Dōjinshi 同人誌 also doujinshi is the Japanese term for self-published works, usually magazines, manga or novels. Roughly translates into "same stuff, different people". Dōjinshi are part of a wider category of dōjin including, but not limited to, art collections, anime, hentai and games. Groups of dōjinshi artists refer to themselves as a sākuru サークル, circle.
Manga examples (fan manga) are based upon well established series, ranging in quality from crude black & white pamphlets numbering a few pages, to beautifully produced volumes with luxurious artwork. Most doujinshi are parodies, or alternative takes on established titles, with a significant number of titles delving into explicit adult themes.
Many successful mangaka (manga artists) get their start in doujin circles. Despite a move to digital downloads, since the 1980s, the main method of distribution has been through regular dōjinshi conventions, the largest of which is called "Comiket" held in the summer and winter in Tokyo's Big Sight.
It is estimated that gross revenue from sales of dōjinshi represent some 14.9% of a typical otaku's expenditure on their hobby.
The Doujinshi and Manga Lexicon: User-submitted database of dōjinshi artists, circles, and books, including name translations. but no downloads.
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