Course Description

Key Lesson Topics

• Vocabulary and features of Japanese Manga
• Overview of Manga Production: from planning to printing
• Length and styles of Japanese Manga
• Structure & flow of plot, and the key structure of stories
• The role and design of the main character
• Drawing for Manga: Perspective and Framing
• How to plan your storyboard
• Techniques for showcasing character, emotions, plot and mood through illustrations
• The Manga Industry in Japan
• The Role of the Manga Editor
• The Role of the Manga Assistant
• Popular and recommended Manga & Anime in Japan
• How to become a professional Manga Artist

Practical Training Areas

• Generating the key ideas of your story and character
• How to use Japanese Manga pens and standard equipment
• Techniques for drawing lines, tones, shading and texture
• How to build your repertoire of drawable items
• How to draw characters: proportions, perspectives, features, styles
• Drawing people and their features from multiple perspectives: body, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, eye brows, hair
• Developing your keen eye: common mistakes when drawing people and perspectives
• Polishing up and finishing your Manga
• Determining the quantity and size of your frames, necessary frame content, and layout of your pages.

Tokyo & The City Tour

Tokyo, known previously as Edo, has been one of Japan’s major cities since the Tokugawa Shogunate era. Its famous attractions include Asakusa, Ueno, Shinjuku, Odaiba, Ginza, Akihabara and Shibuya.

As part of your experience in this program, we can arrange personalized tours of the traditional district of Asakusa, checking out the vast market and visiting the temple and shrine; the iconic Shibuya crossing and Harajuku for a day of fashion and modern culture; And the otaku hub of Akihabara to explore specialty manga and other unique shops even entering into the world of a maid café!

Because our tours are done in a small group, we are able to adapt the contents and highlights of each city tour to your requests so that you can see and do what most interests you.

Shibuya & Harajuku
Shibuya and Harajuku are among the most well-known places in all of Japan. Many who haven’t even visited these places before may still know a thing or two about them. These areas are said to be the hub of young & modern Japanese culture. For starter, Shibuya is where you can find the iconic statue of the infamous dog Hachiko, one of most popular meet-up points for friends, as well as the world famous Shibuya Crossing where every change of the lights signals one of the largest crossings of people in Japan if not the world, sending people in all directions to their desired destinations in the district. Shibuya is also home to several major department stores, the legendary Shibuya 109 fashion store, and nearly all global brands that one can think of. Up the street from Shibuya and within walking distance, is the much hyped Harajuku District, which rightfully conjures images of street fashion, crepe stands, cute and chic cafes, instagram-famous desserts, one-off fashion shops, art and more!

Asakusa
Asakusa remains reminiscent of old Tokyo, highlighted by the ancient Sensoji Temple and the traditional craft shops and food stalls, as well as the Nakamise shopping district. In addition, the area contains the Hanayashiki, Japan’s oldest amusement park complete with rides, eateries and cafes, and Sumida Park, a leisure riverside escape with beautiful views of Tokyo Skytree and a popular venue for big annual firework displays and cherry blossom events.

As for the famous Asakusa Kannon Temple, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo, one of the most popular and lively, and is a symbol not only of the area but of Tokyo itself, making it a must-see destination for every traveller to Japan and Tokyo, including local Japanese people. Entering the temple is through the iconic Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, into the traditional market, lined with food and craft stalls to the end of the stretch where lies the famous Temple itself. Every day in this part of Asakusa feels like a matsuri or festival, and is a perfect place to enjoy delicious food in traditional restaurants and casual izakaya, take a ride on a rickshaw, and dress up in a kimono, yukata or happi and host your own personal photoshoot, an everlasting memory of your time in Tokyo.

Akihabara
For any fan of anime, manga, cosplay, idol culture, gaming and electronics, Akihabara is the hub of them all, located in the northeast corner of Tokyo’s most densely populated core outlined roughly by the popular circuit route train line known as the JR Yamanote Line operated by Japan Rail. The district contains everything from small one-off shops to large and popular electronic and department stores such as Yodabashi Camera and Bic Camera, the Tokyo Animation Center as well as a radio hall with its 10 floors of toys, trading cards, and collectibles. The area is the living hub of Japanese subculture, powered every moment by the passion of the geeks within.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

• In principle, classes can be arranged on any day of the week between 10am to 8pm.
  Classes are typically 2-3 hours each.
• The standard duration of a program is typically 2 weeks (30 in-class hours).
  However, the number of classes and length of the program that we recommend is based on
  your goals:

  ★ 1 week or less is good for a light experience of Manga
  ★ 2 weeks is a standard length that can be adapted to both hobbyists and serious learners
  ★ 3 weeks or more is ideal for those who aspire to be professional and wish to develop their skills more deeply

• We can arrange accommodations for you based on your preferences.
  Some types include a private room in a shared space, a private apartment, etc.
  Please ask us for further details.

Sample Program Schedule

Course Features & Electives

• 

  STUDY IN JAPAN, FROM SUCCESSFUL MANGA ARTISTS

  There is no better place in the world to learn Manga than in Japan, the home of otaku culture worldwide where nearly every person reads manga on a regular basis. As its birthplace, Japan has an extensive manga industry consisting of independent and represented manga artist, manga editors, story-writers, fan artists, and more. Feel inspired and live in the world of Manga!

• 

  BEGIN MAKING YOUR OWN MANGA

  This program trains you on the essentials of Manga from developing your main character, planning your story, and honing your practical skills of illustration so that you can begin creating your very own Manga.

• 

  ON-GOING SUPPORT

  True learning happens by doing, and there is only so much you can do in a short-term program. For this reason, our passionate manga artists offer you continued support & feedback on your work online after the program. Being able to get on-going feedback and helping you when you get stuck is a special support system we have for our students like nowhere else.

• 

  PRIVATE CLASS

  Learn 1-on-1. This is the ideal workshop-style learning environment where you are free to ask questions and receive support every time you need it.

• 

  MEET INDUSTRY IN JAPAN

  As part of this program, we can set up a roundtable meeting with a professional Manga Editor, who can give you insights into the Manga Industry in Japan, share the realities of what actually sells in the market, and provide feedback on any manga concepts or works that you can freely share.

• 

  FULL SUPPORT INCLUDING ACCOMMODATIONS

  As a global student agency headquartered in Tokyo, we are here to support you on every step of your journey to participate in this program. This includes meeting you at the airport and taking you to the private room that we have set up for you, as well as providing visa consultation, 24-hour emergency support while in Japan, and other important information about Japan that will ensure a safe and comfortable experience for you from when you arrive.

Tuition Fees

*It is possible to take the course using digital tools instead of analog but students must have their own device.

Other Manga Programs

For more information about this program click here

NOTE: Students will need to cover the costs of food, travel to and from Japan, daily commute and travel within Japan, and any other personal expenses. We will also ask that all students obtain Emergency Medical Insurance before or by the time they land in Japan.