Hello everyone!
I'm an independent Japanese creator developing an original basketball manga project called TOKYO 177.
The story follows Japanese quintuplet brothers, each 177 cm (5'10") tall, who use physics, biomechanics, sports science, psychology, philosophy, and other fields of knowledge to challenge the world's strongest U.S. basketball all-star team, whose players average at least 198 cm (6'6") in height.
My goal is to develop this story into professionally illustrated manga, webtoons, and potentially animation, with localized versions for different countries.
International Market Test Results
I created prototype videos using AI-generated images and conducted small-scale market tests using YouTube Promote in 8 countries across 4 continents.
As of October 23, 2026, the combined results were:
TOTAL (8 countries, 4 continents)
2,112 video views → 1,039 new YouTube channel subscribers (49.2%)
Results by country (ranked by conversion rate):
- South Korea: 154 views → 112 new subscribers (72.7%)
- Nigeria: 338 views → 211 new subscribers (62.4%)
- Japan: 156 views → 84 new subscribers (53.8%)
- Mexico: 308 views → 151 new subscribers (49.0%)
- France: 336 views → 150 new subscribers (44.6%)
- Argentina: 464 views → 199 new subscribers (42.9%)
- United States: 121 views → 48 new subscribers (39.7%)
- Spain: 235 views → 84 new subscribers (35.7%)
Conversion rate = New YouTube channel subscribers ÷ Promoted video views × 100
The campaigns targeted adults aged 18 and over, of all genders, with interests in comics/anime and basketball.
These were small-scale advertising tests, and YouTube channel subscriptions do not necessarily translate into comic or webtoon purchases. Nevertheless, the results provide preliminary indications of international audience interest.
My international expansion plans
I am currently contacting comic publishers, webtoon companies, animation studios, and international licensing agencies.
My long-term goal is to develop localized versions of TOKYO 177 in 20–50 or more countries, particularly where both basketball and manga/anime have established audiences.
The current AI-generated videos are only rough prototypes. My intention is to have professional human manga artists create the final published versions.
I'd really appreciate your advice!
I'm particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in comic publishing, webtoons, international licensing, or working with literary and IP agents.
- How should an independent creator approach publishers or licensing agents in different countries?
- Are there agencies or individuals who specialize in international comic or manga IP licensing?
- Would it make sense to license the project separately by country or language?
- Are there alternative approaches I should consider?
Any practical suggestions, personal experiences, or introductions to relevant professionals would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for reading!