1.
original work, source material
The original version of a creative work, especially a novel, manga, or other literary work that has been adapted into another medium such as film, anime, or drama.
Extremely common in discussions of adaptations — comparing manga to anime, novels to films, etc. 原作者 refers to the author of the original work.
Common collocations
Related Words
Compare:
原案 (original concept)
Compare:
原文 (original text)
Related:
映画化 (film adaptation)