About

History

PresenceDear Scanlations began in late summer 2006 when I decided to teach myself to read Japanese. I’d fallen in love with the works of Satomi Yamagata, and I was too impatient to wait on translations that may or may not ever come.

Since I was “between jobs” at the time, I threw myself into studying sixteen hours a day, seven days a week. I completed my first pitiful translation (Satomi Yamagata’s 16) about a month later, and decided that, sad as it was, other people with no ability to read Japanese at all might like to read it, too.

I asked a friend to scanlate it, set up a Livejournal account where I could post it, and in 2007, after much revising, it was finally released. I figured only a few people would pay attention, since I was so far from a “real” scanlation group, but I was wrong.

I received so many letters of support and encouragement, as well as offers of help from strangers. Being a person who, by nature, always assumes the worst, I was truly blown away by the overwhelming positive response I received from readers.

At this point (even though I was in denial) a new scanlation group had been born.

We’ve been in existence over a year now. During that time, I’ve continued to study, translate, and post scanlations, even after finding a new job. More and more people have volunteered to help, and I’ve learned a lot from them, not just about the Japanese language, but about graphic art work, “industry” standards, and how the scanlation community operates.

Looking back, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but if you never try, you’ll never succeed, right? And, looking forward, I hope this scanlation group (yes, I’ve accepted it now) will continue to change and grow. I’m eager to see what the future has in store for us. I’m sure I’ll be surprised.

Who are we?

I’m Cristina (PresenceDear) founder and translator. I have one “permanent” staff member, RockCJ — editor, proofreader, researcher, “babysitter” — who has been a tremendous help to me in more ways than I can mention.

Other than that, we rely exclusively on volunteers (and twisting people’s arms). The people who’ve contributed to PD are often members of other scanlation groups, fans of a particular mangaka, or people with limited time who just want to edit one short project. I don’t give people deadlines, or demand long term commitments, so our contributors come and go as they please.

For all of us, even “permanent” staff, this is freelance work in our spare time.I’d like to say how grateful I am to everyone who has supported me so far, especially to all the contributors listed here (as well as those not listed.) Each person has brought something unique to this group and enriched it in her own way.

I’m also extremely grateful to all of you readers. I’m always pleased to know you’re enjoying these works as much I am. Your enthusiasm has kept me motivated. As my reading ability is getting faster and better, I hope will be able to bring you longer and more difficult works in the future.