Tokyo, June 23, 2025 – Rakuten Group, Inc. today announced that select Rakuten digital comics will be officially available in Arabic through a collaboration with MENA E-Sports & Events, a Bahrain-based digital entertainment company.
The initiative marks a significant step in Rakuten's commitment to expanding the reach of its digital comic book content to new global audiences. The broader Middle East and Africa comic book market generated revenue of USD 301.5 million in 2024 and is expected to grow over 11% per year from 2025 to 2030*1. With digital comics expected to be the most lucrative segment, Rakuten aims to tap into this burgeoning market through its collaboration with MENA E-Sports & Events, bringing its popular content to Arabic-speaking readers.
As part of the collaboration, MENA E-Sports & Events will exclusively license, translate, and publish Rakuten's digital comics on its dedicated Arabic content platform, MangaOasis. The launch will initially feature the localization of two popular titles, “Samurai Shinken” and “Gold Boy”, with potential plans to expand the catalog in the future, based on the success of the initial launch. Both titles will be available on MangaOasis in the coming months on the official website and through its mobile app.
The collaboration will leverage MENA E-Sports & Events' deep understanding of the regional market and its expertise in cultural adaptation to ensure that the localized comics resonate with Arabic-speaking readers.
Rakuten is committed to expanding its content services globally, ensuring that readers around the world can enjoy its diverse range of digital comics.
Notes
*1 Source: Grand View Research, "Middle East & Africa Comic Book Market Size & Outlook, 2030"
About MENA E-Sports & Events
MENA E-Sports & Events is a digital entertainment company in the MENA region offering various services. Its MENA Gaming service focuses on e-sports and gaming projects, while MangaOasis supports Arabic manga and webtoons. The company also runs the "All Things Arab" YouTube channel, promoting Arab-centric content in gaming, manga, and cultural entertainment. Together, these initiatives foster the growth of Arab digital entertainment and provide a platform for creators and fans.
About Rakuten
Rakuten Group, Inc. (TSE: 4755) is a global technology leader in services that empower individuals, communities, businesses and society. Founded in Tokyo in 1997 as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded to offer services in e-commerce, fintech, digital content and communications to 2 billion members around the world. The Rakuten Group has around 30,000 employees, and operations in 30 countries and regions. For more information visit https://global.rakuten.com/corp/.
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