Sawa Matsueda Savage
@sawamsavage.bsky.social
J-E translator of anime (Run With the Wind/Akiba Maid War/Call of the Night), manga (Ikoku Nikki/That’s Not Love/Is Love the Answer?/Sheltering Eaves/Wotakoi) etc. エンタメ日英翻訳メイン
Pinned
My ultimate dream project is to bring the criminally underrated works of Shinji Wada to English readers. An outlier in shojo, his works are full of gritty action, intrigue, kick-ass female leads, and side characters with so much depth some had several short manga worth of backstory🧵
It’s that time of year again… Crafting Halloween costumes for the kids while going through my “to watch” list. So far:
-Inept Villainess
-A Witch’s Life in Mongol
-Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
-Odd Taxi
-Inept Villainess
-A Witch’s Life in Mongol
-Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
-Odd Taxi
September 17, 2026 at 9:21 PM
It’s that time of year again… Crafting Halloween costumes for the kids while going through my “to watch” list. So far:
-Inept Villainess
-A Witch’s Life in Mongol
-Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
-Odd Taxi
-Inept Villainess
-A Witch’s Life in Mongol
-Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
-Odd Taxi
What a busy Tuesday. Love, That's an Understatement 7 (Zen and Risa continue to be solid, which I love) is out, as well as the first Sheltering Eaves volume in a long while, delivering some much needed hope after the rough events of the last volume.
Another week means another amazing round of new releases for New Manga Tuesday!
Out this week are MARS 30th Anniversary Edition 2 in print, Cells at Work! Picture Book 1 in print & digital, and more - check out our release calendar for the full list: https://ow.ly/RTsb50ZO4nZ
Out this week are MARS 30th Anniversary Edition 2 in print, Cells at Work! Picture Book 1 in print & digital, and more - check out our release calendar for the full list: https://ow.ly/RTsb50ZO4nZ
September 15, 2026 at 9:58 PM
What a busy Tuesday. Love, That's an Understatement 7 (Zen and Risa continue to be solid, which I love) is out, as well as the first Sheltering Eaves volume in a long while, delivering some much needed hope after the rough events of the last volume.
Sweet new series that I was a huge fan of during the original serialization! It's particularly good for anyone with a passion for creating (or reading) fanmade work and I'm so happy I get to translate it now.
🚨New Series Alert 🚨 My Ex-Boyfriend Loves Boys' Love, vol. 1 is on sale now!
Adult fangirl Momo is surprised to encounter a male BL fan in the wild--only to realize it's none other than her high school ex, who wasn't into that back then! 😱
Free Preview link below! ⬇️
Adult fangirl Momo is surprised to encounter a male BL fan in the wild--only to realize it's none other than her high school ex, who wasn't into that back then! 😱
Free Preview link below! ⬇️
September 15, 2026 at 9:24 PM
Sweet new series that I was a huge fan of during the original serialization! It's particularly good for anyone with a passion for creating (or reading) fanmade work and I'm so happy I get to translate it now.
Somehow missed this thoughtful review of That's Not Love 2 by @reporterdem.bsky.social! The subtle and not so subtle ways in which a female vicitm's distress gets dismissed is brutal but realistic. I particularly loathe the convo with the first lawyer, and I hope the condescending tone comes across.
That’s Not Love Volume 2 Review
Akane's and Yukari's story continues in this second volume of That's Not Love. Faced not only with trying to get the sculpture removed, but also contending with the uncomfortable reality of the…
http://animeuknews.net/2026/08/thats-not-love-volume-2-review/
Akane's and Yukari's story continues in this second volume of That's Not Love. Faced not only with trying to get the sculpture removed, but also contending with the uncomfortable reality of the…
http://animeuknews.net/2026/08/thats-not-love-volume-2-review/
That’s Not Love Volume 2 Review
Akane's and Yukari's story continues in this second volume of That's Not Love. Faced not only with trying to get the sculpture removed, but also contending with the uncomfortable reality of the experiences their younger selves went through.
animeuknews.net
September 2, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Somehow missed this thoughtful review of That's Not Love 2 by @reporterdem.bsky.social! The subtle and not so subtle ways in which a female vicitm's distress gets dismissed is brutal but realistic. I particularly loathe the convo with the first lawyer, and I hope the condescending tone comes across.
Really thoughtful article on the significance of the American Manga Awards that celebrates its worth while also pointing out some issues with grace, framing them as an institutional problem that really needs to be addressed. With a deserved highlight of the amazing speech by @jmitsu.bsky.social
American Manga Awards 2026: A Call for Change by @wendeego.bsky.social
“Freelancers are the foundation of your industry.”
yattatachi.com/american-man...
“Freelancers are the foundation of your industry.”
yattatachi.com/american-man...
American Manga Awards 2026: A Call for Change | Yatta-Tachi
Adam reports on the American Manga Awards 2026, which reveals a growing industry in a period of transition.
yattatachi.com
August 28, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Really thoughtful article on the significance of the American Manga Awards that celebrates its worth while also pointing out some issues with grace, framing them as an institutional problem that really needs to be addressed. With a deserved highlight of the amazing speech by @jmitsu.bsky.social
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
If you are interested in the intersection between art and power and patriarchy (inc. the internalized variety), this interview, and this manga, is seriously worth your time.
In celebration of the release of the first volume of #ThatsNotLove, we're sharing an interview with author Peko Watanabe! It's an incredibly interesting and eye-opening interview - check it out here: https://kodansha.us/2026/07/17/thats-not-love-peko-watanabe-interview/
July 17, 2026 at 6:38 PM
If you are interested in the intersection between art and power and patriarchy (inc. the internalized variety), this interview, and this manga, is seriously worth your time.
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
Andria and her husband suffered a terrible loss last night as their house burned down. They both made it out, but lost all of their things and three beloved cats in the fire. Please consider donating/sharing with others. Andria is such a kind person and amazing translator.
gofund.me/b49a76f41
gofund.me/b49a76f41
Donate to Help Andria and Nik Recover from House Fire, organized by Alyssa Weldon
Andria McKnight, a veteran translator, is facing a heartbreaking loss afte… Alyssa Weldon needs your support for Help Andria and Nik Recover from House Fire
gofund.me
August 22, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Andria and her husband suffered a terrible loss last night as their house burned down. They both made it out, but lost all of their things and three beloved cats in the fire. Please consider donating/sharing with others. Andria is such a kind person and amazing translator.
gofund.me/b49a76f41
gofund.me/b49a76f41
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
If you were just wondering how you’ve made it halfway through August without learning a new cleaning technique or meeting your quota of cute alien boys, do we have a treat for you! Wash it All Away, vol. 9 and Tokyo Aliens, vol. 11 are ON SALE TODAY! 👇
August 18, 2026 at 3:04 PM
If you were just wondering how you’ve made it halfway through August without learning a new cleaning technique or meeting your quota of cute alien boys, do we have a treat for you! Wash it All Away, vol. 9 and Tokyo Aliens, vol. 11 are ON SALE TODAY! 👇
Loving the outpour of love (and happy disbelief) from the fan community. Slightly devastated to know I missed the chance to translate an ultimate dream title, but I’m way more happy that a Shinji Wada title is finally getting an official English release!
🚨 The legendary yo-yo-wielding crime-fighter makes her English debut!
Delinquent Detective: Sukeban Deka by Shinji Wada is coming this year exclusively on Omoi. Read the landmark shojo action series that inspired Kill la Kill and countless others!
👉 Add to your list: www.omoi.com/series/delin...
Delinquent Detective: Sukeban Deka by Shinji Wada is coming this year exclusively on Omoi. Read the landmark shojo action series that inspired Kill la Kill and countless others!
👉 Add to your list: www.omoi.com/series/delin...
August 2, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Loving the outpour of love (and happy disbelief) from the fan community. Slightly devastated to know I missed the chance to translate an ultimate dream title, but I’m way more happy that a Shinji Wada title is finally getting an official English release!
At what point does gaining inspiration from a "muse" become non-consensual exploitation? Peko Watanabe reflects on systematic exploitation in art, the #MeToo movement, and how romantic feelings are sometimes used as an excuse for abuse. Check out the interview and hopefully the manga too!
In celebration of the release of the first volume of #ThatsNotLove, we're sharing an interview with author Peko Watanabe! It's an incredibly interesting and eye-opening interview - check it out here: https://kodansha.us/2026/07/17/thats-not-love-peko-watanabe-interview/
July 23, 2026 at 12:40 PM
At what point does gaining inspiration from a "muse" become non-consensual exploitation? Peko Watanabe reflects on systematic exploitation in art, the #MeToo movement, and how romantic feelings are sometimes used as an excuse for abuse. Check out the interview and hopefully the manga too!
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
In celebration of the release of the first volume of #ThatsNotLove, we're sharing an interview with author Peko Watanabe! It's an incredibly interesting and eye-opening interview - check it out here: https://kodansha.us/2026/07/17/thats-not-love-peko-watanabe-interview/
July 17, 2026 at 6:36 PM
In celebration of the release of the first volume of #ThatsNotLove, we're sharing an interview with author Peko Watanabe! It's an incredibly interesting and eye-opening interview - check it out here: https://kodansha.us/2026/07/17/thats-not-love-peko-watanabe-interview/
My lovely editor Kiara. It's been wonderful working with her!
Exciting news! Inklore has licensed Ikoku Nikki and I’ll be editing the series! ☺️✨ It’s so exciting to have this beautiful manga on my list!
www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-07...
www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2026-07...
Inklore Licenses Tomoko Yamashita's Ikoku Nikki Manga
Inklore to begin releasing in summer 2027 // Inklore announced during its panel at Anime Expo on Friday that it has licensed Tomoko Yamashita's Ikoku Nikki...
www.animenewsnetwork.com
July 4, 2026 at 2:59 PM
My lovely editor Kiara. It's been wonderful working with her!
Unbelievably honored to announce that I am translating for Ikoku Nikki (with Inklore). I think I must be dreaming. Tomoko Yamashita’s word choices are delightful and carry so much weight. It’s a challenge I don’t take lightly, and I will do my absolute best to do this brilliant series justice.
July 3, 2026 at 10:36 PM
Unbelievably honored to announce that I am translating for Ikoku Nikki (with Inklore). I think I must be dreaming. Tomoko Yamashita’s word choices are delightful and carry so much weight. It’s a challenge I don’t take lightly, and I will do my absolute best to do this brilliant series justice.
Honored to get my first ever Screentoney Awards (not one but three!) . Thank you to the lovely people I work with who thought to include me, and of course to the committee for their tireless efforts in putting this together in a year with a record-breaking number of nominations.
The Screentoney Award for "Most thoughtful translations for complex topics" goes to @sawamsavage.bsky.social screentoneys.com/award?id=89618
Screentoney Award for Most thoughtful translations for complex topics
The Manga Localization Award for Most thoughtful translations for complex topics is proudly presented to Sawa Matsueda Savage for That's Not Love, Drawing From Your Memory, Roar: A Star in the Abyss
screentoneys.com
July 1, 2026 at 11:48 PM
Honored to get my first ever Screentoney Awards (not one but three!) . Thank you to the lovely people I work with who thought to include me, and of course to the committee for their tireless efforts in putting this together in a year with a record-breaking number of nominations.
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
Why do none of these doofuses realize
a) there are *plenty* of translators, they just have to actually pay us, and
b) the manga market outside Japan is very different and you can't release every manga ever made without cratering sales and destroying reader trust??
a) there are *plenty* of translators, they just have to actually pay us, and
b) the manga market outside Japan is very different and you can't release every manga ever made without cratering sales and destroying reader trust??
April 26, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Why do none of these doofuses realize
a) there are *plenty* of translators, they just have to actually pay us, and
b) the manga market outside Japan is very different and you can't release every manga ever made without cratering sales and destroying reader trust??
a) there are *plenty* of translators, they just have to actually pay us, and
b) the manga market outside Japan is very different and you can't release every manga ever made without cratering sales and destroying reader trust??
A great review of That’s Not Love, once again by the lovely @reporterdem.bsky.social.
“It’s raw rather than going for shock value or being constantly miserable” felt very apt. The subject matter is heavy, but the work does a thoughtful, honest job that I think speaks to anyone with past regrets.
“It’s raw rather than going for shock value or being constantly miserable” felt very apt. The subject matter is heavy, but the work does a thoughtful, honest job that I think speaks to anyone with past regrets.
That’s Not Love Volume 1 Review
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars…
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars…
That’s Not Love Volume 1 Review
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars through no fault of her own. Peko Watanabe returns to take us through an adult drama like no other.
animeuknews.net
June 12, 2026 at 10:41 PM
A great review of That’s Not Love, once again by the lovely @reporterdem.bsky.social.
“It’s raw rather than going for shock value or being constantly miserable” felt very apt. The subject matter is heavy, but the work does a thoughtful, honest job that I think speaks to anyone with past regrets.
“It’s raw rather than going for shock value or being constantly miserable” felt very apt. The subject matter is heavy, but the work does a thoughtful, honest job that I think speaks to anyone with past regrets.
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
1122: For A Happy Marriage was a series I always greatly enjoyed, so I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to review Watanabe’s latest work. This is a serous subject matter, but I trust it will be done justice as the story goes on.
That’s Not Love Volume 1 Review
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars…
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars…
That’s Not Love Volume 1 Review
Akane has recently turned 40 and after attending an art exhibition by a cram school teacher she knew, she can't help but reflect on past regrets. Namely, not reaching out to her best friend Yukari who had gotten herself into something that would leave lasting scars through no fault of her own. Peko Watanabe returns to take us through an adult drama like no other.
animeuknews.net
June 12, 2026 at 1:21 PM
1122: For A Happy Marriage was a series I always greatly enjoyed, so I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to review Watanabe’s latest work. This is a serous subject matter, but I trust it will be done justice as the story goes on.
Happy comps day to meeee
June 9, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Happy comps day to meeee
Sheltering Eaves recommended as a must-shelve manga for libraries in Publisher’s Weekly! (by Jillian Rudes, a school librarian who founded the Manga in Libraries organization) I hope more readers discover the series because it’s so heartbreakingly good.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Librarians Picks for Must-Shelve Manga Series
We asked five manga-fan librarians to recommend two series, one new release and another that’s either an older classic or an under-the-radar favorite.
www.publishersweekly.com
June 7, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Sheltering Eaves recommended as a must-shelve manga for libraries in Publisher’s Weekly! (by Jillian Rudes, a school librarian who founded the Manga in Libraries organization) I hope more readers discover the series because it’s so heartbreakingly good.
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
“That’s Not Love” was pretty good and also pretty heavy to be honest. I like that it shows that you carry trauma even as you grow older into a place where you are supposed to have everything figured out and are expected to just quietly accept your pain.
June 3, 2026 at 4:10 PM
“That’s Not Love” was pretty good and also pretty heavy to be honest. I like that it shows that you carry trauma even as you grow older into a place where you are supposed to have everything figured out and are expected to just quietly accept your pain.
Reposted by Sawa Matsueda Savage
#ThatsNotLove Vol 1 is now available in print & digital!
After noticing a sculpture at an exhibit by her former teacher bears a striking resemblance to her middle school best friend Yukari, Akane reaches out to her, wondering what it could mean...
https://ow.ly/X2LA50Z4Q7e
After noticing a sculpture at an exhibit by her former teacher bears a striking resemblance to her middle school best friend Yukari, Akane reaches out to her, wondering what it could mean...
https://ow.ly/X2LA50Z4Q7e
May 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM
#ThatsNotLove Vol 1 is now available in print & digital!
After noticing a sculpture at an exhibit by her former teacher bears a striking resemblance to her middle school best friend Yukari, Akane reaches out to her, wondering what it could mean...
https://ow.ly/X2LA50Z4Q7e
After noticing a sculpture at an exhibit by her former teacher bears a striking resemblance to her middle school best friend Yukari, Akane reaches out to her, wondering what it could mean...
https://ow.ly/X2LA50Z4Q7e
That’s Not Love by Peko Watanabe is finally out in English! An intimate look at some very difficult topics, including grooming, consent, PTSD, past and present regrets, and things that are tolerated in the name of “art.” It’s a difficult read but an important one done with⬇️
Peko Watanabe's That's Not Love Volume 1 is now available for purchase in print and digital format
May 27, 2026 at 12:17 AM
That’s Not Love by Peko Watanabe is finally out in English! An intimate look at some very difficult topics, including grooming, consent, PTSD, past and present regrets, and things that are tolerated in the name of “art.” It’s a difficult read but an important one done with⬇️
Introduce yourself with 10 bands/musicians you’ve seen live
James Taylor
Idina Menzel
Fuyumi Sakamoto
Ado
The Gospellers
Jacob Collier
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Flight of the Conchords
Fat Freddy’s Drop
The Longest Johns
James Taylor
Idina Menzel
Fuyumi Sakamoto
Ado
The Gospellers
Jacob Collier
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Flight of the Conchords
Fat Freddy’s Drop
The Longest Johns
Introduce yourself with 10 bands/musicians you've seen live
James Brown
Nirvana
Shonen Knife
Puffy
Green Day
Johnny Cash
Black Flag
Circle Jerks
Gwar
Tori Amos
James Brown
Nirvana
Shonen Knife
Puffy
Green Day
Johnny Cash
Black Flag
Circle Jerks
Gwar
Tori Amos
Introduce yourself with 10 bands/musicians you've seen live
David Bowie
Oingo Boingo
X
Violent Femmes
Julian Cope
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Grandaddy
Morphine
Mojave 3
The Smiths
David Bowie
Oingo Boingo
X
Violent Femmes
Julian Cope
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Grandaddy
Morphine
Mojave 3
The Smiths
May 21, 2026 at 9:51 PM
Introduce yourself with 10 bands/musicians you’ve seen live
James Taylor
Idina Menzel
Fuyumi Sakamoto
Ado
The Gospellers
Jacob Collier
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Flight of the Conchords
Fat Freddy’s Drop
The Longest Johns
James Taylor
Idina Menzel
Fuyumi Sakamoto
Ado
The Gospellers
Jacob Collier
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Flight of the Conchords
Fat Freddy’s Drop
The Longest Johns
Pygmalio by Shinji Wada, but if that is too long, Alisa With Silver Hair (super gritty revenge story. Lots of drama and years of training in a pitch-black underground cavern with only salamanders as friends)
May 13, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Pygmalio by Shinji Wada, but if that is too long, Alisa With Silver Hair (super gritty revenge story. Lots of drama and years of training in a pitch-black underground cavern with only salamanders as friends)
Another nice review of Drawing From You Memory, this one by @reporterdem.bsky.social whose reviews always feel encouraging but fair. She apparently also read some of the Japanese original and watched the live action series, so you know she’s offering good insight
Drawing From Your Memory Volume 1 Review
This first volume of a new Kodansha series follows a successful mangaka, who made her fame and fortune from a sadly deceased classmate's idea. Now she wants nothing more than a chance to do it all over and have him live out this bright future instead...
This first volume of a new Kodansha series follows a successful mangaka, who made her fame and fortune from a sadly deceased classmate's idea. Now she wants nothing more than a chance to do it all over and have him live out this bright future instead...
Drawing From Your Memory Volume 1 Review
This first volume of a new Kodansha series follows a successful mangaka, who made her fame and fortune from a sadly deceased classmate's idea. Now she wants nothing more than a chance to do it all over and have him live out this bright future instead...
animeuknews.net
May 13, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Another nice review of Drawing From You Memory, this one by @reporterdem.bsky.social whose reviews always feel encouraging but fair. She apparently also read some of the Japanese original and watched the live action series, so you know she’s offering good insight