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Matt122005 · 2009-09-19, 14:11

Ok guys, I need your help.

I am writing a non-fiction book on the side about Japanese pop culture and how it is entering America. One of those things I mention and give an entire chapter to are Light Novels. However, I am lacking something.

History.

I need to know how Light Novels started in Japan. I believe Apr stated on his blog that the term was coined 20 years ago on an online forum. But how long even before the term were novels having manga illustrations? SevenSea's says that in 1997, Boogiepop and Others was the light novel that started the craze for light novels. But....it also says only over 2 million copies are in print. Kino no Tabi and Full Metal Panic were both published soon after and have sold millions more than Boogiepop. So.....did it REALLY start the trend?

I'm asking for people to use their knowledge and post here with it. If you can read Japanese, please search the Japanese Net to find more info. Thank you.

Also, if possible, please list the links to where you discovered this material.

Thanks everyone.

2009-09-19, 14:11	Link #281
Matt122005 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Where I am, what more do you need to know?	Ok guys, I need your help. I am writing a non-fiction book on the side about Japanese pop culture and how it is entering America. One of those things I mention and give an entire chapter to are Light Novels. However, I am lacking something. History. I need to know how Light Novels started in Japan. I believe Apr stated on his blog that the term was coined 20 years ago on an online forum. But how long even before the term were novels having manga illustrations? SevenSea's says that in 1997, Boogiepop and Others was the light novel that started the craze for light novels. But....it also says only over 2 million copies are in print. Kino no Tabi and Full Metal Panic were both published soon after and have sold millions more than Boogiepop. So.....did it REALLY start the trend? I'm asking for people to use their knowledge and post here with it. If you can read Japanese, please search the Japanese Net to find more info. Thank you. Also, if possible, please list the links to where you discovered this material. Thanks everyone.