International Talent Shaping the Future of Manga in Japan
DEOW Japan’s Global Tokiwaso Project and its international manga creators have been featured in Nikkei (日本経済新聞), Japan’s leading national newspaper, as part of a special coverage on the people supporting and shaping manga culture today.
The feature appeared in Nikkei The STYLE, a Sunday section that explores culture, creativity, and social trends influencing modern Japan.
Manga as Culture and as a Profession
In its coverage, Nikkei highlights manga not only as entertainment, but as a cultural industry sustained by people, education, and professional ecosystems. Under the theme:
「ここで育ち、文化を支える」
Nurtured here, supporting culture
the article focuses on environments where creators develop their skills while contributing to the long-term future of manga.
The Global Tokiwaso Project is introduced as part of this landscape — a place where aspiring creators study, train, and take their first steps toward professional manga careers in Japan.
“Talent Comes Across the Sea”
Another central theme of the feature is the growing presence of international creators in Japan’s manga scene. Nikkei describes this trend with the phrase:
「海を越え、才能がやって来る」
Talent comes across the sea
The Global Tokiwaso Project candidates come from diverse countries and backgrounds, united by a shared goal: to learn manga creation in Japan and engage directly with its creative culture.
Rather than observing manga from abroad, these creators are working within Japan — studying techniques, storytelling, and production processes close to the industry itself.
The People Who Create Manga Culture
Nikkei frames its feature around 「日本のマンガをつくる人たち」
— the people who create Japanese manga.
The article introduces creators who are actively drawing, learning, and preparing for professional opportunities, including debut pathways and editorial collaboration. Several Global Tokiwaso Project candidates appear in the feature, presenting their works, tools, and creative processes.
Their inclusion reflects a broader shift: manga culture is increasingly shaped by global talent working within Japan, supported by education programs connected to real creative environments.
About the Global Tokiwaso Project
The Global Tokiwaso Project, operated by DEOW Japan, is designed to support international manga creators who wish to study and create manga in Japan on a professional level.
The project emphasizes:
- Practical manga creation skills
- Understanding Japan’s professional manga environment
- Cultural exchange through creative work
- Long-term development rather than short-term trends
By placing students close to the realities of manga production, the project aims to nurture creators who can contribute meaningfully to manga culture in Japan and beyond.
For those who aspire to become professional manga artists, editors, or creators, DEOW Japan offers a range of manga-focused programs designed to support different goals and experience levels. From foundational training to advanced, career-oriented courses connected to Japan’s creative industry, our programs provide opportunities to learn, create, and grow in Japan. We welcome aspiring creators from around the world who wish to take their work seriously and engage directly with the culture and professional environment where manga is made.
DEOW Japan is proud of the Global Tokiwaso Project candidates who were introduced in this feature, and we look forward to supporting their next steps as they continue creating, learning, and building their futures in manga.
