What's a JAST Blue?
They're not a fuzzy pet or an aircraft, but they do have stories that touch your heart and take you places. Best known for localizing the NITROL ChiRAL series, JAST Blue specializes in publishing BL visual novels, many of which are 18+. Jast Blue is the Boys' Love branch of the visual novel publisher and localizer JAST USA. Their first release was NITRO ChiRAL's sweet pool, a dark and haunting VN that pushes the boundaries of the genre. They've been in business since 1998, bringing stories from the East to the West and now, all around the world.
Hold up, what is BL?
BL stands for Boys' Love, which is a genre of stories and visual novels around homosexual male relationships. Interestingly enough, they are often aimed at a female-oriented audience, although anyone can enjoy their works. Some reasons why women are drawn to BL are to escape from the social realities of gender suppression, and the ability to experience both masculinity and femininity outside differences in gender. There are BL stories for young
er audiences, but JAST Blue has lots of experience publishing and localizing adult VNs (visual novels). If you'd like to learn more, take a look at some of their BL titles on their website or join their lively discord.
As a subsidiary of JAST USA, they've also released Otome visual novels and dating-sim games, giving them a global presence and extending their reach. You can see their bestselling games here. JAST Blue sponsored us this year, pouring $2000 USD into the prize pool to show their support for indie VN dev community. Now, they're looking to work with VN Devs looking to release Otome and BL games. If you are interested in expanding your audience and removing language barriers, JAST Blue can help.
What kind of BL visual novels have JAST Blue released? (18+)
From VNs with VR street battles in cyberpunk worlds to hedonist artists that grant people's darkest desires, some of their titles are gripping and not for the faint of heart. However, you can also enter delicate romance stories where you must choose between an angel and a demon. Or figure out how to survive a hostage situation where the group is forced to perform increasingly depraved acts. The choice is yours.
Stay up to date with JAST Blue's releases and follow them on twitter or check out their discord. If you are interested in JAST USA's other non-BL visual novel releases, check out their facebook, twitter, and discord.
Author to be announce 10-28-2023