 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (October 2016) |
 First printed issue of Mangajin | |
| Categories | Manga, Japanese culture, language learning |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Mangajin, Inc. |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Final issue | December 1997 |
| Company | Mangajin, Inc. |
| Language | English |
| Website | mangajin.com |
Mangajin was a monthly English-language magazine for students of Japanese language and culture by Mangajin, Inc. It was distinct from many other magazines of its type in that it unabashedly embraced Japanese popular culture, as a learning tool and a route towards rapid acclimation into Japanese society. Each issue featured selections from various popular manga translated into English with detailed cultural and linguistic commentary.
It was a unique language learning tool in that the manga that it excerpted showed the use of the language in various types of informal conversations. It would feature a few pages of manga with explanations of the grammar used and when that grammar/vocabulary combination might be appropriate. By contrast, most Japanese language textbooks for early students focus on formal versions of the language appropriate for business discussions.
The magazine ceased publication in December 1997 (issue 70) due to financial hardship. The name is a combination of the Japanese words for "comic" (漫画, manga) and "person" (人, jin).