Private Intensive Manga Program

Apply now for:
Flexible dates
Deadline to apply:
Approx. 28 days prior to start
Private Intensive Manga Program
  • Recommended for Westerners

    The school’s curriculum has accounted for students who need more time and support to learn Kanji, etc.

  • Flexible Class Schedule

    You are able to request an AM or PM class schedule based on your needs.

  • Wifi Available

    Rest assured that this school has wifi available.

  • Dormitories Available

    This school introduces affordable shared living spaces.

  • Out-of-School Activities

    This school organizes out-of-school day-trips, excursions and events throughout the year.

*Click each feature for details

School Introduction

Manga touches the lives of every person living in Japan and over the past few decades has spread in popularity to people all over the world, where it continues to grow and be enjoyed. As such, there has been an increasing number of non-Japanese people who have taken an interest in learning the craft. As its birthplace, Japan is the best place in the world to truly learn Manga.
The Japanese comic world is vast and highly developed, with various organizations specializing in the production as well as education of all of the aspects of Manga, forming an industry where thousands of professionals make their career. In many cases, educational institutions have ties to the production side, recommending students to publishers, editors and studios.
The Japan Study Abroad Network is proud to present our special Private Intensive Manga Program, offered both online and in person. This original course aims to provide efficient manga training in English in order to develop your passion and fulfill the dreams of non-Japanese people worldwide who are interested in working in the Manga Industry in the future. Because the classes are one-on-one, students are able to co-design their learning as our manga instructor adapts the curriculum to the student’s individual level, needs, goals and other preferences, making the very most of their time.

This intensive Manga Program, curated by DEOW, provides students of all levels with the tools they need to begin creating Japanese Manga on their own. The course takes on a practical, coaching-style approach that emphasizes practise and skill-building in order to develop your abilities and confidence as a manga artist.

We also offer an in person group manga program that you can check here.

Japanese Level Requirement: None
School Staff Support Languages: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Japanese
School Intensity: Medium-High, Flexible

Main Features

One-of-a-kind Manga training program
Nowhere else will you be able to find a program such as this, designed specifically to meet the needs of non-Japanese students interested in Manga. Taught in English by professional Japanese Manga artists.
Customize your learning completely with a 1-on-1 program
As this program is 1-on-1, we can completely adapt the curriculum and experience based on your goals, level and preferences as you go, while providing you individualized feedback & support throughout the program. In this Private program, the classes can be flexibly arranged to fit your schedule, and we can also arrange tours of the city and meetings with manga industry professionals.
Covers all aspects of Manga
In this program, you can learn everything from the planning of your story to the technical skills of illustration. Our teachers train according to your level and style, so no experience is required.
Develop your practical skills and knowledge efficiently
All of our teachers and instructors are active in the industry and come with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise. They will coach you based on what is most important and what works in practice.
Program Director: Tanaka Hirohisa, Author & International Instructor
Coordinator and Teacher of the Manga Animation Course at Sakura International Gakuin since 2009.
Teacher at the Tokyo Game Designer Gakuin since 2003.
Taught Manga courses and workshops abroad.
Adviser of Kadokawa Contents Academy in Taiwan since 2018.
Professor of Doga Gakuin University in China.

School Location

The lessons take place in Shinjuku and Nakano, Tokyo.
If you would like, we can also provide tours of manga- and culture- related spots around Tokyo as part of your experience.

Available Courses

  • Private Intensive Manga Program in Shinjuku
  • Online Private Intensive Manga Program

Private Intensive Manga Program in Shinjuku

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

Program Session Program Dates Application Final Deadline
PRIVATE Flexible

Approx. 28 days prior to start

 

  • 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

Tuition(2 Weeks – 30 Hours Total) ¥229,504
Manga Kit*For Standard Analog Program ¥20,000
Accommodations (Optional) ¥84,000
Airport Pick-up & 24-hour Emergency Support (Optional) ¥30,000
Q&A Session with a Professional Japanese Manga Editor (Optional) ¥6,000
Total ¥335,913
Total with Tax ¥369,504

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

Other Manga Programs

2-Week Intensive Group Manga Program ¥373,904 (Tax Included)

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.

Online Private Intensive Manga Program

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
  • How to draw characters: proportions, perspectives, features, styles
  • 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
  • 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.

Enrolment Periods & Duration

Program Session Program Dates Application Final Deadline
PRIVATE ONLINE Flexible

Approx. 28 days prior to start

 

  • Regular classes are held from Monday to Friday, either In the morning or in the afternoon.
  • Standard duration is 2 weeks (30 class hours)
  • Private programs can also be arranged for 1 week. Please ask us for further details.
  • Private programs can also be arranged more than 2 weeks. Please ask us for further details.

 

Course Features & Electives

  • 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 WHEN YOU NEED IT

    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 no where 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.

Tuition Fees

Tuition(2 Weeks – 30 Hours Total) ¥240,000
Manga Kit & Delivery*For Standard Analog Program ¥26,000
Total ¥266,000
Total with Tax ¥286,000

*It’s possible to take the course using digital tools instead of analog but the student should have their own.

Other Manga Programs

2-Week Intensive Group Manga Program ¥373,904(Tax Included)

For more information about this program click here

Our Free Services

We aim to support all students who are interested in coming to Japan to study & live.
For this reason, we provide all of these services at not cost to you.
  • School & Visa
    Application Support

  • Free Japanese
    Language Lessons

  • Accommodation
    Setup

  • 24-Hour
    Emergency Assistance

For free information & consultation about this and other schools in Japan

    If you wish to apply directly to this program, please fill out our application form.

    For more information, please fill out the inquiry form below and a member of our team will get in touch with you:

    First and middle name(s)*

    Family name(s) *

    Email *

    Confirm email *

    Sex *

    Date of birth *

    Nationality (same as passport) *

    Country of residence *

    Current drawing abilities
    1= pure beginner 10=professional

    In which programs are you interested? *

    When would you like to begin your program? *

    Tell us more about your dreams and goals in the program, as well as any other preferences or requests that you may have.

    How did you hear about us?

    Purpose of Collecting and Use of Personal Information:We are collecting this information about you solely for the purposes of contacting you and providing you the information that is most suitable and relevant to your study, work or live abroad objectives. The information collected about you in this form is for internal purposes only, will be kept confidential & secure at all times, and will not be shared with any other 3rd-party organisation without your explicit consent. When you submit this form to us, you will automatically be sent an email copy containing the same information for your records. For any queries regarding the personal information collected about you, please email us at japan[at]deow.jp.

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