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Moving to a new country at 17 is hard enough. Doing it to chase a career in one of the world’s most competitive creative industries is something else entirely.
That is exactly what Rox did — and this month, Japan’s manga industry took notice.
A New Milestone for the Global Tokiwaso Project
Rox, a 19-year-old manga creator from Mexico and a participant in DEOW Japan’s Global Tokiwaso Project, has been selected as a finalist in the June 2026 Sunday Webry Newcomer Award, hosted by the editorial team of Shogakukan’s digital manga service Sunday Webry.
Her entry, “Veil Agency”, was selected in the Free Division. It follows Niko and Sam, a pair of spirit-hunters hired to clear out a haunted ramen shop — only to find the dead owner’s cat still standing guard, and a client with far more to hide than a restless ghost. Rather than forcing the spirit out, Niko chooses to tell it the truth.
Finalists receive a prize, a written critique from the editorial team and — most importantly — an assigned editor who provides ongoing guidance toward a professional debut.
This is the second consecutive year that a Global Tokiwaso Project participant has reached the finalist stage, following Gin’s selection in June 2025.
From Mexico to Tokyo at 17
Rox came to Japan from Mexico at the age of 17 with a single goal: to become a professional manga artist.
Since joining the Global Tokiwaso Project she has lived at the Global Tokiwaso Residence alongside aspiring creators from around the world, working under professional instructors and receiving direct feedback from working manga editors. Every storyboard, every revision and every submission has been part of building toward this moment.
In Her Own Words
Having come to Japan from Mexico at the age of 17 and continuing to create manga while pursuing my dream of becoming a professional artist, I am truly delighted to receive this recognition.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the editorial team who read my work and to everyone who has supported me along the way.
Taking this experience as a new step forward, I will continue to work hard to create manga that transcends borders and languages to touch people’s hearts.
Rox
About the Sunday Webry Newcomer Award
Run monthly by the editorial team of Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry, the award is known for its fast turnaround — entries close at the end of each month and results are announced roughly a week later. Every winner is assigned a dedicated editor and receives continuous support on their next work, which makes it one of the most practical entry points into Japan’s professional manga industry.
What Is the Global Tokiwaso Project?
The Global Tokiwaso Project is DEOW Japan’s manga study abroad program built specifically for international creators who want to break into Japan’s manga industry — not just learn about it.
- Professional mentorship from manga instructors and industry experts
- A creative residence in Japan shared with like-minded artists
- Portfolio development and feedback aligned with Japanese industry standards
- Support for manga contest submissions — including the one Rox entered
- Opportunities to submit work directly to Japanese publishers
- Translation support throughout
Why This Matters for Future Students
Two years, two finalists, from two different countries. Rox’s selection — coming just a year after Gin’s, and only months after his commercial debut — shows that this is not a one-time story.
You do not have to be born in Japan to build a manga career here. With the right guidance, structure and industry access, international talent can reach the same doors Japanese creators knock on.
Want to Become a Manga Artist in Japan?
If you have ever dreamed of creating manga professionally in Japan, now is the time to take the first step.
Learn about the Global Tokiwaso Project | See all of our manga programs
Read Gin’s story: From Uruguay to Japan: How One DEOW Student Became a Published Manga Artist
