I am currently learning Japanese and I want to translate JP novel. Can anyone suggest me where I can find the raw novels? Also that if I translate then won't there will be some copyright issues?
That's when You ask the Author for Permission and he/she said no because of reasons You somehow get Famous and the novel you are translating is Part of a Publishing Company That's the site for Web Novel without belonging to any Publishing site, so you are free to go. But if you are Still worrying about copyright issues, then well....you are Never 100% sure to avoid it. Because the Act of translating a novel itself is illegal, unless you have permission from the original Author, but then you are back to my 1st point which 90% of Authors will say no.
If you are looking for a novel to translate check the Novel Pickup Request from the Forum. Most of them provide link for the raws.
While you may be breaking copyright laws, as long as you don't incur the wrath of the publisher, they won't bother you. If the novel has an English publisher, avoid at all costs. If the novel has a Web version, it's safer to use that version than the light novel. As for asking for permission, remember to be super formal (use the most humble of keigo) and mention that you won't be taking any money or using ads. As soon as you take money, you're completely in the wrong.
Just to clarify a few things, translating by itself is not illegal. The distribution of translated content can be illegal for certain countries/states/territories. More so if you are translating for profit, that carries a higher risk. There is nothing wrong with translating content for personal use (reading). But the moment you post/distribute the translated content in to the general public (website, blog, forum thread, etc.) is when it can be considered illegal. I use can be illegal, because in certain places in the world copyright laws either dont apply to a certain locale or can't be enforced. It's just on a digital platform, most distributors (It doesn't have to be a Translator) can be subject to Cease & Desist orders, DMCA violations, fines or civil penalties. On a lenient side nothing usually occurs or all you receive is a Cease & Desist. On the extreme side you get a court order summons for your locale and have to pay a fine. I'd hazard if you live in a country/ territory that enforces copyright laws, then understand you take a risk the moment you distribute/ share translated content. Spoiler: Link to another similar explanation https://forum.novelupdates.com/posts/4854941/
You can check the novel updates forum novel pickup request. If you're interested in Kei Sazane's works like Hyouketsu Kyoukai no Eden, Sekai no Owari no Encore.. I have the raws in my Mega Drive in HD picture format ready for OCD. Sekai no Owari no Encore https://mega.nz/#F!QrB3GYDQ!iCpW_GCqWsFtl7ugWM_TsA Hyouketsu Kyoukai no Eden https://mega.nz/#F!gm5hyb6C!RK-00BASVVoJlXXEFPh12g Weehh!! you can also check the jcafe if you're interested in other novels, usually that where the raws are found. xD