shonosuke Ishiwatari, CEO
  • Headquarters: 2F Sumitomo Fudosan Iidabashi Bldg., 2-3-21 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-0004, Japan
  • Established: January 28, 2020
  • Capital: JPY 1,000,000
  • Main Business: R&D of entertainment-focused AI; language translation systems; language learning software
  • Website:https://mantra.co.jp/
Media Contact

Mantra Inc. Public Relations

Fukao / Funakoshi

Email: pr@mantra.co.jp

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