Edward "Edo" Hong
@edomonogatari.bsky.social
He/Him. JP-EN manga editor for Square Enix (Assassin & Cinderella, Angel Next Door, Daemons of the Shadow Realm, Dragon and Chameleon, Mechanical Buddy Universe, My Dress-Up Darling, On and Off, Ragna Crimson, Soul Eater, and more).
Pinned
It’s out! Just in time for Halloween! 🎃
Due to extraordinary circumstances, I not only edited this big Soul Eater art book, but I translated all the new text inside as well! Hope you guys enjoy!
Due to extraordinary circumstances, I not only edited this big Soul Eater art book, but I translated all the new text inside as well! Hope you guys enjoy!
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Let me give some insight on this, as a producer in the dub industry who worked with major streamers, who's witnessed first-hand where this push for AI is coming from.
tl;dr: Only CEOs want this. Tell them how much you hate it. Be loud, email, call, @, post. You will kill this.
🧵⬇️
tl;dr: Only CEOs want this. Tell them how much you hate it. Be loud, email, call, @, post. You will kill this.
🧵⬇️
The only thing less human than these AI dub performances is the decision to sign off on them
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
November 30, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Let me give some insight on this, as a producer in the dub industry who worked with major streamers, who's witnessed first-hand where this push for AI is coming from.
tl;dr: Only CEOs want this. Tell them how much you hate it. Be loud, email, call, @, post. You will kill this.
🧵⬇️
tl;dr: Only CEOs want this. Tell them how much you hate it. Be loud, email, call, @, post. You will kill this.
🧵⬇️
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
AI dubs aren't just an attempt to replace voice actors. Engineering, mixing, writing, directing, and QC are also cut, narrowed down to a single prompter.
When I write dub scripts, it is an exercise in musicality, translation, and personal life experience. A prompter understands none of that.
When I write dub scripts, it is an exercise in musicality, translation, and personal life experience. A prompter understands none of that.
November 29, 2025 at 8:54 PM
AI dubs aren't just an attempt to replace voice actors. Engineering, mixing, writing, directing, and QC are also cut, narrowed down to a single prompter.
When I write dub scripts, it is an exercise in musicality, translation, and personal life experience. A prompter understands none of that.
When I write dub scripts, it is an exercise in musicality, translation, and personal life experience. A prompter understands none of that.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
The only thing less human than these AI dub performances is the decision to sign off on them
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
November 28, 2025 at 11:21 PM
The only thing less human than these AI dub performances is the decision to sign off on them
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
A company this big can pay human actors a decent wage, not produce slop that intentionally removes the human element.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
i know chapter 15 of Bug Ego came out a bit ago but i'm finally around to letting everyone know that YES i did have to completely redraw this computer screen and do all of the text, adjust the original emojis, and do all the effects myself! it took hours!!! happy with how it turned out but damn!
November 28, 2025 at 1:26 PM
i know chapter 15 of Bug Ego came out a bit ago but i'm finally around to letting everyone know that YES i did have to completely redraw this computer screen and do all of the text, adjust the original emojis, and do all the effects myself! it took hours!!! happy with how it turned out but damn!
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
🚨DEAL ALERT🚨
The @square-enix-games.com shop is having an epic Black Friday sale, including 20% off some of our favorite video game tie-in manga, novels, & art books! Grab what you’ve been eyeing, while supplies last! 👀
The @square-enix-games.com shop is having an epic Black Friday sale, including 20% off some of our favorite video game tie-in manga, novels, & art books! Grab what you’ve been eyeing, while supplies last! 👀
November 28, 2025 at 4:13 PM
🚨DEAL ALERT🚨
The @square-enix-games.com shop is having an epic Black Friday sale, including 20% off some of our favorite video game tie-in manga, novels, & art books! Grab what you’ve been eyeing, while supplies last! 👀
The @square-enix-games.com shop is having an epic Black Friday sale, including 20% off some of our favorite video game tie-in manga, novels, & art books! Grab what you’ve been eyeing, while supplies last! 👀
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Happy #Thanksgiving from the Square Enix Manga & Books crew!! Who are you sharing a delicious meal with today? 🍗
(via Beauty and the Feast)
(via Beauty and the Feast)
November 27, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Happy #Thanksgiving from the Square Enix Manga & Books crew!! Who are you sharing a delicious meal with today? 🍗
(via Beauty and the Feast)
(via Beauty and the Feast)
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Lots of newness dropped this past month! What was your fave November pickup? 🍁🍂
November 25, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Lots of newness dropped this past month! What was your fave November pickup? 🍁🍂
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
After publishing this article, I've heard from many that CR seems to be using AI to produce dub CCs. Now, thanks to a slip-up CR had with episode 6 dub of The Banished Court Magician, we can say that with 100% certainty: Crunchyroll is using the AI service Ollang.com for its dub closed captions!
November 26, 2025 at 8:27 AM
After publishing this article, I've heard from many that CR seems to be using AI to produce dub CCs. Now, thanks to a slip-up CR had with episode 6 dub of The Banished Court Magician, we can say that with 100% certainty: Crunchyroll is using the AI service Ollang.com for its dub closed captions!
When you have to rewrite a whole page of Japanese wordplay because it references some kanji from one panel two volumes ago that you had retouched into English 😩
November 26, 2025 at 1:16 AM
When you have to rewrite a whole page of Japanese wordplay because it references some kanji from one panel two volumes ago that you had retouched into English 😩
Ugh, why do we use the phrase “make a reservation” both for scheduling a time to be somewhere AND for getting there on time?!
November 25, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Ugh, why do we use the phrase “make a reservation” both for scheduling a time to be somewhere AND for getting there on time?!
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
this point really hits the nail on the head of why localization workers are so frustrated by “AI” loc companies.
freelancers have to beg for a single dollar wage increase, while tens of millions are dumped into a machine designed to replace them.
the machine doesn’t even work. freelancers do.
freelancers have to beg for a single dollar wage increase, while tens of millions are dumped into a machine designed to replace them.
the machine doesn’t even work. freelancers do.
one of the things that makes me most mad about genAI (and there are many) is we've been told there's not enough money for hiring. but there's billions poured into ai.
so not enough money to hire workers. but infinite money to pour into technology whose goal is never having to pay workers again.
so not enough money to hire workers. but infinite money to pour into technology whose goal is never having to pay workers again.
November 23, 2025 at 7:59 PM
this point really hits the nail on the head of why localization workers are so frustrated by “AI” loc companies.
freelancers have to beg for a single dollar wage increase, while tens of millions are dumped into a machine designed to replace them.
the machine doesn’t even work. freelancers do.
freelancers have to beg for a single dollar wage increase, while tens of millions are dumped into a machine designed to replace them.
the machine doesn’t even work. freelancers do.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
HOT OFF THE PRESS! 🔥
On the verge of being overpowered by Daemon Wielders from Nishino Village, Hana is saved by a masked man claiming to be Roei Tadera! 🐶🐯
Daemons of the Shadow Realm, vol. 9 goes on sale December 9th! 💥 sqex.link/ed078f
On the verge of being overpowered by Daemon Wielders from Nishino Village, Hana is saved by a masked man claiming to be Roei Tadera! 🐶🐯
Daemons of the Shadow Realm, vol. 9 goes on sale December 9th! 💥 sqex.link/ed078f
November 23, 2025 at 7:15 PM
HOT OFF THE PRESS! 🔥
On the verge of being overpowered by Daemon Wielders from Nishino Village, Hana is saved by a masked man claiming to be Roei Tadera! 🐶🐯
Daemons of the Shadow Realm, vol. 9 goes on sale December 9th! 💥 sqex.link/ed078f
On the verge of being overpowered by Daemon Wielders from Nishino Village, Hana is saved by a masked man claiming to be Roei Tadera! 🐶🐯
Daemons of the Shadow Realm, vol. 9 goes on sale December 9th! 💥 sqex.link/ed078f
I think the fact that I’m too prideful to take shortcuts at work will be my downfall 😔
November 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
I think the fact that I’m too prideful to take shortcuts at work will be my downfall 😔
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
HOT OFF THE PRESS! 🔥
While looking for missing children, Fubuki and Mio find themselves engaged in a fierce battle against an oni named Nakiri Ayame! 👘
Holoearth Chronicles Side:E Yamato Phantasia, vol. 2 goes on sale December 2nd! ❄️⛄ sqex.link/8i3m
While looking for missing children, Fubuki and Mio find themselves engaged in a fierce battle against an oni named Nakiri Ayame! 👘
Holoearth Chronicles Side:E Yamato Phantasia, vol. 2 goes on sale December 2nd! ❄️⛄ sqex.link/8i3m
November 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
HOT OFF THE PRESS! 🔥
While looking for missing children, Fubuki and Mio find themselves engaged in a fierce battle against an oni named Nakiri Ayame! 👘
Holoearth Chronicles Side:E Yamato Phantasia, vol. 2 goes on sale December 2nd! ❄️⛄ sqex.link/8i3m
While looking for missing children, Fubuki and Mio find themselves engaged in a fierce battle against an oni named Nakiri Ayame! 👘
Holoearth Chronicles Side:E Yamato Phantasia, vol. 2 goes on sale December 2nd! ❄️⛄ sqex.link/8i3m
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
🎁BOOK☆WALKER Black Friday 2025🎁
Don’t miss our huge sale! A special selection of manga from @square-enix-books.com is available for only $2.50!
Details: buff.ly/6v5z4JZ
Don’t miss our huge sale! A special selection of manga from @square-enix-books.com is available for only $2.50!
Details: buff.ly/6v5z4JZ
November 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
🎁BOOK☆WALKER Black Friday 2025🎁
Don’t miss our huge sale! A special selection of manga from @square-enix-books.com is available for only $2.50!
Details: buff.ly/6v5z4JZ
Don’t miss our huge sale! A special selection of manga from @square-enix-books.com is available for only $2.50!
Details: buff.ly/6v5z4JZ
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Important update: I have received word from insiders that Crunchyroll executives have deemed the user backlash to be small enough that their subtitle enshittification & OOONA plans will NOT be cancelled, only delayed.
I have added an update to the article. There's a summary at the top now too.
I have added an update to the article. There's a summary at the top now too.
New article on ★ daiz.moe ★
Crunchyroll is destroying its subtitles for no good reason
daiz.moe/crunchyroll-...
A ton of research and effort went into this one. This is the article to read to get to the bottom of Crunchyroll's subtitle changes!
Replies here will show up as comments (eventually)
Crunchyroll is destroying its subtitles for no good reason
daiz.moe/crunchyroll-...
A ton of research and effort went into this one. This is the article to read to get to the bottom of Crunchyroll's subtitle changes!
Replies here will show up as comments (eventually)
Crunchyroll is destroying its subtitles for no good reason | Daiz.moe
With the Fall 2025 anime season, Crunchyroll demonstrates zero respect for anime as a medium as the presentation quality of its subtitles reach an all-time low.
daiz.moe
November 21, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Important update: I have received word from insiders that Crunchyroll executives have deemed the user backlash to be small enough that their subtitle enshittification & OOONA plans will NOT be cancelled, only delayed.
I have added an update to the article. There's a summary at the top now too.
I have added an update to the article. There's a summary at the top now too.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
💥COVER ALERT! 💥
Although the war has ended, threats still lurk around every corner for the android mercenary, her adopted son, and their ragtag group of associates!
Mechanical Buddy Universe 1.0, vol. 1 goes on sale in January! sqex.to/8ZDkh
Although the war has ended, threats still lurk around every corner for the android mercenary, her adopted son, and their ragtag group of associates!
Mechanical Buddy Universe 1.0, vol. 1 goes on sale in January! sqex.to/8ZDkh
November 21, 2025 at 11:20 PM
💥COVER ALERT! 💥
Although the war has ended, threats still lurk around every corner for the android mercenary, her adopted son, and their ragtag group of associates!
Mechanical Buddy Universe 1.0, vol. 1 goes on sale in January! sqex.to/8ZDkh
Although the war has ended, threats still lurk around every corner for the android mercenary, her adopted son, and their ragtag group of associates!
Mechanical Buddy Universe 1.0, vol. 1 goes on sale in January! sqex.to/8ZDkh
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Exciting to have two books I've worked on on the list. And I hope this leads to more people checking out The Mark of Erdrick. Whether or not you're an existing DQ fan, it's a worthy series.
Thank you @slj.com for selecting Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick, vol. 1 as one of the 2025 Best Books Manga category! 🎉
View the full list of Best Books here: sqex.link/BestBooks2025
View the full list of Best Books here: sqex.link/BestBooks2025
November 22, 2025 at 4:50 AM
Exciting to have two books I've worked on on the list. And I hope this leads to more people checking out The Mark of Erdrick. Whether or not you're an existing DQ fan, it's a worthy series.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
I don't know which of my kouhais need to hear this, but because I'm seeing this in a ton of commercial J>E game locs: you really shouldn't retain quotation marks in the same places as the Japanese source text 9 times of 10, especially outside dialogue. Punctuation parity in general is often sloppy.
November 21, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I don't know which of my kouhais need to hear this, but because I'm seeing this in a ton of commercial J>E game locs: you really shouldn't retain quotation marks in the same places as the Japanese source text 9 times of 10, especially outside dialogue. Punctuation parity in general is often sloppy.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Crunchyroll is involved in an incredible ~18% of new anime productions. A look at their full 2025 slate provides some insights into the company's priorities and what they do different from the rest of the industry.
animebythenumbers.substack.com/p/crunchyrol...
animebythenumbers.substack.com/p/crunchyrol...
Crunchyroll Co-Produces Way More Anime Than You Think
Crunchyroll’s anime investments reveal the unique role they play in the industry.
animebythenumbers.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Crunchyroll is involved in an incredible ~18% of new anime productions. A look at their full 2025 slate provides some insights into the company's priorities and what they do different from the rest of the industry.
animebythenumbers.substack.com/p/crunchyrol...
animebythenumbers.substack.com/p/crunchyrol...
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Hit with a flash of inspiration, “Miyama” decides to redraw a storyboard from scratch three days before the final draft is due! Can his team still finish the chapter on time?! ✒️😱
Preorder Dragon and Chameleon, vol. 6 at your favorite retailer now! sqex.link/4bs6
Preorder Dragon and Chameleon, vol. 6 at your favorite retailer now! sqex.link/4bs6
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Hit with a flash of inspiration, “Miyama” decides to redraw a storyboard from scratch three days before the final draft is due! Can his team still finish the chapter on time?! ✒️😱
Preorder Dragon and Chameleon, vol. 6 at your favorite retailer now! sqex.link/4bs6
Preorder Dragon and Chameleon, vol. 6 at your favorite retailer now! sqex.link/4bs6
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
For Reasons™, I am looking for freelance or in-house JP loc editorial, proofreading, and QA work. I have 6 years of experience in manga and light novels, but I'm open to working with anime and games. DM if you have any questions or leads.
November 18, 2025 at 9:30 PM
For Reasons™, I am looking for freelance or in-house JP loc editorial, proofreading, and QA work. I have 6 years of experience in manga and light novels, but I'm open to working with anime and games. DM if you have any questions or leads.
Reposted by Edward "Edo" Hong
Curious about the future of manga?
@forbes.com sat down with Kodansha USA CEO Alvin Lu—the publisher of Attack on Titan—to explore how manga is expanding into new formats, new platforms, and vast global audiences.
📖 Read the full Forbes interview here: ow.ly/56I350XtMx7
@forbes.com sat down with Kodansha USA CEO Alvin Lu—the publisher of Attack on Titan—to explore how manga is expanding into new formats, new platforms, and vast global audiences.
📖 Read the full Forbes interview here: ow.ly/56I350XtMx7
November 19, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Curious about the future of manga?
@forbes.com sat down with Kodansha USA CEO Alvin Lu—the publisher of Attack on Titan—to explore how manga is expanding into new formats, new platforms, and vast global audiences.
📖 Read the full Forbes interview here: ow.ly/56I350XtMx7
@forbes.com sat down with Kodansha USA CEO Alvin Lu—the publisher of Attack on Titan—to explore how manga is expanding into new formats, new platforms, and vast global audiences.
📖 Read the full Forbes interview here: ow.ly/56I350XtMx7