Kadokawa's MF Books Expands Global Light Novel Push
Kadokawa's MF Books label is courting overseas writers through a global publishing project with Honeyfeed, aiming for 2027 releases.
Kadokawa's MF Books light novel label is looking beyond Japan's borders for its next generation of authors. Speaking with Anime Herald at Anime Expo 2026, MF Books head Satoshi Arima outlined a global publishing initiative designed to bring foreign writers into the Japanese light novel market.
The label, which publishes an estimated six books per month with a team of twelve editors, does not directly publish English-language books for overseas readers. Instead, Kadokawa's UGC (User Generated Content) global publishing project works with the web novel platform Honeyfeed to run an English writing contest for aspiring authors abroad.
The first contest was held last year, with Arima serving as a judge. frettiko took the grand prize for a story titled Isekai'd with my dog, I'm not the hero?!, which follows a hero transported to another world alongside his dog. The project also scouted web novel author Kazesenken.
Kadokawa is targeting a 2027 release for books stemming from the first contest. English versions of some Kadokawa group works already reach readers through J-Novel Club.
Quick answers
What is Kadokawa's UGC global publishing project?
It is a global publishing initiative that includes an English writing contest for foreign writers who want to enter the Japanese light novel market, run with the web novel platform Honeyfeed.
Who won the first English writing contest?
frettiko won the grand prize for the story 'Isekai'd with my dog, I'm not the hero?!' The project also scouted web novel author Kazesenken.
When will the contest winners' books be released?
Kadokawa is targeting a 2027 release for books from the first contest.