Mercedez Clewis
クレウィス・メルセデス
They・She
Beginner JP - EN Translator & Localization Editor & QA/Proofreader
Staff Editor at Anime Feminist
Freelance Transcriptionist
Contributing Writer & Pop Culture Reviewer for But Why Tho?
Contributing Reviewer and Journalist for the Anime News Network
Occasional Podcast Guest for ChattyAF
Podcast Co-host for We Are Here: Lessons from the School-Living Club
Interests
hobbies
Japanese Instruments
Shamisen (3.5 years experience)
Koto (3 years experience)
Crafting
Cross Stitch
Embroidery
Weaving
Sashiko
Cultural Interests
Ohara Style of Ikebana (3 years experience; 2nd Year Assistanceship)
Plus-sized Japanese Fashion
Local Cuisine/Specialties
Yokai & Mythology
Onsen
About
Mercedez Clewis (they・she) is a Japanese to English Translation & Localization Editor, Proofreader, and QA. Their main body of work includes manga, doujinshi and audio dramas, and visual novels. Mercedez is also is a freelance Journalist, Pop Culture Writer, Reviewer, and Critic with articles at Anime Feminist, the Anime News Network and But Why Tho? and previous work at Siliconera.
Before finding their heart in localization and journalism, Mercedez was a member of the JET Program. They had the honor of living and working in Fukushima City, Fukushima, the southernmost prefecture of the Tohoku region of Eastern Japan and the third largest prefecture in the country. Mercedez lived in Japan from July 2016 to August 2020, where she taught thousands of students across ten different senior and junior high schools in the Nakadori region. She also became an accomplished shamisen and koto player, and began her ikebana training in Japan as well.
Now, Mercedez is located in Texas, though they look towards relocating to the Pacific Northwest in 2022 and is interested in moving within range of the Greater Seattle Area. There, they hope to continue their work with J-E localization, as well as completing their ikebana studies in order to open their ikebana studio, The Verdant Atelier, and begin doing community outreach as a continuation of the JET Program's goals for its participants.
Education
University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri - Aug. 2014 - May 2016
MA in History with a certificate of Museum Studies with training in Archival Studies, Collections Management, and Research and Design; Two Year Graduate Research Assistanceship at the Missouri History Museum in Archives and Research & Design
Westminster College - Fulton, Missouri - Aug. 2010 - May 2014
Bachelor of Arts - History with a minor in Asian Studies; supplimental archival study and front desk management experience at the National Winston Churchill Museum.
Awards and Certificates
Goodwill Ambassador for Fukushima
I was awared the title of International Goodwill Ambassador of Fukushima Prefecture by Uchibori Masao, Govenor of Fukushima, as recognition of my service and my continued work on behalf of the prefecture.
MyTEFL
TEFL Certification (120-Hour Profession Course), Nov. 2017
Podcasts & Livestreams/VOD
Podcasts (Anime & Manga)
2021
Anime is Lit
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2021
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Baka Banter Podcast
Feminism and Diversity in Anime (ft. Mercedez Clewis)
Anime 3x3
Chatty AF - AnimeFeminist
Chatty AF 133: Akudama Drive Retrospective
Chatty AF 134: Yuri Manga Variety Hour
Chatty AF 136: Angelic Layer Watchalong – Episodes 1-7
Chatty AF 138: Angelic Layer Watchalong – Episodes 8-13
Chatty AF 139: 2021 Spring Mid-season Check-in
Chatty AF 140: Angelic Layer Watchalong – Episodes 14-19
Chatty AF 141: Angelic Layer Watchalong – Episodes 20-26
Chatty AF 142: Wonder Egg Priority Postmortem
Chatty AF 143: 2021 Spring Wrap-up
Chatty AF 144: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Rewatchalong – Episodes 1-6
Chatty AF 145: 2021 Summer Mid-Season Check-in
Chatty AF 146: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Rewatchalong – Episodes 7-12
Chatty AF 147: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Rewatchalong – Rebellion
Chatty AF 148: 2021 Summer Wrap-up
How to Japanese
How to Japanese Podcast – S02E13 – Mercedez Clewis – Intensive Japanese Study, JET Program, Writing/Localizing
Shojo & Tell
S1:E66 - Tokyo Mew Mew (with Mercedez Clewis)
The Taiiku Podcast
Those Snow White Notes
We Are Here: Lessons from the School-Living Club - Co-Host
Podcast Site
2020
BlxxkAnimePodcast
(Season 3) Episode 17: Fall 2020 Wrap-up feat. PixelatedLenses
Chatty AF - AnimeFeminist
Chatty AF 125: BNA Retrospective
Chatty AF 126: 2020 Summer Wrap Up
TomoChoco Podcast
Episode 53: It's Kashimashi!
Livestreams/VOD (Japan & Japanese Culture)
2021
But Why Tho? - Let's Talk
Let's Talk Manga Localization
YT Video (Part 1)
YT Video (Part 2)
2020
Unseen Japan
May 16, 2020 Crowdcast
Work History
Current
Jotaku - Freelance Contributor
September 2021 - Current
Seasonal Anime Reviewer
The Anime News Network - Freelance Contributor
March 2021 - Current
Journalist and Daily Streaming Reviewer
J-Novel Club - Work-for-Hire/Contract
March 2021 - Current
Manga QA & Proofreader
FANTASISTA, INC. - Work-for-Hire/Contract
March 2021 - Current
Proofreader
Cross Infinite World - Work-for-Hire/Contract
October 2020 - Current
Editor
Anime Feminist
May 2020 - Current
Contributing Editor, Contributing Writer and Reviewer, Transcription (Chatty AF)
Previous
Rotten Blossoms - Work-for-Hire/Contract
October 2020 - February 2021
Quality Assistance, Proofreading
Fandom Post
September 2020 - February 2021
Manga & Anime Reviewer and Contributing Writer
Siliconera
February 2020 - April 2020
Contributing Writer, Japanese to English News Translator
JET Program
July 2016 - July 2020
Assistant English Language Teacher
Senior High School (Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Hiatus
But Why Tho? - Freelance Contributor
September 2020 - September 2021
Manga & Anime Reviewer, Video Game Reviewer and Critic,
Book/Novel Reviewer, Japanese Pop Culture Critic
Project History
2022
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2021
Doujinshi
Rotten Blossoms
The Wish We Share Pt. 1 (18+) – Quality Assurance
Love Struck (15+) – Quality Assurance
Box of Passion (18+) – Quality Assurance
The Wish We Share Pt. 2 (18+) – Quality Assurance
Manga
Futekiya
Honey, Maple, and More Sugar (18+) – Proofreader/QA
J-Novel Club
Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: The Reckless Journey Vol. 4 – Proofreader/QA
Black Summoner Vol. 3 – Proofreader/QA
I Shall Survive Using Potions! Vol. 6 – Proofreader/QA
Record of Wortenia War Vol. 3 – Proofreader/QA
An Archdemon's Dilemma Vol. 6– Proofreader/QA
Der Werwolf Vol. 2 – Proofreader/QA
Campfire Cooking in Another World Vol. 4 – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
JNC NDA – Proofreader/QA
Light Novels
Cross Infinite World
Akaoni: Contract with a Vampire – Secondary Editor and Proofreader
Video Games
NDA AAA Company
NDA Otome Title - NDA Route and NDA Route – Co-Editor/Secondary Editor
NDA Company
NDA Visual Novel – Lead Localization Editor
2020
Audio Dramas & CDs
Rotten Blossoms
Twilight Moon (18+) – Quality Assurance and Proofreading
Doujinshi
Rotten Blossoms
That is a Sensitive Place! (15+) – Quality Assurance
WINGS Concerto A (R18+) – Quality Assurance
Served on a Platter (18+) – Quality Assurance
Beautiful Flowers Have Thorns (18+) – Quality Assurance
Shalion Garden (18+) – Quality Assurance
Light Novels
Cross Infinite World
Another World’s Zombie Apocalypse Is Not My Problem! Volume 2 – Primary Editor
Anime Feminist
Seasonal Premiere Reviews
Fall 2021
SELECTION PROJECT
Tesla Note
Muv Luv Alternative
Visual Prison
Shikizakura
Deep Insanity: The Lost Child
Komi Can't Communicate
[BLADE RUNNER BLACK LOTUS]()
[Gensou Sangokushi -Tengen Reishinki-]()
Summer 2021
Remake Our Life!
The Honor Student at Magic High School
Life Lessons with Uramichi Oniisan
Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-
The Dungeon of Black Company
Night Head 2041
Spring 2021
Koikimo
Higehiro: After Being Rejected, I Shaved and Took In a High School Runaway
Combatants Will Be Dispatched!
SEVEN KNIGHTS REVOLUTION: Hero Successor
Super Cub
Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro!
Blue Reflection Ray
BACKFLIP!!
Pretty Boy Detective Club
Yasuke
Winter 2021
Bottom-Tier Character Tomozaki
I★CHU
IDOLY PRIDE
So I'm a Spider, So What?
WIXOSS DiVA(A)LIVE
Fall 2020
Iwa Kakeru! Sports Climbing Girls
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club
TONIKAWA: Over the Moon For You
Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina
Summer 2020
Japan Sinks: 2020
Lapis Re:LiGHTs
Monster Girl Doctor
Articles
2021
Anime Feminist’s Top Picks for 2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Winter 2021
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Spring 2021
2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Summer 2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Fall 2020
Anime News Network
Features and Editorials
Fall 2021
Summer 2021
Anime Expo Lite 2021: Child of Kamiari Month Film First Look
Spring 2021
Zombie Land Saga: Idol Anime For Non-Idol Fans
Interviews
Fall 2021
Spring 2021
Interview: Yasuke Director LeSean Thomas
LeSean Thomas Talks History and Heroes in Netflix's YASUKE - Youtube Video
Manga & Light Novel Reviews
Summer 2021
Seasonal Anime Reviews
Fall 2021
The aquatope on white sand (Crunchyroll/VRV)
13 - 14 - 15 - [16]() - [17]() - [18]() - [19]() - [20]() - [21]() - [22]() - [23]() - [24]()
The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
9 - 10 - 11 - [12]() - [13]() - [14]() - [15]() - [16]() - [17]() - [18]() - [19]() - [20]() - [21]() - [22]() - [23]() - [24]()
Resturant to Another World 2 (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-3 - [4]() - [5]() - [6]() - [7]() - [8]() - [9]() - [10]() - [11]() - [12]()
Previous Season Reviews
Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater (Funimation)
[Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12]()
Dragon Goes House-Hunting (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
Dropout Idol Fruit Tart (Funimation)
[Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12]()
Summer 2021
The aquatope on white sand (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 & 11 - 12
Kageki Shojo!! (Funimation)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 & 12 - 13
The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 & 7 - 8
Remake Our Life! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 & 11 - 12
Previous Season Reviews
Koikimo (Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
Let's Make a Mug Too(Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
Tales of Symphonia(Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 11
Spring 2021
So I'm a Spider, So What? (Crunchyroll)
13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24
Super Cub (Funimation)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
The World Ends with You the Animation (Funimation)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
Yasuke (Netflix)
Full Review, Ep. 1- 6
Idoly Pride (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
I-Chu (Crunchyroll)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
Maesetsu: Opening Stage (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12
But Why Tho?
Manga, Light Novels, Doujin, and Japanese Lit
Spring 2021
Pokemon Adventures Collector's Edition Vol. 6 (Viz Media)
‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story Complete Omnibus Edition (Yen Press)
Yokohama Station SF (Yen On)
Ask Iwata (Viz Media)
Winter 2021
Dr.STONE Reboot: Byakuya (Viz Media)
The Emperor and I Vol. 1 (Viz Media - Digital Only)
The Girl With the Sanpaku Eyes Vol. 1 (Denpa)
Hetergenia Linguistico Vol. 1 (Yen Press)
Heterogenia Linguistico Vol. 2 (Yen Press)
Inside Mari's Body Vol. 1 (Denpa)
Pokemon Adventures Collector's Edition Vol. 4 (Viz Media)
Pokemon Adventures Collector's Edition Vol. 5 (Viz Media)
Sachi's Monstrous Appetite (Kodansha Comics)
Signs of Affection Vol. 1 (Kodansha Comics)
Strawberry Fields Once Again Vol. 1 (Yen Press)
Tamamo-chan is a Fox! Vol. 1 (Seven Seas)
Tokyo Fashion: A Comic Book (Viz Media)
Fall 2020
Disney Tsum Tsum Sushi Cookbook (Viz Media)
Seasonal Anime Reviews
Summer 2021
Tropical-Rogue Precure (Crunchyroll)
18 - 19
Wonder Egg Priority (Funimation)
13/Special Episode
Spring 2021
Let's Make a Mug Too (Crunchyroll)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
Pretty Boy Detective Club (Funimation)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
Super Cub (Crunchyroll)
1 - Seasonal Review (Ep. 1-12)
The World Ends with You the Animation (Funimation)
1 - Seasonal Review (Ep. 1-12)
Tropical-Rogue Precure (Crunchyroll)
6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17
Wonder Egg Priority
Ep: 13
Winter 2021
IDOLY PRIDE
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
Otherside Picnic
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
The Promised Neverland Season 2
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 5.5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11
Tropical-Rougue Pretty Cure
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5
Wonder Egg Priority
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
Fall 2020
Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12
TV & Movie Reviews
Fall 2020
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Video Game Reviews
Summer 2021
WitchSpring3 Re:Fine (Nintendo Switch)
Spring 2021
The House in Fata Morgana (Nintendo Switch)
Atelier Mysterious Trilogy Deluxe Pack (Nintendo Switch)
World's End Club Demo (Nintendo Switch)
Winter 2021
Gnosia (Nintendo Switch)
Fall 2020
Dimeo's Jukebox (Gameboy DMG)
Opinion Pieces
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Jotaku
Seasonal Anime Reviews
Fall 2021
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Summer 2021
Super Cub (Funimation)
Skills
Skills & Proficencies
Blogging
Creative Writing
Editing & Proofreading
International Relations
Podcasting & Podcast
Social Media
Timeline Management
Transcription (Audio & Video)
Translation (JP to EN)
Typing (Baseline: 54 wpm)
Written Communication
Program Proficencies
Canva
Google Suite: Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
Microsoft Office: Word, Powerpoint
Social Media
Instagram
Tumblr
Twitter
Languages & Language Pairs
Languages
Primary/L1: English (native)
Secondary/L2: Japanese (Upper Intermediate - Lower Advanced)
Secondary/L2: JSL / Japanese Sign Language (Beginner)
Tertiary/L3: ---
Currently Learning:
Mandarin Chinese (previous experience)
Korean (No Proficiency/Absolute Beginner)
Languages Pairs
Japanese - English
Future Goals/Languages Pairs
Mandarin - English
Korean - English
Rates
Manga (Includes R18+/Mature Media)
Per Page - Editing
¥120 - ¥160 / page
$1.10 - $1.50 / page
Per Volume - Editing
¥33000 - ¥42,000 / volume
$300 - $380 / volume
Per Page - Proofreading・QA
¥60 - ¥75 / page
$0.55 - $0.70 / page
Per Volume - Proofreading・QA
¥8,000 - ¥11,000 / volume
$75 - $100 / volume
❖ Rates includes pages with or without text or sfx.
❖ Turnaround is typically 2 to 4 business days, excluding weekends and holidays
❖ Rush work is avaliable, but will incur an additional fee for labor.
Light Novels / Japanese Novels
Per Volume - Editing
¥38,000 - ¥53,000 / volume
$350 - $480 / volume
Per Volume - Proofreading・QA
¥20,000 - ¥25,000 / volume
$180 - $220 / volume
❖ Rates are based on an average word count of 75,000 and an average page count of 250 pages. Rates are subject to increase for particularly long or dense novels.
❖ Turnaround is typically 10 to 12 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
❖ Rush work is avaliable, but will incur an additional fee for labor.
Video Games (Otome and Visual Novels)
Per Word - Edting
$0.04 - $0.10 / English Word or Moji
Per Word - Proofreading・QA
$0.04 - $0.06 / English Word or Moji
❖ Turnaround to be discussed with client
❖
Articles & Writing
Feature Article — 1000 - 1500 words
$75 - $90/article
Articles - 1500 - 2000 words
$110 - $130/article
Media Review Article (Manga/Graphic Novels/Ect.)
$45/post
Media Review Article (Anime)
$40 - $50 /post
Media Review Article (Video Games)
$70 - $85/post
❖ Turnaround is typically 3 to 5 business days, excluding weekends and holidays.
❖ Rush work is avaliable, but will be charged at 1.75x the base fee
Contact
Please contact me at [email protected] if you have questions or want to request my resume. You can also contact me there for in further inquiries, including interview request, consulting, work opportunities, collaborative projects and more.
Additionally, please contact me via email if you have any questions regarding my rates or work calendar.
Furthermore, I am avaliable for guest and panel hosting, especially for projects and productions focused on LGBTQAI+ and Queer media, Visual Novels, Yuri and Boys' Love media, and anime and manga in general.
Additionally, if you would like to support the content I create or would like to continue to support my endevours as a writer, editor, translator, and transcriptionist, please consider gifting me a nice warm cup of Ko-fi or by donating to me via PayPal.
Additionally, you can find me at the following places: