CtrlK
Discord Join our cozy Discord community to chat with like-minded people and stay up to date with MangaBaka (and get the BAKA server tag)

MangaBaka General Title Styling and Traits

# Native Titles

Titles of the native, original language, series.

## Native Japanese Titles

1. Native titles should retain any special symbols for indication of subtitles but shall only be full-width tilde `～`, full-width hyphen `－`, quotation bar `―`.
2. Any normal space present between the title and subtitle (indicator) should be a full-width space `　` for visual clarity.
3. If there is no space between the title and subtitle indicator add a full-width space `　` for visual clarity and consistency.
4. In a few rare cases, Japanese websites *do* use the "official" wavedash, for consistency replace this with the full-width tilde `～`.
5. Replace any `!`, `?`, `(`, and `)` with the full-width equivalent `！`, `？`, `（`, and `）` for full-width title consistency.
6. Roman Letter(s), abriviations, or Arabic numbers (that are stand-alone or with a counter) are replaced with their [full-width](https://dencode.com/en/string/character-width) equivalent for consistency.

  - **落第賢者の学院無双　～二度目の転生、Ｓランクチート魔術師冒険録～** (full-width space and tilde for subtitle, full-width Roman letter S).
  - **会社と私生活　－オンとオフ－** (full-width space and full-width hyphen).
  - **お隣の天使様にいつの間にか駄目人間にされていた件　after the rain** (full-width space for subtitle, roman subtitle is kept as-is on the cover).

> [!NOTE]
> It is **not** required to add a space by Japanese rules for titles using a subtitle indicator and this is also not strictly followed by Japanese websites listing the series, so for **consistency** and **visual clarity** we would always want a full-width space in between the title and subtitle, even if there is already a subtitle indicator present. If there is a normal space already present, simply replace this with the full-width space otherwise insert a full-width space.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` if the series originates from Japan.
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` if the series is licensed and is translated *into*  Japanese.

### Handling Non-Reading (Semantic) Furigana in Titles

> [!WARNING]
> The following is for platforms or clients that do not support ruby text display and for MangaBaka until a proper ruby-text system is implemented.
> It is therefor important to add the furigana overrides right and set a the defined notes so they can be found later to be adjusted.

When a cover title includes furigana that is **not** (one of) the reading of the kanji, but instead conveys a **different, author-intended meaning or nuance**, the following is done:

1. The **Primary Native Title** had the author-intended furigana reading inserted within full-width angle brackets `〈ふりがな〉` *after* the affected word.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` if the series originates from Japan.
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` if the series is licensed and is translated *into*  Japanese.
> For both cases add the note: `With furigana`

1. An **Alternative Native Title** is added *without the inserted furigana*, matching the cover’s or the website’s native title.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` if the series originates from Japan.
> Set the language to `JAPANESE` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `ALTERNATIVE` if the series is licensed and is translated *into*  Japanese.
> For both cases add the note: `Without furigana`

1. The **Primary Romanized Title** has the native title romanized *using the author-intended furigana reading*, omitting the original kanji reading.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` if the series originates from Japan.
> Set the language to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` if the series is licensed and is translated *into*  Japanese.
> For both cases add the note: `With furigana`

1. An **Alternative Romanized Title** is added that reflects the *literal reading* of the kanji (without the substituted furigana).

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` and traits to `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` if the series originates from Japan.
> Set the language to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `ALTERNATIVE` if the series is licensed and is translated *into* Japanese.
> For both cases add the note: `Without furigana`

**Example database entry of a title with author-intended furigana override:**

> [!TIP]
> 1. **四姉妹〈エルフ〉は夜をおまちかね** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` with the note `With furigana`.
> 2. **四姉妹は夜をおまちかね** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Without furigana`.
> 3. **Elves wa Yoru o Omachikane** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` with the note `With furigana`.
> 4. **Yonshimai wa Yoru o Omachikane** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Without furigana`.

> [!WARNING]
> If the native website title contains both the native word and furigana, but uses normal parenthesis or the like, replace them with the full-width angle brackets `〈ふりがな〉` for consistency.
> For example; **宮廷鍵師、【時間停止（ロック）】と【分子分解（リリース）】の能力を隠していたら追放される** shall be set as **宮廷鍵師、【時間停止〈ロック〉】と【分子分解〈リリース〉】の能力を隠していたら追放される**

> [!NOTE]
> The injected furigana reading is enclosed in full-width **〈single angle brackets〉** to avoid conflicts with **（parentheses）**, **【square/lenticular brackets】**, or the **《double angle brackets》** that are commonly used in Japanese titles for stylistic or subtitle purposes. This symbol pair is visually distinct and unambiguous in database and display contexts, while still feeling Japanese-adjacent rather than arbitrary.

## Native Korean Titles

1. Native Korean titles shall always use the full (cover) title including any subtitle(s) when present.
2. Native Korean titles shall only use normal spaces between the words and subtitle marker(s).
3. Native Korean titles with a subtitle shall use a normal tilde `~` or hyphen `-` as subtitle marker when present on the cover.
4. If no cover is present use a normal colon and normal space combination (`: `) to mark the start of a subtitle, also replacing a single hyphen from web titles.
5. Replace any `!`, `?`, `(`, and `)` with the full-width equivalent `！`, `？`, `（`, and `）` for full-width title consistency.
6. Roman Letter(s), abriviations, or Arabic numbers are replaced with their [full-width](https://dencode.com/en/string/character-width) equivalent for consistency.

> [!TIP]
> [흉란영애 니아 리스톤: 병약한 영애로 전생한 살신 무인의 화려한 무쌍담](https://mangabaka.org/3330)
> [사축 검성, 방송인이 되다 \~블랙 길드 회사원, 얼결에 회사용 회선을 써서 Ｓ급 몬스터 상대로 무쌍하는 장면을 전국에 방송해버렸다\~](https://mangabaka.org/2545)

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `KOREAN` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` if the series originates from Korea.
> Set the language to `KOREAN` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` if the series is licensed and is translated *into* Korean.

## Native Foreign Language Titles

Some series might have a prominent foreign language title with mostly a small native reading title aside to it. In these cases the foreign language title is considered the main native and romanized title.
The “Romanized” title entry shall follow the regualar title and subtitle serparation style, using colons and em-dashes where needed.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `language of the series` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> Set the language to `language of the series ROMANIZED` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> Set the language to `language of the series` and traits to `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Kana title` when a native reading title is available.
> (OPTIONAL) Set the language to `language of the series ROMANIZED` and traits to `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Kana title (phonetic)` for phonetically romanized of the native reading title.

> [!TIP]
> 1. **ONE PUNCH-MAN** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> 2. **ONE PUNCH-MAN** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> 3. **ワンパンマン** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Kana title`.
> 4. **Wanpanman** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Kana title (phonetic)`.

> [!TIP]
> 1. **Disney Twisted Wonderland　The Comic　～Episode of Heartslabyul～** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> 2. **Disney Twisted Wonderland: The Comic—Episode of Heartslabyul** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY`.
> 3. **ディズニー ツイステッドワンダーランド ザ コミック エピソード オブ ハーツラビュル** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `NATIVE` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Kana title`.

# Official (Licensed) Titles

Titles of series that are officially licensed and have been translated into another language.

## Licensed English Titles

1. English titles should always follow the English language rules with the use of colons (`: `) and em-dashes (`—`) for subtitles and sub-subtitles, not using any other form of decorations.
2. In cases where there is already a colon in the subtitle, or the main title has used a decorative colon near the separation, the em-dash and colon positions are swapped.
3. All straight “typewriter” apostrophes and quotation marks (`'`, `' '`, or `" "`) shall be replaced with smart “typographic” quotation marks (`’`, `‘ ’`, or `“ ”`) for visual consistency.
4. Similary all elipses consisting of three full stops `...` shall be replaced by the proper elipses symbol `…` for visual consistency.
5. Look at the covers first and foremost for the **full or correct title** and **correct punctuation**, the publisher's website is a secondary source for the title to be used.
6. Follow the capitalization that is shown on the cover or otherwise the publisher's website if the cover title in all caps or when there is no cover available (like chapter platforms).
7. Short titles that are all caps on the cover (and usually on native covers as well) should be also all caps as English title (e.g., ONE PIECE, ONE-PUNCH MAN).

> [!TIP]
> - **[Disney Twisted-Wonderland: The Manga—Book of Savanaclaw](https://mangabaka.org/2738)** — Adjusted the en-dash to em-dash and no spacing compared to [VIZ Media Website](https://www.viz.com/manga-books/manga/disney-twisted-wonderland-the-manga-book-of-savanaclaw-volume-1/product/8269).
> - **[Naruto: Sasuke’s Story—The Uchiha and the Heavenly Stardust: The Manga](https://mangabaka.org/56702)** — As-is by [VIZ Media Website](https://www.viz.com/manga-books/manga/naruto-sasuke-s-story-the-uchiha-and-the-heavenly-stardust-the-manga-volume-1/product/7871).
> - **[The Strongest Hero: Envoy of Darkness—Betrayed by His Comrades, the Strongest Hero Joins Forces with the Strongest Monster](https://mangabaka.org/33399)** — Adjusted by removing decorations compared to [Manga UP! Global Website](https://global.manga-up.com/manga/42).
> - **[86—EIGHTY-SIX](https://mangabaka.org/26952)** — Adjusted the -- to be a proper em-dash compared to [Yen Press Website](https://yenpress.com/series/86-eighty-six-manga).
> - **[Excellent Property, Rejects for Residents: Baths, Lavatories, and Angels Are Communal](https://mangabaka.org/58743)** — Full cover title compared to [Yen Press Website](https://yenpress.com/series/excellent-property-rejects-for-residents).
> - **[You’re My Cutie!!](https://mangabaka.org/4123)** — Corrected punctuation from cover and adjusted the apostrophe compared to [Kodansha USA Website](https://kodansha.us/series/youre-my-cutie/).
> - **[Holoearth Chronicles Side:E—Yamato Phantasia](https://mangabaka.org/49572)** — Here an em-dash is used instead of a colon for the subtitle separator due to that there is a colon close to the end.
> - **[Keito Koume Illustrations—Spice & Wolf: The Tenth Year Calvados](https://mangabaka.org/298212)** — Here an em-dash is used first to separate the type of book from the actual title (that *also* contains a colon).
> - **[Mermaid Melody—Pichi Pichi Pitch: Aqua](https://mangabaka.org/3209)** — Here an em-dash is used first to separate the franchise name from the actual title (that *also* contains a colon).

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `ENGLISH` and traits `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` for the full cover and adjusted English titles.
> Add the *publisher name* (that licensed the title) in the note field for the source of the title.

## Other languages

The title of licensed works in another language than the native origin shall follow the capitalization of the title **as on** the cover.
If no cover is available, formal title rules of said language shall be used for the titles, do not use English Title Casing as default.

| Language | Primary Separator | Space Before? | Capitalization Style |	Secondary Separator |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |  
| English |	`:_` | No | Title Case (usu. Chicago) | `—` (Non-spaced Em-dash) |
| German |	`:_` | No | Noun-based | `_–_` (Spaced En-dash) |
| French |	` _:_` | Yes | Sentence Case | `_—_` (Spaced Em-dash) |
| Spanish |	`:_` | No | Sentence Case | `._` (Period) |
| Portuguese | `:_` | No | Sentence Case | |

*Note: The Underscores in the table above, represent a single space.*

### Decoration Exceptions

There are some cases where it is unfeasable to properly adjust the official title or it would otherwise be incorrect assumed a title + subtitle sequence and are thus retained as-is with given decorations if present.
In the cases were the title ends with a decoration and there is a subtitle present, use a comma (`, `) as seperator mark. The first following seperator mark in the subtitle, if needed, is the colon (`: `).

> [!TIP]
> **[Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, Chapter 1: A Day in the Capital](https://mangabaka.dev/20299)**

# Unofficial (Fan-translated) Titles

## Unofficial English Titles

1. Fan-translated English titles shall always use **[Chicago Capitalization](https://capitalizemytitle.com/style/Chicago/)**, as it is the most common for novel titles.
2. Fan-translated English titles shall always follow the English language rules with the use of colons (: ) and em-dashes (—) for subtitles and sub-subtitles, not using any other decorations.
3. Fan-translated English titles shall always use smart (typographic) quotation marks (`’`, `‘…’`, or `“…”`) and the proper elipses symbol `…` for consistency.
4. Fan-translated English titles shall always translate !? in native titles to ?!, as this is the most common use of interrogative exclamations in English literature.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `English` and **DO NOT** apply the native, official, or alternative traits, the title is implicity considered *unofficial*.
> When multiple of the same-language unofficial titles are present, **and there is no official title**, set the `PRIMARY` trait only to the most accurate and complete translated title.
> Setting a note is optional, but it can be used for cases like “full translation” or “translated subtitle”.

# Romanized Titles

## General Formatting

MangaBaka follows the English language title rules with romanized titles as well, using **only** colons (`: `) and em-dashes (`—`) to separate the titles, subtitles, and sub-subtitles.
As with English titles, the position of the colon and em-dash can be swapped to make clear which titles “belong” tighter together, or when a “type” is appended before the actual title.

- ソードアート・オンライン　オルタナティブ　ガンゲイル・オンライン is styled as **Sword Art Online: Alternative—Gun Gale Online**
- 本好きの下剋上　～司書になるためには手段を選んでいられません～　第三部　「領地に本を広げよう!」 is styled as **Honzuki no Gekokujou: Shisho ni Naru tame ni wa Shudan o Erandeiraremasen—Dai-3 Bu: Ryouchi ni Hon o Hirogeyou!**
- 小梅けいと画集　狼と香辛料　～十年目の林檎酒～ is styled as **[Koume Keito Gashuu—Ookami to Koushinryou: Juunenme no Ringoshu](https://mangabaka.org/298212)** (画集 type).
- 小説　葬送のフリーレン　～前奏～ is styled as **[Shousetsu—Sousou no Frieren: Zensou](https://mangabaka.org/100730)** (小説 type).

> [!CAUTION]
> Use cover romanization **only for the reading** of the native title, always use our *MangaBaka Romanization* for the the romanization.

For langauge specific romanization rules, refer to the following style guides:
- [MangaBaka Japanese Romanization Style](https://mangabaka.dev/pages/2)
- [MangaBaka Korean Romanization Style](https://mangabaka.dev/pages/3)
- [MangaBaka Chinese Romanization Style](https://mangabaka.dev/pages/4)

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `language of the series ROMANIZED` and traits to `NATIVE` and `PRIMARY` when the the romanization is that of the original (serialized) native title, including furigana “[author intended reading](#handling-non-reading-semantic-furigana-in-titles)” if present.
> Set the language to `language of the series ROMANIZED` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `PRIMARY` when the romanization is that of a title that is translated *into* that language (**OPTIONAL NOT REQUIRED**).

## Japanese Alternative Reading Romanizations

When a title has multiple possible readings outside the furigana override—such as “Oujo” vs “Koujo” for 皇女—or has loandwords or wasei-eigo that can be romanized differently—such as “Gyaru” vs “Gal” for ギャル—then a title containing the alternative reading shall be added to the database as well. If multiple *different* of such words exist in a single title, each possible combination shall be added seperately (for two words, that results in 1 main, and 3 alternative titles).

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` and traits to `ALTERNATIVE` for these alternative added titles, do **not** mark them also as `NATIVE` or `OFFICIAL` even if they are alternatives from them.

# Additional Titles

Any kind of "official" title, short titles, official titles from other types of media, or other identifiable texts.

## Additional Official Licensed Titles from Other Types of Media

If a series exists across multiple media (e.g., light novel, manga, anime) and each medium uses a *different* official title, these titles must be cross-registered as **official alternative** titles on each corresponding media entry to maximize search discoverability across the database.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `Language of the license` and traits to `OFFICIAL` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `<publisher> <medium> title`.

> [!TIP]
> **GATE: Where the JSDF Fought** is added as `ENGLISH` with the traits `OFFICIAL` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Alpha Manga manga title` to the [LIGHT NOVEL Media](https://mangabaka.org/83493).
> **GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There!** is added as `ENGLISH` with the traits `OFFICIAL` and `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Hanashi Media novel title` to the [MANGA Media](https://mangabaka.org/1762).

## Additional Non-Native Text on Covers or Other Pages

When native works have **extra** text or title(-like) on the cover, inner cover, ToC, or chapter inserts, then add this as an alternative title.

If the text is English, then it shall be converted to **[Chicago Capitalization](https://capitalizemytitle.com/style/Chicago/)**, do note if any words are deliberately all-caps when the rest of the text is lower-cased, then those words shall be kept all-caps after Chicago Capitalization. Furthermore, any straight “typewriter” apostrophes and quotation marks (`'`, `' '`, or `" "`) shall be replaced with smart “typographic” quotation marks (`’`, `‘ ’`, or `“ ”`) for visual consistency and all elipses consisting of three full stops `...` shall be replaced by the proper elipses symbol `…`.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `language of the text` and traits to `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `On native covers`.

- **She Is the Neighbor Angel, I Am Spoilt by Her.** on native cover of [The Angel Next Door](https://mangabaka.dev/46/).
- **Romancing Apoptosis Doll: Sartain in Love** on native cover of [Programmed for Heartbreak: Sartain in Love](https://mangabaka.dev/51875).
- **May This Snowfield Keep You Smiling All the Time.** on native cover of [Snow Angel](https://mangabaka.dev/64743).
- **The Swordsman Called the Countless Swords’ Sorcerer** on native cover of [The Swordsman Dubbed the Sorcerer of Countless Swords](https://mangabaka.dev/33532).

## Additional Short Titles

When native works have a shortened name or hashtag, either author made or *community recognized*, add this as an alternative title, in the language of the abbreviated title.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Set the language to `language of abbreviated title` and traits to `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Short title`.

> [!TIP]
> - **DanMachi** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Short title`.
> - **ダンまち** with language set to `JAPANESE` using traits `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Short title`.
> - **MHA** with language set to `ENGLISH` using traits `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Short title`.
> - **HeroAca** with language set to `JAPANESE ROMANIZED` using traits `ALTERNATIVE` with the note `Short title`.

# Title Settings Overview Table

| TYPE OF TITLE | ROMANIZED | LANGUAGE | PRIMARY | OFFICIAL | NATIVE | ALTERNATIVE | NOTE |
| :--- | ---: | :--- | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | ---: |
| **Native title of a series, in native script, if romanization is not needed leave it out.**
| Native Original Title (Including [Furigana](#handling-non-reading-semantic-furigana-in-titles)) | ❌ | Native language of the series | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | If furigana: `With furigana` |
| Native Original Romanized Title (Including [Furigana](#handling-non-reading-semantic-furigana-in-titles)) | ✅ | Native language of the series | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | If furigana: `With furigana` |
||
| **Additional titles _only_ when the main native title has furigana.**
| Native Original Title Excluding [Furigana](#handling-non-reading-semantic-furigana-in-titles) | ❌ | Native language of the series | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | `Without furigana` |
| Native Original Romanized Title Excluding [Furigana](#handling-non-reading-semantic-furigana-in-titles) | ✅ | Native language of the series | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | `Without furigana` |
||
| **When the native title is in another language than the series itself.**
| Native Foreign Language Title | ❌ | Native language of the series | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |  |
| Native Foreign Language Title | ✅ | Native language of the series | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |  |
| Native Reading Representation of the Title | ❌ | Native language of the series | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | `Kana title` |
| Phonetic Romanization of Native Reading Representation of the Title *(Optional)* | ✅ | Native language of the series | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | `Kana title (phonetic)` |
||
| **Titles of official licensed works that are translated *into* another language.**
| Licensed Series Title | ❌ | Language of the license / translation | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Publisher Name |
| Licensed Series Romanized Title *(Optional)* | ✅ | Language of the license / translation | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Publisher Name |
||
| **Titles of official licensed works different from other media.**
| Other Media Licensed Series Title | ❌ | Language of the license / translation | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Publisher Name + Media type title |
| Other Media Licensed Series Romanized Title *(Optional)* | ✅ | Language of the license / translation | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Publisher Name + Media type title |
||
| **Other types of titles, including alternative readings and on cover texts.**
| Alternative Readings in Romanization | ✅ | Language of the Romanization | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | `Alt. <affected word>` |
| Alternative Romanizations (wo, macrons) | ✅ | Language of the Romanization | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | `Wo title` / `Macron title` |
| Other Text on Covers/ToC/Inserts | ❌ | Language of the Text | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | `On native covers` |
| On Cover "Author" Romanization *(Only when significantly different)* | ✅ | Language of the Romanization | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | `On native covers` |
| Shortended Title *(Official or Unofficial)* | **～** | Language of shortened title | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | `Short title` |
||
| **Any unofficial (non-licensed) title translated by fans, in any language.**
| Any Unofficial Title | ❌ | Language of the unofficial title | **～** | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | *Optional* |