Orange Inc.’s emaqi e-bookstore service has officially released Keigo Hayasaka’s popular manga series, Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe (Japanese title: Sabae to Yattara Owaru), in English. The announcement was made on Friday by the AI localization company, making the series available to English-speaking audiences in North America via the emaqi app and digital service.
The digital release introduces a unique college romance-comedy to new readers, further expanding emaqi’s growing library of manga previously unavailable in English.
About “Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe”
Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe centers on Uji, a college student navigating the complexities of friendship and burgeoning attraction. Uji is best friends with Sabae, a character described as tomboyish and rough-around-the-edges. The plot takes a turn when, during a discussion about dating advice, Uji becomes unexpectedly aroused by Sabae. This pivotal moment forces Uji to confront a dilemma: choose between maintaining their friendship or exploring a potential romantic relationship. The series delves into the humorous and often awkward situations that arise from this evolving dynamic.
Manga’s Origin and Adaptations
Keigo Hayasaka originally launched the manga in Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch online magazine in September 2019. As of September 9, the series has accumulated 19 compiled book volumes in Japan. The popularity of the manga led to a live-action adaptation, which aired on Tokyo MX in August 2024. The drama explored the same premise, with Uji seeking advice from Sabae about his crush on another classmate, only to find himself increasingly drawn to Sabae herself.
Emaqi Service’s Expansion into English Markets
Emaqi, launched by AI localization company Orange Inc., debuted its service in the United States and Canada in September 2024. The platform aimed to provide a wide array of manga, initially featuring approximately 6,000 volumes from 13 publishers. A core mission of emaqi is to add at least one new title previously unpublished in English every week, with a goal of introducing 100 such manga by the end of the current year.
Orange Inc. has secured translation, publishing, and distribution rights from various Japanese publishers, including Shonengahosha, Futabasha, and Akita Publishing. They also hold distribution rights from Kodansha USA Publishing. The emaqi app, which became available for download on iOS and Google Play stores in May, continues to broaden its offerings, having previously added titles like Dealing with Mikadono Sisters Is a Breeze in June 2025.
The addition of Sabae is Just a Friend, Maybe underscores emaqi’s commitment to bringing diverse Japanese manga content to a global audience, leveraging AI localization to accelerate the availability of titles that might otherwise remain untranslated for longer periods.
