Japanese startup Xross Road has officially announced a $1.5 million Pre-Seed funding round (approximately Rp24 billion) to accelerate the development of its AI-powered manga creation engine, HANASEE.
The funding round is backed by major investors including TV Asahi Group, Arbitrum Gaming Ventures, and Decima Fund.
HANASEE: Transforming Text and Novels into Full Manga
HANASEE is designed as an advanced AI engine capable of converting written text or full-length novels into complete manga without requiring manual drawing skills. The platform aims to lower barriers for writers and storytellers who want to bring their narratives into visual comic format.
Unlike traditional generative AI tools that often struggle with visual consistency, HANASEE utilizes a multi-agent system. This architecture separates tasks into dedicated AI roles, including:
Illustration generation
Script adaptation
Panel layout composition
By distributing responsibilities across specialized AI agents, HANASEE is able to maintain character design consistency, background accuracy, and narrative flow throughout an entire story. This approach addresses one of the most common weaknesses found in standard generative AI tools — inconsistent visuals across multiple panels.
Closed Beta Now Live, Open Beta Launch Set for March 2026
Currently, HANASEE has entered a Closed Beta phase, available through limited invitations. This stage allows selected users to test the platform’s capabilities and provide early feedback.
Xross Road has confirmed that the Open Beta launch is scheduled for March 3, 2026, marking a major milestone in the company’s roadmap. The broader release is expected to attract writers, indie creators, and digital publishers interested in leveraging AI-assisted manga production.
AI Innovation in the Creative Industry
With growing global interest in AI-powered creative tools, Xross Road is positioning HANASEE as a solution tailored specifically for the manga and comic industry. The new funding will support continued research, system refinement, and scaling infrastructure ahead of its wider public release.
As AI continues to reshape digital content creation, platforms like HANASEE could redefine how stories move from text to fully illustrated visual narratives.
