Yen Press, LLC, Manga and light novel publisher in Manhattan, US
Yen Press is a Manhattan-based publisher specializing in manga, light novels, and graphic novels as part of the Hachette Book Group. The company releases both translated titles from Japan and South Korea and original works for the North American book market.
Kurt Hassler founded the publisher in 2006 within the Hachette Book Group to bring Japanese series to a wider English-speaking readership. Eight years after its creation, the company launched a dedicated light novel imprint that began introducing Korean titles to North American shelves.
The publisher bridges Japanese and Korean storytelling traditions with English-speaking audiences by adapting manga and light novels while keeping the original artwork and narrative voice intact. Fans follow announcements through social media and conventions, where staff often share insights into the selection process and challenges of bringing Asian stories to Western readers.
Bookstores across North America stock the titles on their shelves, while international orders are available through online retailers or specialty shops. New releases are announced on the publisher's website and through email newsletters, allowing readers to plan purchases ahead of publication dates.
The publisher was the first in North America to establish light novels as a standalone category, giving them dedicated shelf space alongside manga. That decision paved the way for other publishers to develop similar programs and eventually bring Korean webtoons to print editions.
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