Yes, It’s Possible: How Non-Japanese Writers Can Get Their Stories Animated by Japanese Studios
TL;DR
Non-Japanese writers can break into the Japanese anime industry. The massive success of Solo Leveling — a Korean web novel turned award-winning anime — proves that stories from abroad can captivate global audiences and even win top honors like Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year. Other examples (from French comics to American web series) show that Japanese studios are increasingly adapting foreign works. Key factors include having a popular, proven story and partnering with platforms (like Webtoon, Crunchyroll, or Netflix) that bridge creators with Japanese studios. Aspiring creators should focus on building a strong fanbase, collaborating with global publishers, and networking within the industry. It’s challenging, but as the anime world becomes more global, a hit story from anywhere can potentially become the next big anime series.
Solo Leveling: From Web Novel to Anime of the Year Phenomenon
Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of Solo Leveling, as depicted in the series’ artwork. Solo Leveling is a prime example of a global story making it big in Japanese anime. Originally written by the South Korean author Chugong as a web novel on KakaoPage in 2017, Solo Leveling exploded in popularity online. Its gripping tale of an underdog monster-hunter leveling up resonated with readers, garnering hundreds of millions of views. The web novel’s success led to a manhwa (Korean webcomic) adaptation illustrated by the late artist Jang “DUBU” Sung-rak, which attracted an even larger international fanbase with its stunning art and action scenes.
With such momentum, it was only a matter of time before Japanese studios took notice. In 2022, A-1 Pictures — the renowned Japanese studio behind hits like Sword Art Online and Your Lie in April — announced an anime adaptation of Solo Leveling. This was met with enormous excitement from fans worldwide, and even the creators themselves were thrilled. (DUBU, the manhwa artist, wrote just before his passing, “I feel so overwhelmed when I think that the anime is really being created right now,” reflecting how surreal it was to see their story entering the anime realm.)
The Solo Leveling anime finally premiered in January 2024, directed by Shunsuke Nakashige with scripts by Noboru Kimura and music by Hiroyuki Sawano — a top-tier Japanese production team. Crucially, it did not disappoint. The adaptation became one of the biggest hits in the anime industry in recent years, captivating both existing fans and new viewers. In fact, Solo Leveling went on to sweep the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, winning Anime of the Year among five major awards (including Best New Series and Best Action). This triumph marked the first time a Korean-origin story dominated Japan’s anime awards, underlining how far a non-Japanese work can go. The journey of Solo Leveling — from a Korean web novel by an unknown writer, to a globally acclaimed anime — sends a clear message: yes, it’s possible for a story from outside Japan to make it big in the anime world.
Beyond Solo Leveling: Other Global Works Adapted into Anime
Solo Leveling might be the poster child right now, but it’s far from the only example. Japanese studios and producers have adapted (or co-produced) several creations from around the world into anime format, especially in recent years. Here are a few noteworthy cases:
Radiant (France) — Originally a French comic (or manfra) by Tony Valente, Radiant became the first French manga to be published in Japan and later received a full anime series adaptation by studio Lerche in 2018. The French creator’s work airing on NHK (a Japanese TV network) was a groundbreaking moment, proving that a European story can succeed as a shōnen-style anime.
RWBY: Ice Queendom (USA) — RWBY is an American animated web series by Rooster Teeth, but in 2022 it got a Japanese anime spin-off. Titled RWBY: Ice Queendom, the series was produced and animated by Studio Shaft (famous for Madoka Magica) with a Japanese creative team. This project reimagined the RWBY characters in a 2D anime style, essentially bringing a Texas-born franchise into the Japanese anime canon.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (Poland/USA) — Based on the world of the Polish/American video game Cyberpunk 2077, this 2022 anime series was developed by Japan’s Studio Trigger in partnership with CD Projekt. Not only did Cyberpunk: Edgerunners expertly blend Western cyberpunk lore with Japanese animation, it also won Anime of the Year at the 2023 Crunchyroll Awards — a huge accolade for a globally-sourced IP. Its success showed that even video game stories from outside Japan can transform into top-tier anime if handled by the right studio.
Batman Ninja (USA/Japan) — Even iconic American superheroes have received the anime treatment. Batman Ninja is a 2018 animated film that was a collaboration between DC Comics and Japanese creators, produced by Warner Bros. Japan and animated entirely by Japanese studios (Kamikaze Douga and YamatoWorks). It took DC’s Batman and literally sent him to feudal Japan, resulting in a stylish cultural mash-up. This project illustrates how U.S. entertainment companies sometimes team with Japanese studios to re-envision Western characters through an anime lens.
The King’s Avatar (China) — While not adapted by a Japanese studio, it’s worth noting this Chinese series because of its anime influence. The King’s Avatar (Quánzhí Gāoshǒu) started as a Chinese web novel about esports. Its popularity led to a Chinese-produced animated series (donghua) in 2017 that closely mimics Japanese anime style — complete with high-quality action animation and character designs. This series became a hit across Asia and even streamed globally, demonstrating that anime-style adaptations aren’t limited to Japan anymore.
There are many other examples, from Noblesse (a Korean comic adapted by Production I.G in Japan) to Castlevania (an American-produced “anime” on Netflix, based on a Japanese game).
The takeaway: cross-pollination between global storytellers and Japanese animation is now happening on a regular basis. Whether through direct adaptations by Japanese studios or co-productions, great stories can travel. If a comic, novel, or game from abroad gains a big enough following, chances are good that someone in the anime industry will say, “This could be the next big thing.”
Why Japanese Studios Adapt Global Stories
You might wonder: what’s driving this trend? Why are Japanese anime studios (traditionally focused on domestic manga/light novels) looking overseas for material? Several industry shifts and trends explain how non-Japanese works end up as anime:
Proven Popularity & Market Demand: In today’s connected world, a hit story in one country can quickly build a fanbase in another. Japanese studios have taken notice that some foreign webcomics, novels, or games come pre-packaged with millions of fans worldwide. Adapting such an IP is less risky, since it’s already a proven success. Solo Leveling is a perfect example — its 14.3 billion combined views across web novel and webtoon platforms signaled massive built-in demand, making it an attractive choice for an anime. Likewise, Tower of God, a Korean webtoon with billions of reads, was chosen as one of the first Crunchyroll Original anime because its popularity virtually guaranteed viewers. In short, Japanese producers are scouting globally for the next big hit. If something is trending internationally (be it a French fantasy comic or a Chinese sci-fi novel), they know an anime adaptation could tap into that existing audience.
Collaborations with Global Publishers & Platforms: The anime industry isn’t operating in a silo — companies like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Kakao/Webtoon are actively brokering deals to bring international stories to anime. For instance, Crunchyroll has co-produced multiple anime based on Korean webtoons (e.g. Tower of God, The God of High School, Noblesse) by partnering with Japanese studios like Telecom Animation Film and MAPPA. These projects often carry the “Crunchyroll Original” label, effectively bridging Korean content with Japanese animators and a global streaming release. Netflix, too, has invested in anime adaptations of foreign IPs — from Castlevania (Western-developed, anime-inspired series) to co-producing Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. Meanwhile, Korean and Chinese platforms are teaming up with Japanese studios via joint ventures (for example, Webtoon’s production arm investing in anime versions of their top titles). Such cross-company collaborations ease the path for non-Japanese writers: if your comic/novel gets picked up by a major platform (Webtoon, etc.), that platform might itself pitch it to Japanese studios. In essence, global publishers act as matchmakers, funneling popular foreign content into Japan’s anime pipeline.
Japanese Studios’ Global Ambitions: Anime is now a worldwide phenomenon, and Japanese studios recognize that broadening their content can attract new audiences. Many studios are open to fresh, non-traditional stories that add diversity to their lineup. Some even seek out foreign partners or IPs proactively. For example, studio Madhouse collaborated with Marvel Entertainment to create anime versions of Marvel Comics heroes (like Iron Man, X-Men, Blade) in 2010, aiming to appeal to superhero fans and expand anime’s reach. Studio Shaft’s decision to take on RWBY’s American characters is another sign of openness to experiment beyond Japanese-origin stories. These studios enjoy creative challenges and the chance to make a splash in international markets. As one former Madhouse president said, Marvel basically gave them free rein to re-imagine its superheroes for a Japanese audience — a testament to how such cross-cultural projects can be mutually beneficial. Simply put, anime studios today are hungry for global hits, wherever those hits come from. Adapting a well-known foreign property can be a shortcut to worldwide viewership (and revenue), so many studios are willing to give it a shot if the conditions are right.
The convergence of global fan demand, corporate partnerships, and a more internationally-minded anime industry has created an environment where a story from anywhere in the world can potentially be adapted — if it’s popular enough and if the right connections are made.
How Non-Japanese Creators Can Get Their Story Adapted into Anime (Steps & Tips)
So, what can you — as an aspiring writer outside Japan — do to improve your chances of one day seeing your story in anime form? There’s no guaranteed formula (and luck plays a big role), but the following steps outline the most viable paths, as gleaned from success stories so far:
Build Popularity and Demand for Your Story: Japanese studios gravitate toward IPs that have a proven audience. Your first goal should be to get your story in front of as many people as possible in your home market and beyond. Publish your novel or comic on widely accessible platforms (Webtoon, Tapas, Wattpad, etc.) and try to amass a loyal readership. The bigger your fanbase, the more attractive your IP becomes. Solo Leveling, for instance, became a global webtoon sensation with millions of readers long before it was an anime. Likewise, the French series Radiant garnered international buzz and even Japanese publishing deals prior to its anime announcement. Popular video game franchises (Cyberpunk, Castlevania) also had built-in demand that paved the way for anime adaptations. In short: focus on making your story the best it can be, and get it noticed. Awards, trending lists, or high sales can signal that your IP is “the next big thing.”
Tip for creators: Leverage social media and fan communities to grow hype around your work. Engage with your readers and encourage fan art, discussions, and reviews. Industry scouts do pay attention to what’s trending on Reddit, Twitter, or TikTok. A strong online presence can put you on the anime radar.Partner with Publishers or Platforms that Connect to Anime Studios: It’s a tough task to pitch directly to a Japanese studio on your own. A more realistic route is through co-publishing deals or platform partnerships. Many success stories had an intermediary: for example, Tower of God and The God of High School were Korean webcomics that got picked up as part of a Crunchyroll–Webtoon production initiative, which then enlisted Japanese studios (like MAPPA for God of High School) to animate them. If you create a comic, consider publishing on Webtoon or KakaoPage, as these companies have actively pushed top titles into anime production. If you write a novel, getting it licensed or translated by labels that work in both the West and Japan (e.g. Yen Press, J-Novel Club) can help expose your work to the right people. Streaming giants are also key players: Crunchyroll now effectively co-produces anime, and Netflix often sources new anime ideas from its global content team.
Tip for creators: Research contests or submission opportunities that international platforms offer. For instance, Webtoon and anime studios sometimes hold competitions looking for the next hit comic to adapt. Getting your foot in the door via a platform initiative can accelerate the journey to an anime green-light.Network and Promote Internationally (Conventions, Pitches, and Industry Events): Just as in any entertainment industry, who you know matters. While it may feel far-fetched, attending anime conventions, expos, or comic-cons can provide networking opportunities with industry professionals. Some anime producers and talent scouts attend large events (Anime Expo, Comic Con, etc.) and international content markets looking for fresh ideas or partners. If you have the chance, present your work at these venues or at least make connections with people in the industry. A famous example of East-West networking is Afro Samurai — a Japanese creator’s indie manga that caught the interest of a U.S. producer and actor. That connection turned into a co-produced mini-anime series by Studio Gonzo, Samuel L. Jackson, and creator Takashi Okazaki. It literally took a creative collaboration across cultures to bring Afro Samurai to life, including finding voice actors and music (the involvement of hip-hop artist RZA gave it extra flair. While Afro Samurai’s case is unique, it underscores the point: sometimes it takes pitching your idea to the right person at the right time.
Tip for creators: Have a concise pitch or demo reel ready in case you meet a potential collaborator. Even a short pilot chapter translated into Japanese, or concept art of your characters, can make your pitch more tangible. And don’t be shy about highlighting any impressive stats (e.g. “10 million reads online”) when talking to industry folks — it shows your work has backing and isn’t just a pipe dream.Explore Direct Co-development or Licensing (Rare but Possible): On occasion, creators have directly co-developed anime projects by teaming up with Japanese studios or investors from the start. This is not common, but it has happened. For instance, Cannon Busters — a comic by American animator LeSean Thomas — was adapted into a 12-episode anime thanks to Thomas forging a partnership with Japanese studios Satelight and Yumeta. That series launched on Netflix as a joint Japan-U.S. production. In another case, an American writer could partner with a Japanese animation company by licensing their story for adaptation (some Japanese producers are open to proposals if there’s clear money-making potential). If you find yourself in discussions to option your work for animation, it’s wise to involve an entertainment lawyer or agent familiar with cross-Pacific deals.
Tip for creators: Work with agents or producers who have anime connections. There are agencies that specialize in selling foreign IP to Hollywood — some now include anime rights in their scope. Likewise, publishers like Yen Press (which is co-owned by a Japanese company) can act as go-betweens to pitch your work in Japan. Co-developing an anime might also mean compromising or sharing creative control, so be prepared for that. But if a studio is genuinely interested in your story, they may invite you to be a consultant or co-writer (as was the case with Rooster Teeth’s team consulting on RWBY: Ice Queendom). It never hurts to dream big and approach studios; just have realistic expectations and do your homework about the studio’s past works and culture.
To a New Frontier for Storytellers
Getting an anime adaptation as a non-Japanese writer is undeniably challenging — it’s something like catching lightning in a bottle. However, the rise of global hits like Solo Leveling shows that the landscape is changing. The anime medium is hungry for diverse, exciting stories, and creators from all over the world are contributing to its future. The key steps are clear:
create a standout story that people love,
build that story’s fame through every means available, and
connect with the industry through partnerships or networking.
It’s inspiring to see authors like Chugong (who started as a web novelist posting chapters online) now having their work celebrated on the international stage. The door has opened, even if just a crack, and each success makes it wider for the next creator. Your webcomic or novel might be the next to cross cultures — perhaps streamed on Crunchyroll, discussed in multiple languages on forums, and maybe even holding an anime award someday. So keep writing and refining your craft. The world of Japanese anime is no longer an exclusive club of local ideas; it’s an evolving, expanding universe of content. Your story could be the next one that proves great ideas know no borders. Keep leveling up your skills and your audience, and who knows — we might be watching your story in anime form in the years to come.
Yes, it’s possible. And with passion and perseverance, you might be the proof.