Exploring Publishing Practices and Editorial Policies in Children’s and YA Fantasy Literature in Japan

This article examines the distinctive publishing practices and editorial policies employed in children’s and young adult (YA) literature in contemporary Japan, with a focus on literary works within the fantasy genre. The central perspective of the study revolves around viewing the literary text as a holistic product meticulously tailored for a targeted readership. In particular, it highlights three key elements frequently encountered in the juvenile literary niche in Japan: the market segmentation of texts based on readers’ literacy levels, the use of auxiliary elements of written Japanese (furigana glosses and hiragana transcription) for reading assistance, and the application of supplementary textual elements (paratexts) to enhance the reading experience. Through an exploration of these features, the study aims to provide insights into the underlying sociolinguistic processes that accompany the publication of youth literature in Japan.