Hanashi Media Acquires English Publishing Rights for Eight Light Novels

According to Anime News Network, Hanashi Media signed an English licensing agreement for eight new light novels on August 23, 2026. Among the announced titles, The Hated Prince's Do-Over and The Sage of the Forbidden Library stand out. Other series added to the company's catalog include Living the Slow Life as a Demon Lord and Shimotsuki-san Has a Thing for a Background Character.

With these licenses, Hanashi Media's English publishing portfolio is expanding significantly. The publisher aims to appeal to different readerships with new series in the fantasy, isekai, and romantic comedy genres. In particular, The Hated Prince's Do-Over tells the story of a hated prince who returns to the past to change his fate, while The Sage of the Forbidden Library attracts fantasy readers with its story centered on the secrets of a forbidden library. Shimotsuki-san Has a Thing for a Background Character, on the other hand, combines comedy and romance in the story of a woman who has an interest in a background character.

Despite being a relatively new publisher in this field, Hanashi Media has achieved rapid catalog growth. With the spread of digital publishing, such licensing agreements enable Japanese light novels to reach a wider readership worldwide. At the same time, fans get the chance to follow series officially without relying on fan translations. It has not yet been announced when Hanashi Media's translation process for these eight titles will be completed.

The English editions of all these series are expected to be released gradually on the publisher's digital platforms. Although exact release dates are not yet known, fans can stay informed firsthand by following Hanashi Media's official announcements. At a time when the light novel industry is growing rapidly, these licensing news mean new doors of discovery for Western readers.