A light novel is a type of Japanese fiction aimed towards adolescents and young adults. The graphics in these publications are generally in anime or manga style. They are often printed in bunkobon format (A6 – 105 x 148mm). Light novels are short stories.In US publishing norms, the length is similar to a novella. Light novels are immensely popular in Japan, as seen by the abundance of them in Japanese bookshops.
What is the origin of the phrase and what does it mean?
The term “light novel” is not an English term. It is a wasei-eigo (roughly “Japanese-made English”), which is a Japanese phrase constructed from English terms. The word is used everywhere you read such works. In Japan, the term raito is used. The word is used everywhere you read such works in raw manga series. In Japan, the phrase raito noberu (often sometimes ranobe or rainobe as an abbreviation) is used to refer to a light novel.
Light novels are commonly referred to be Japanese Novellas in Western culture. What exactly is the distinction between a novel and a light novel? In brief, light novels are often shorter and feature fewer images.They are also simpler to read. This is especially true given that the text uses considerably simpler and easier-to-read current kanji.
The pictures are mainly at the start of chapters or when a new character or location is discussed. The image below is an example of how a light book may be written. The pictures are mainly at the start of chapters or when a new character or location is discussed.
Why is a light book designed in the manner of an anime or manga?
The reason light novels are fashioned like anime or manga is due to their history and origins in Japan.Light novels are the next step in the evolution of pulp magazines. In the 1970s, most Japanese pulp magazines, which had already switched from the traditional design to the popular anime style covers, began to incorporate artwork in the opening of each tale and articles about popular movies, anime, and video games to delight their readership.
The story evolved to appeal to new generations, and it was completely drawn in the popular manner. Popular serials are published in books. Light book tales have been popular selections for manga adaptation in recent years. Light book storylines have been popular candidates for translation into manga, anime, and live-action films in recent years, albeit in the case of the latter two, just the first two novels are generally adapted.
