Meru Clewis

クレウィス・メル

They・Them

JP - EN Translator & Localization Editor & QA/Proofreader
Light Novel Editor/Airship Editor at Seven Seas
Staff Editor at Anime Feminist & Occasional Podcast Guest for ChattyAF
Contributing Reviewer and Journalist for the Anime News Network
Freelance Transcriptionist

Interests

hobbies

Japanese Instruments
Shamisen (3.5 years experience)
Koto (3 years experience)Crafting
Cross Stitch
Embroidery
Weaving
SashikoCultural 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 & DesignWestminster 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)

2022

Anime is Lit
Ep 18 - NANA - Part 1 "And They Were Roommates..."
Ep 19 - NANA - Part 2 - This Baby Can Fit So Much Feminism In It

2021

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
Chatty AF 153: Cowboy Bebop Live Action Post Mortem

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 LocalizationYT Video (Part 1)
YT Video (Part 2)

2020

Unseen Japan
May 16, 2020 Crowdcast

Work History

Current

Seven Seas Entertainment
December 2021 - Current
Light Novel/Airship EditorAnime Feminist
May 2020 - Current
Contributing Article Editor
Contributing Writer and Reviewer
Transcriptionist (Chatty AF)

The Anime News Network - Journalist and Daily Streaming Reviewer
March 2021 - July 2022
Manga and Anime Reviewer & Critic
Japanese Pop Culture Critic and Specialist J-Novel Club
March 2021 - September 2022
Manga QA & ProofreaderBut Why Tho? - Freelance Contributor
September 2020 - December 2021
Manga & Anime Reviewer, Video Game Reviewer and Critic,
Book/Novel Reviewer, Japanese Pop Culture CriticJotaku - Freelance Contributor
September 2021 - December 2021
Seasonal Anime Reviewer FANTASISTA, INC. - Work-for-Hire/Contract
March 2021 - November 2021
Manga Proofreader - FutekiyaRotten Blossoms - Work-for-Hire/Contract
October 2020 - February 2021
Quality Assistance, ProofreadingFandom Post
September 2020 - February 2021
Manga & Anime Reviewer and Contributing WriterSiliconera
February 2020 - April 2020
Contributing Writer, Japanese to English News TranslatorJET Program
July 2016 - July 2020
Assistant English Language Teacher
Senior High School (Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture)

Hiatus

Cross Infinite World - Work-for-Hire/Contract
October 2020 - November 2021
Light Novel Editor

Project History

2022

Manga
--

Video GamesSekai Project
Uso Kara Hajimaru Koi no Natsu! – Editor; PV・Product Page
Lys and Ruka's Magic Bag - Editor
Watamari – A Match Made in Heaven Part1 - Editor; PV・Product Page
Title - EditorIdea Factory International
NDA Title - Editor

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 AssuranceManga
Futekiya
Honey, Maple, and More Sugar (18+) – Proofreader/QAJ-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
Black Summoner Vol. 4 – Proofreader/QA
The Master of Ragnarok Vol. 6 – Proofreader/QA
Cooking with Wild Game Vol. 5 – Proofreader/QA
Ascendance of a Bookworm Part 2 Vol. 2 – 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/QALight Novels
Cross Infinite World
Akaoni: Contract with a Vampire – Secondary Editor and ProofreaderVideo Games
Idea Factory International
Cupid Parasite (T+) - Gill Lovecraft & Raul Aconite – Co-editorNDA Company
NDA Visual Novel – Editor

2020

Audio Dramas & CDs
Rotten Blossoms
Twilight Moon (18+) – Quality Assurance and ProofreadingDoujinshi
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 AssuranceLight Novels
Cross Infinite World
Another World’s Zombie Apocalypse Is Not My Problem! Volume 2 – Primary Editor

Anime Feminist

Seasonal Premiere Reviews

Fall 2022
Beast Tamer
Management of a Novice Alchemist
Shinobi no Ittoki
VAZZROCK THE ANIMATION

Summer 2022
RWBY: Ice Queendom
Phantom of the Idol
Harem in the Labyrinth of Another World
My Stepmom’s Daughter is My Ex
Smile of the Arsnotoria the Animation
Prima Doll
SPRIGGAN
The Maid I Hired Recently is Mysterious
Kakegurui: Twin

Spring 2022
Ya Boy Kongming!
Love After World Domination
Shikimori’s Not Just a Cutie

Winter 2022
In the Land of Leadale
Police in a Pod
CUE!
Tribe Nine
Fantasia Sango – Realm of Legends

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

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

2022
EditorialSeasonal Picks
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Fall 2021
Anime Feminist’s Top Picks for 2021
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Winter 2022

2021
Editorial
The Sound of Depression: Liminal Spaces, Sound Design, and Super CubSeasonal Picks
Anime Feminist’s Top Picks for 2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Winter 2021
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Spring 2021
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Summer 2021

2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Summer 2020
Anime Feminist Recommendations of Fall 2020

Anime News Network

Features and Editorials

Spring 2022

Fall 2021
What Is Idol Anime? & What Is Idol Anime? - Youtube Video
Nicholas Dupree, Richard Eisenbeis, Rebecca Silverman & Best Characters - Best Character: Koguma (Super Cub)
Christopher Farris, Steve Jones, Mercedez Clewis & The Best Moments
Christopher Farris, Steve Jones, Mercedez Clewis & The Best Moments - Best Song: Minikui Ikimono (Otherside Picnic)
The Worst Anime of 2021 & Mega Poll Results - The Promised Never Land S2

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

Winter 2022

Spring 2021
Interview: Yasuke Director LeSean ThomasLeSean Thomas Talks History and Heroes in Netflix's YASUKE - Youtube Video

Manga & Light Novel Reviews

Fall 2021
My Alcoholic Escape from Reality
Booty Royale: Never Go Down Without a Fight!

Seasonal Anime Reviews

Winter 2022A Couple of Cuckoos (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5-6 - 7-8Shikimori's Not Just a Cutie (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Winter 2022Akebi's Sailor Uniform (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6-7 - 8 - 9 - 10-11 - 12Slow Loop (Funimation)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6-7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Tribe Nine (Funimation)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6-7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12

Fall 2021The aquatope on white sand (Crunchyroll/VRV)
13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
9 - 10 - 11 - 12-13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20Resturant to Another World 2 (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-3 - 4-5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Previous Season ReviewsDragon Goes House-Hunting (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12Dropout Idol Fruit Tart (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12

Summer 2021The aquatope on white sand (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-2 - 3 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 & 11 - 12Kageki Shojo!! (Funimation)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 & 12 - 13The Great Jahy Will Not Be Defeated! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 & 7 - 8Remake Our Life! (Crunchyroll/VRV)
1-3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 & 11 - 12Previous Season ReviewsKoikimo (Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12Let's Make a Mug Too(Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12Tales of Symphonia(Crunchyroll/VRV)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 11

Spring 2021So I'm a Spider, So What? (Crunchyroll)
13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24Super Cub (Funimation)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12The World Ends with You the Animation (Funimation)
1-2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Yasuke (Netflix)
Full Review, Ep. 1- 6Idoly Pride (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12I-Chu (Crunchyroll)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12Maesetsu: Opening Stage (Funimation)
Full Review, Ep. 1 - 12

Okazu/Yuricon

2022
A Transition Telegraphed by Yuri: Learning to Love Myself By Reading about Girls Loving Girls, Guest Post by Meru

2019
Yuriten 2019 in Sendai Guest Report by Meru C
Yuri Comic: ROADQUEEN: Eternal Roadtrip to Love, Guest Review by Meru C

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 2021Tropical-Rogue Precure (Crunchyroll)
18 - 19Wonder Egg Priority (Funimation)
13/Special Episode

Spring 2021Let's Make a Mug Too (Crunchyroll)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Pretty Boy Detective Club (Funimation)
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Super 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 - 17Wonder Egg Priority
Ep: 13

Winter 2021IDOLY PRIDE
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12Otherside Picnic
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12The Promised Neverland Season 2
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 5.5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11Tropical-Rougue Pretty Cure
Ep: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5Wonder 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)

Seven Seas Entertainment

Airship Imprint - Editor

2022
Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear, Vol. 9
Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship! (Light Novel) Vol. 4
My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero’s, (Light Novel) Vol. 4

[Free Life Fantasy Online: Immortal Princess, Vol. 1]()
[Qualia the Purple]()
[The World's Fastest Level Up, Vol. 1]()

Airship Imprint - Copy Editor

2022

2022
[Vivy Prototye, Vol. 1]()
[Vivy Prototye, Vol. 2]()

Airship Imprint - Proofreader

2022
Survival in Another World with My Mistress! (Light Novel) Vol. 1

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, PowerpointSocial 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)Currently Learning:
Mandarin Chinese (previous experience)
Korean (No Proficiency/Absolute Beginner)Languages Pairs
Japanese - EnglishFuture Goals/Languages Pairs
Mandarin - English
Korean - English

Rates

Manga (Includes R18+/Mature Media)

Per Page - Editing
¥120 - ¥160 / page
$1.10 - $1.50 / pagePer Volume - Editing
¥33000 - ¥42,000 / volume
$300 - $380 / volumePer Page - Proofreading・QA
¥60 - ¥75 / page
$0.55 - $0.70 / pagePer 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
(Includes R18+/Mature Media)

Per Volume - Editing
¥38,000 - ¥53,000 / volume
$350 - $480 / volumePer Volume - Proofreading・QA
¥21,000 - ¥28000 / volume
$180 - $250 / 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
(Includes R18+/Mature Media)

Per Word - Edting
$0.05 - $0.10 / English WordPer Word - Proofreading・QA
$0.04 - $0.07 / English Word❖ Turnaround to be discussed with client prior to accepting project(s).❖Lower rates to be discussed prior to accepting projects. Estimated word count must be provided for editor's consideration.

Articles & Writing

Feature Article — 1000 - 1500 words
$75 - $90/articleArticles - 1500 - 2000 words
$110 - $130/articleMedia Review Article (Manga/Graphic Novels/Ect.)
$45/postMedia Review Article (Anime)
$40 - $50 /postMedia 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, you can find me at the following places: