Your fellow manga artists and editors will generously give you tips on how to draw and improve your work.
Vanilla
manga creators from Indonesia
with the
artists
with the artists
Your fellow manga artists and editors will generously give you tips on how to draw and improve your work.
manga creators from Indonesia
It has always been a dream of ours to work in Japan, where there is a lot of great manga being produced. We are more than happy to gain the know-how through the manga production process. Our family and friends are very happy for us to have been invited to Japan by COAMIX Inc., and we too feel honored to have been invited. Before coming to Japan, we used to draw artworks and publish them in doujinshi magazines.
Our favorite Japanese manga is “Natsume’s Book of Friends.” Japanese manga has a good design and storyline, and once you start reading it, you are immersed in the story. We like to read paper comics because we feel that they are of high quality as well.
Aso in Kumamoto is a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and greenery. The scenery is amazing. Sometimes when we spend our days here, ideas for new works come to us naturally.
Also, since it is easily accessible from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where we are from, we did not feel any physical or mental burden in coming to Kumamoto.
It’s a great place to work, where people give you a helping hand when you need it. Our colleagues, including Tati, who is also from Indonesia, are always willing to give us tips on how to draw if we ask them. It is also a good place to hone your skills as the editors are the first readers to give you feedback on your work.
The living environment is comfortable. There are six rooms in each residential building, and our roommates are senior Japanese manga artists. They are very kind and also help us with our Japanese studies. Sometimes we are so surprised that we can see them working next to us that we even call them: “Sensei!”
Also, the food served in the cafeteria here is very delicious. We always look forward to lunch time.
It depends on the deadline, but we spend 8 hours a day drawing, not including lunch and dinner. There is a resting area in the facility for a change of pace, so we try to take a well-deserved break after a long day of concentrated work.
Our goal is to debut as a professional manga creator. We want to continue to draw good works. This has been our dream since we were children. We hope to make the most of the fact that we are a two-person team, and we will be able to work together for a long time, making up for each other’s short-comings.
Work hard with the goal of creating a good manga! And don’t forget to apply for the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®. The first step to open the door to the Artists Village is to submit your manga to the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®.
Link to Vanilla original work, SMA-EX4 Excellence Award: “Little Hero”
Read Herehttps://smacmag.net/v/smaex4/little-hero-by-vanilla/
“With both editors and manga creators being right next to me, I feel welcome being part of the community.”
manga creator from Finland
The main reason why I decided to come to Japan was to be closer to my editors, who support my work, and to other manga creators. It’s possible to create manga via the internet even when you are far away from each other, but I wanted to work in an environment where we can see each other’s faces.
When I came to the Artists Village, I realized that there’s much more to learn here about manga than in my own country of Finland. I also think that it’s very exciting to live in a different country and get to know a new culture, and I thought that having such a special experience would enrich my life. Therefore, I didn’t hesitate at all and accepted the offer from COAMIX, the organizer of SMA. When I told my family about it, they were a little worried, but they were very happy that I received the opportunity to go. My family has always been very supportive of me.
Also, I have always had an interest in learning Japanese, and I thought coming here would be a great learning environment. Japanese is spoken here every day, and I can interact directly with native speakers. I speak a couple of languages so far, but Japanese is a special language with a grammar that differs from the other languages that I speak, and above all, the characters’ radicals are interesting.
I think it’s a very beautiful place with scenery and nature that I have never seen before. Finland is a rather flat country, so when I see mountains on the horizon every day in Aso, I feel refreshed and happy.
When I came to Japan, Aso had beautiful winter scenery. I can’t wait to find out what kind of scenery I can see in spring and summer. By the way, the temperature in Finland in winter is lower than in Aso. Also, people in Aso seem calm and friendly. Whenever an elderly person comes up to me and starts chatting, I feel very happy.
I think this is a good environment for manga production. It’s a very quiet place, so I can work without being disturbed, and I have everything I need to draw manga, including a PC, tablet, paper, pens, and a large number of manga to read, so I can concentrate on creating manga here.
Also, I feel like I’m part of a community, and I feel welcome here because all the editors and fellow manga artists live nearby in the residential building and dormitories within the facility.
The food is good for me because the ingredients are not too different from those in Finland. I find eating hot pot dishes interesting because they’re eaten in a different way compared to Finland by sharing one big dish with everyone. I also find Japanese bento (lunch boxes) very interesting since they are an assortment of different dishes.
I wake up around 8:00 am. Before starting work, I sometimes go for a walk in the surrounding park and forests. I start working at 10:00, but due to the nature of my job the hours are not set in stone. The people are always nearby, so it’s easy to discuss any problems I may have.
After lunch, work ends around 6:00 pm. After dinner, I often go to the movie theater inside the Artists Village, go shopping, play board games, and do other activities with the other manga creators here. I prefer to spend time inside the Artists Village, which has a great atmosphere, rather than in my room in the residential building. I have also grown attached to the free coffee and tea provided (laughs).
First and foremost, I want to learn everything about manga production. My goal is to learn as much as I can and be able to produce manga. I think that the interesting thing about manga as a creator is that it can be done by a relatively small number of people in a short amount of time, and that it allows you to draw unique and individualistic stories.
Other than that, I would like to use my time as effectively as possible, seeing different places in Kumamoto and having experiences that I can only have here.
I think places like the Artists Village are extremely rare. Moving to a new country and facing the language barrier can be tough, but I think staying here for a while, participating in various projects, and experiencing Japanese life and culture firsthand is a worthwhile experience for you. At the same time, there are also some rules that are different from those in your home country, such as how to use cash and bank books, but since there are editors nearby who are familiar with the rules, you will be able to adapt relatively smoothly, as I did.
Link to Enewald’s original work, “Fragments of the Soul” awarded at the 7th COAMIX’s “Kyushu International Manga Award”
Sometimes I get character ideas from being surrounded by nature and living daily life here in Takamori.
manga creator from Indonesia
The main reason I came to Japan was to learn more about Japanese manga and to gain experience in the life and work of a manga artist. Japanese manga is wonderful. It tells a story through pictures and delivers a thoughtful message to the reader. It is memorable and resonates with the heart. Second, I wanted to learn more about Japanese culture and language. And third, I wanted to make drawing my full-time career, to gain rich experiences and enjoyment, and to make my life more colorful. For me, drawing is something that transcends the boundaries of work or hobby, and is something that I am passionate about above all else.
Before coming to Japan, I worked as an art teacher at a vocational school in my home country while doing freelance manga after work and on my days off. In my home country Indonesia, it is common in manga production to divide the work between the original story and the drawings. Therefore, I also formed a two-person team named DS STUDIO and was the one in charge of the drawings.
I am happy to say that my family supports my decision to come to Japan after COAMIX invited me. My sister loves Japanese anime. My brother loves to draw, and watching him growing up is what inspired me to draw manga.
In Indonesia, Japan is considered a clean and disciplined country. I have felt this while living here in Kumamoto.
There is also a lot of entertainment such as manga, video games, and anime, and the culture is rich. As a lover of horror stories, Japanese yokai are very interesting to me.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where I am from, is a big city plagued by smog.
On the other hand, Takamori in Kumamoto is an environment full of greenery, which is rarely seen in Jakarta. The beautiful nature surrounding me here often inspires me with ideas for our characters.
I like to eat fish dishes here because they are delicious. I also like fried chicken. But…I sometimes think I need a little more habanero pepper, hahaha.
I spend all of my days here drawing. When I’m not drawing, I play board games, go for walks, play baseball with my fellow manga creators, play games, and go shopping. Of course, I also get a good night’s sleep.
There is an editorial staff and a family-like community here, which gives me a sense of security that makes life easy for me.
To create and illustrate heartwarming stories. I also hope to grow as a person through this process.
“Dream as if you will live forever, Live as if you will die today.” If you are not sure whether to come here or not, it is better to come first. Do the best you can do right now!
Link to Tati (as a member of DS STUDIO)'s original work, "Taking Care," awarded and selected to be transformed into a 30-second KURE Engineering anime commercial entitled "The Bicycle Edition," the first in a trilogy of anime commercials entitled "To the Future You.
“Here, I can concentrate on making manga and devote myself to my work. That’s the thing I’m most happy about.”
manga creator from Russia
I came to Japan because I thought it would be a great opportunity to make a career out of drawing manga. In my home country of Russia, the number of young people who read manga is increasing, but the market is not yet large enough to make drawing manga a full-time job. I did not want my manga journey to end as a hobby, so COAMIX’s invitation to come and create manga in Japan was a unique opportunity for me.
On the other hand, I was also anxious about moving to Japan. It’s a long way from my home country and I was not able to speak in Japanese. When I told my family about my intention to go to Japan, they could not hide their surprise. They knew that I had entered the SMA and that I had received good reviews, but they did not expect that I would accept an invitation from COAMIX and decide to move to Japan. Perhaps it was because my family did not know much about Japan, but it was difficult for them to imagine me working in Japan, as the profession of “manga artist” is not yet established in Russia. In the end, however, they knew that I was determined and respected my decision.
I feel that the nature here is rich and wonderful. In particular, the vast starry sky is an inspiring landscape that I wanted to depict in my work during the 2019 Kumamoto International Manga Camp in Takamori. I was also impressed by the view from Daikanbo.
Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture, where the SMA editors took us on a day off, is also a mysterious and unforgettable place.
I am most happy that I can concentrate on my manga here. In my home country, I was working another job while drawing manga. I was so busy I felt that I could not even spare time for commuting and shopping for daily necessities. Also, Takamori Town in Kumamoto is quiet without the noise of urban areas, so I can concentrate on thinking about my original manga and drawing.
The residential buildings are well-equipped for daily life, so it’s easy to live there. The meals prepared by the staff, who are excellent cooks, are delicious, and most importantly, I feel the benefit of not having to spend time cooking and shopping for food.
I get up around 8:00 in the morning and start working in the art studio at 10:00. After lunch, I return to work until about 18:00. If I feel like working after dinner, I may continue. In the evening, I spend most of my time in the residence building watching TV, drawing, or reading.
My goal is to achieve results in the form of a series of my own work or a book.
Don’t be afraid, as I was, and take this as an opportunity to move forward in your career. Also, you can speak English with the SMA editors, and you can take Japanese classes every week, so you don’t need to worry about not speaking Japanese.
Link to Sideburn004’s illustrated work, “Midnight Shadow,” manga based on an original story by Matsuri Mido-sensei, the author of Black Terror and Bloody Sugar Laughs at the Night
“The environment in which I spend time with fellow aspiring manga artists is where I am able to grow and develop.”
manga creator from Indonesia
I have been an active member of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® MasterClass community organized by COAMIX since 2015. Then 1 year ago, I was invited to come to Japan to work as a manga artist.
I feel that there has been a lot of good manga coming out in Indonesia for the past 10 years or so, but there is still a lot of work to be done. However, in Indonesia it is not yet major enough to have a career as a manga artist, so I was hoping to accept the invitation from COAMIX and work as a manga artist in the Artists Village Aso 096k.
My family was happy with my decision, and my friends, who have been supporting me since before I came to Japan, were very kind to send me off.
Japan is one of the countries I have always been interested in, not only for its manga culture, but also for its beautiful nature, kind people, and efficient public transportation system.
When I was in my own country, I preferred to live in the city, but when I started living in Aso, Kumamoto, I discovered the charms of a peaceful life in the countryside.
In Indonesia, I lived in a bustling area and often found it difficult to concentrate on my manga work, but in the quiet Artists Village Aso 096k, I am able to concentrate more on my work. Also, spending time with fellow aspiring manga artists is very stimulating, and has provided me with new insights and material for growth.
As for the food, the meals served in the Artists Village are always delicious and healthy, and I look forward to them every day.
The beautiful scenery surrounding the Artists Village is a great place to receive ideas and inspiration for my creative work. For example, the spectacular view of Daikanbo in Aso and the shape of Mt. Neko were sights I had never seen before. Seeing snow was also a first for me!
I don’t have a set wake-up time, but I usually get up before 9:00 am. When I have time, I exercise before going to work. I usually finish work at 7:00 pm, and afterwards, I go out with other MasterClass members. On weekends, I spend time playing video games and shopping at the nearby supermarket.
I have a goal to be published in COAMIX’s “Comic ZENON.” I want to create something that will make readers think, “This artist loves what they create.” Also, there are many manga works in Japan, so I would like to understand the Japanese language better and discover interesting works. There are many different styles, forms, and genres of manga, and it’s always fun to explore them. What I like about Japanese manga is that the visuals are the most important key to telling a story, rather than relying on dialogue.
The systems, ideas, and procedures for creating manga may be different from those in your country, so please be aware of that! In Japan, I feel that editors are very supportive and approachable to manga artists and give them friendly advice on their work. After reading my interview, I hope that you can be a little more prepared for life in Aso, with its cold temperatures, and look forward to moving in and working at the Artists Village!
Link to MAGE’s original work, “Island of Gods” awarded at the 8th COAMIX’s “Itten Toppa”
Read Herehttps://smacmag.net/v/ittentoppa8/island-of-gods-by-mage/
Whatever is necessary to work as a professional manga artist in Japan. Through dialogue with editors and drawing, you can learn it.
manga creator from Australia
The reason was that I thought such opportunities were rare and found it interesting. I never imagined being able to work in Japan, let alone make drawing manga a profession overseas. My friends and family were delighted and supported me in my activities in Japan.
I’ve liked Japanese manga since I was a child and have been reading it. I think its characteristic is its wide range of expressions. Some are bright, or full of gag, while others are intensely dark and serious. Furthermore, within that gradient, various works jostle together. What they have in common is that they are generally easy to read and have devices that make it easy for readers to enter the world of the work. That’s why I think Japanese manga has become popular worldwide.
It’s a beautiful place with scenic views. From old buildings seen in shrines and temples to cute cafes in the city and seasonal landscapes, everything is beautiful. When I arrived in Japan, it was cherry blossom season, and it was unbelievably gorgeous.
On the other hand, Aso has many cash-only shops, so I, who was used to credit card payments in my home country where they are common, initially had trouble adjusting to this custom. To avoid becoming like me, who takes five minutes to buy a cup of hot chocolate, I recommend consulting others before going shopping (haha).
I think it’s a great place for drawing manga. As a working environment, it offers all the support for both digital and analogue work, and the atmosphere of the workspace and studio is conducive to drawing manga. You can switch between focusing and relaxing freely.
Additionally, it’s great to be able to work with artists from other countries who share the same purpose. While drawing manga is often seen as a solitary job, having fellow professionals nearby allows for considerable support in work. It’s also possible to lighten the mood by joking around with each other.
Furthermore, the staff at the facility are considerate and very flexible. I’ve never felt excluded.
The Artists Village also offers excellent meals. The chefs in the dining hall are fantastic, and the daily meals are always delicious. I personally enjoy sushi, fried chicken, and ramen. Since you can usually decide how much to serve yourself, I ended up gaining more weight than expected (haha).
I wake up around 8 a.m., have breakfast in my room, and prepare for work. If time allows, I’ll read novels or study the Bible.
I start working around 10 a.m. I spend the whole day working in the studio on the second floor of the facility. Lunch is around 12:30 p.m., and dinner is around 6:30 p.m. During this time, I work on drawings or writing at my desk, sometimes having meetings with editors.
After dinner, around 7 p.m., I have relatively free time. If there’s still work remaining, I continue with that. Otherwise, I might play board games with other artists, watch movies in the theater room, exercise at home, or go shopping.
Late at night, I usually call my family and have longer conversations with them.
Additionally, on holidays, I often play games, play the piano in the facility, or engage in activities other than work.
In addition to improving my skills as a manga artist, I want to experience serialization. I’m always conflicted between pursuing what I want to draw as an artist or aiming for something that sells well and is read by many people. However, as I have more discussions with editors, I’ve come to believe that these two goals can be reconciled. Since I am able to draw manga in this environment by coming to Japan, I intend to continue striving for commercial success.
If the timing aligns with your life, I highly recommend it. It’s an invaluable opportunity if you’re interested in making manga production your profession. The staff here warmly welcome us and provide generous support. It’s truly a blessing to be able to work with them.
Link to monotone_ink’s original work, The 25th “Comic ZENON Manga Taisho” Excellence Award: “The Witch of Petrovsky”
Read Herehttps://smacmag.net/v/mc_taisho3/the-witch-of-petrovsky/
“It’s reassuring with my editor right next to me. It is much easier to consult and hold meetings.”
manga creator from the United States
When COAMIX invited me to come to Japan last year, I felt it was a unique opportunity. Being in Japan allows me to work on manga without too much pressure, as everything here is designed to facilitate manga creation.
I’ve had an avid interest in drawing manga since childhood but in my country, I always felt it was difficult to make a career out of it. I think this is because although manga artists are respected by some American manga enthusiasts, in general, the status and scope of professional manga artists has not yet been established.
to go to any shops, so it’s not too different. What I love is the colorful scenery around here. The blue sky, the mountains, and the grassy fields are always surrounding you. There’s an inexplicable aura to Takamori in particular. You feel a sense of unity with its nature—even in practical ways, like how its water is fresh from the tap.
The main difference from before I came to Japan is that it is much easier to have meetings with editors. Many things that were not clear to me when I was in the U.S. and communicating online can be understood immediately when we discuss them here. Having the editors nearby is reassuring and it’s easy to talk to them.
Another difference is the working space. Drawing alone in my room was something that I loved back at home, so I didn’t think I would like working in a room with other people. Turns out that drawing alongside other working artists gives you a huge boost of motivation and working stamina. I actually prefer to draw this way.
The work/life balance is also surprisingly good despite the apartments being so close to the Artists Village. For me, the bistro must be the most convenient feature of the village by far, as I don’t enjoy cooking and have a tendency to miss out on food that’s both nutritional and delicious. The menu is incredibly diverse as well.
I get to the Art Studio on the second floor at around 10:30 and stop working at around 18:30. There are some days that I work longer, but it’s never been a burden for me. Throughout the week, I have time to get my workouts in and explore nearby areas. I love movies, so I make sure to watch them weekly as well—in the Artists Village’s Screening Room, of course!
I think saying that I’d like to publish a series with COAMIX is pretty obvious and it’s indeed a goal I’m striving for. I hope to make the most out of the opportunity of being here. I think this experience in itself is something I have to focus all my attention on and hold special.
If the door is open to you and you have the space in your life to accommodate it, stop thinking and just do it.
Link to yoonmi’s original work, “Forward” awarded with Grand Prix Runner-Up at the 2nd SILENT MANGA AUDITION®
Link to yoonmi’s original work, “Subtle Abstract” awarded at the 6th COAMIX’s “Itten Toppa”
Read Herehttps://smacmag.net/v/ittentoppa6/subtle-abstract-by-yooumi/
“The most wonderful thing is that I get to spend time with artists who have different experiences and backgrounds than I do.”
manga creator from Brazil
I wanted to improve my storytelling skills, which are essential to creating good manga. I thought I could achieve this by working in the Japanese manga market with the support of editors.
I also thought that coming to Japan and being exposed to so many works different from Brazilian culture would be a great source of knowledge and experience. Just as Osamu Tezuka’s early works were influenced by Disney, I believe that absorbing and understanding the best aspects of other cultures’ works can improve my own work and make it more universally appealing to audiences.
It is a beautiful, quiet place surrounded by mountains, and I can’t see this kind of scenery in the urban area of Brazil where I lived. Walking surrounded by nature makes me at peace and full of ideas. Also, the climate in Aso is comfortable for me, whereas in Brazil, it is hot all year round and at certain times of the year it is difficult to concentrate on my creative work.
It’s an excellent environment. The best part is being around artists from different countries with different experiences and backgrounds. It’s a valuable and stimulating experience to meet people you never thought you would meet, and to become friends and talk with them. I also find it wonderful to receive feedback from the editors on my ideas and work. There are editors in Brazil, but unlike in Japan, they do not give detailed feedback to artists.
In terms of facilities, the Artists Village is excellent. The best digital equipment and analog tools are provided. The editors in Kumamoto are very supportive and always ready to help. In addition, we have easy access to the ZENON Editorial Department in Tokyo if needed.
In addition, meals are provided by a professional chef who takes into account our daily nutritional needs, and the menu is also extensive. Onigiri (rice balls) and prepared foods are also always available, so you can eat those meals outside of the scheduled meal times.
I start working at 10 am and usually stay in the art studio until it closes. During lunch and dinner, I reunite with the other artists, all from different countries, to chat and eat together. It’s a vastly rich experience.
I want to become better at creating comics, so I can make a work that captivates the readers.
It requires some bravery and sense of adventure to move to a different country, but if you’re willing to immerse yourself daily in the manga work, you might want to pay the Artists Village a visit, where you’ll find the support needed to focus on your career.
Link to Ichirou’s original work, “Father’s Gift” that was also animated in the movie “Angel Sign”
Read Herehttps://smacmag.net/v/sma2/fathers-gift-by-ichirou/
Everything you see and hear here is a source of inspiration for good manga.
manga creator from Brazil
I came to Japan because I love Japan and Japanese manga, and I saw it as a special opportunity to grow as a manga artist.
I have been a manga fan since I was a child, and at the age of 6, I was exposed to Japanese works such as “Dragon Ball” and “Saint Seiya”, and was hooked. This led me to draw manga with my friends when I was 14 years old.
In my home country of Brazil, I drew manga while doing freelance design work. My family and friends understood my desire to make manga my career and my interest in Japan. So when I was approached by COAMIX and decided to move to Japan, everyone around me was willing to support me.
I think the scenery of this area is very beautiful and I really like the people I have met. There is respect, compassion, hard work, and a great sense of humor. Everything I see and hear here is a source of inspiration for good manga. Everything is information that I don’t have in my home country. For example, unlike Brazil, Aso has snow. The landscape is an inspiration for new stories.
The studio has everything you need for drawing manga. I also find it interesting to work with people of different nationalities in the same space. I also like the greenery around the facility.
I also love the food. Sushi, sashimi, udon, and all the other Japanese food in the cafeteria here is delicious, including the wasabi.
As for drinks, I was surprised by the iced coffee. You can’t find this in Brazil. Other than that, I am excited to try the vending machine drinks.
The residential building is a one-minute walk from the Art Studio, making it easy to come and go, and the rooms are easy to live in. The closets with sliding doors are especially convenient!
I am working on a webtoon series and my own original work, so every day passes quickly in terms of coming up with a story and character development. But I still find time to explore the area around the Artists Village, make plans to go out with my fellow manga creators, attend various events, see movies, and go out to eat at restaurants.
I want to impress as many people as possible by creating and publishing as many manga as possible. I would also like to learn the language and get closer to Japanese culture, as I hope to become a fluent Japanese speaker.
Japanese manga is unique in the way it is produced, and I believe this is at the core of its high quality. It will be a great pleasure for you to learn and draw manga here!
Link to Roberto F. original work, “PLAY” SMA4 Grand Prix Runner-UP.
I’ve made close friends who can understand manga-related work.
It was a detour, but I’m glad that I came here.
manga creator from Kumamoto city, Kumamoto prefecture.
When I received an award for my entry for COAMIX's Kyushu Manga Award, I was approached by the COAMIX staff and was asked to draw a manga featuring the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company that is training at the Artists Village. I thought it would be easier to get my work done and get the group’s references if I stayed close to the facilities. After the negotiations were finished at the end of 2020, I paid my first visit to the facilities in February 2021 and finally made the decision to move in.
Actually, I had visited the place back then when it was still a hot spring spa. Although I was born and raised in Kumamoto city, my current home is not far away from the Artists Village, so I had visited the hot spring spa before with my family. Perhaps the fact that it was not an unknown place to me was also an important factor that made me decide to move in. I started living here from April 16.
The Art Studio contains spacious individual working tables and digital tools, so I would say it’s easy to create manga here. Wi-Fi is also available, so it’s easy to connect with the COAMIX editors in Tokyo.
In my opinion, the best thing about the Artists Village is that it is shared by other manga creators. The work of a manga creator is a peculiar one, and lonely- even for close friends it is difficult to relate. This is not the case for the Artists Village, as I am surrounded by friends who understand every subtle aspect of manga-related work. I am truly thankful for this kind of environment.
The living quarters are also comfortable. On top of having an individual room, there is a common living room and a large washer dryer-combo, a shower, and a large TV. It is easy to live here. There’s no need to worry about electricity costs, so all in all, life here is much nicer compared to living in a single apartment.
As for the meals, they are provided by a professional team that carefully plans three meals per day, so you can enjoy a fully nutritious life here. Before moving here, I tended to get busy right before deadlines, so I had no time to eat, but my eating habits have improved here.
I usually arrive at the Art Studio at 10AM and start with my work. I immerse myself into drawing, so except for my lunch and dinner break I stay there until 9PM, when the facilities close for the day. On my days off, I usually go shopping for daily necessities or I stay at home and draw.
If possible, I’d like to be active as long as possible. I would like to write an ongoing series about the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company or publish a one-shot in COAMIX’s Monthly Comic ZENON magazine. I want to cherish this opportunity of being able to live and work here.
Compared to back then when I lived by myself, I am currently able to pour all my energy into creating manga, thanks to an environment where I don’t need to worry about money or monthly costs.
A self-publishing manga creator friend in middle school invited me to start drawing manga and I continued ever since. I hoped that one day manga would become my job. So for me, who was invited to draw manga at the Artists Village, this environment is truly great. I took a “detour” before I arrived here, but I’m glad that I’m here now. For people who are thinking of working as a professional manga creator, I would definitely recommend this charming place.
Yorifuji’s manga series about moving into the Artists Village “I don't know why but I now live together with 25 girls in Minami Aso - My radical and yet happy life with the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company"
Read Herehttps://comic-zenon.com/episode/3269754496324166374
The place where everyone supports my growth as a manga creator and where I am inspired by artists of many genres.
manga creator from Kumamoto city, Kumamoto prefecture
Before I moved in here, I drew manga and worked part-time at the COAMIX Manga Lab in Kumamoto city. I first sent my submission to a manga competition as a university student, but it was actually my mother who had seen a flyer about the Manga Lab opening in the city and encouraged me to apply for it. I was charmed by the idea that I could be working in an environment that is closely connected to manga, and on top of that, I also liked the fact that it allows artists to bring their own tools.
It was in January 2021 that I first heard about the Artists Village. The idea of immersing oneself in manga without worrying about living costs seemed appealing to me. I wanted to challenge myself by living on my own, so in the following month I went to visit the Artists Village for the first time.
After arriving in Takamori Town, I had no objections about the facilities in the Artists Village. Each living space is arranged so that it can fit six people with private bedrooms. The bathroom and living room are shared by 3 tenants. The shared space is also conveniently equipped with a large-sized TV in the living room and a washer-dryer combo in the bathroom. One thing I am especially happy about is the floor heating system. Compared to my hometown of Kumamoto, Takamori Town is situated under Mt. Aso, and the cold that lasts from winter to spring is definitely something I am not used to.
As for meals, I was surprised to find out that the Artists Village has a professional chef who carefully plans nutritious meals three times per day. I have a feeling that my appetite grew larger ever since I moved here and that I even gained a little weight (haha). Since it is cooked so well, I even grew to appreciate the food that I originally did not like. In such good hands, I’m able to stay healthy during my stay here.
The Art Studio is on the second floor of the Artists Village and has desk divider panels, which allows me to immerse myself in my world. One thing that I find especially useful is my desk is spacious enough to spread out reference material and draw at the same time. I can conveniently let the ink dry on one page and at the same time proceed onto creating a new page. I currently use traditional inking techniques, but there are also digital tools available in the studio, which I am thinking of using in the future.
During my lunch break or coffee break, I go to the lobby on the ground floor and I can hear the drama actresses’ voices as they practice, or the sounds of taiko, a traditional Japanese drum. Through sharing the same space with them, I’m encouraged by the artists who are working hard to master the art of theatre, even though we work in different fields. I didn’t know about this kind of solidarity until I moved here.
I wake up at 7AM and I arrive at work at 10AM. it happens quite often that I only stop drawing manga at 9PM, when the facilities close. After I put down my pen, I return to my room, watch TV, and take a shower. I go to bed at 11PM or midnight. Close to the Artists Village there is a campground and a municipality management office, so the nights are quiet and I can sleep soundly. It is in complete contrast with my hometown, where some kind of noise can be heard at any time.
On my days off I go shopping for daily necessities. The company offers several bicycles and cars to borrow.
I want to become better at creating manga and in the future I aim to publish a manga series.
A certain amount of bravery is needed in order to move to an unknown place and live with people you do not know. That was certainly case in point for me. However, since arriving here I came to realise that this is a place full of people who support me. Every single person here- editors, permanent facility staff, and members of the drama group- everyone contributes to creating an environment that welcomes and encourages me.
If you move into the Artists Village, rent and utilities are subsidized by the company, so you only need to take care of daily necessities. If you are like me and worry about planning and organizing your daily life, then this place might be perfect for you. You don’t have to worry about meals and the Artists Village can give you the foundations to focus on your craft, so if you feel that this might be the right place for you, why don’t you pay a visit and check it out?
Link to Nopiyaka Kozue’s original work, “The Life of Small People” awarded with an Excellence Award at the 2nd COAMIX's Kyushu Manga Award
Read Herehttps://comic-zenon.com/episode/10834108156755282141
Link to COAMIX Manga Lab, in Tsuruya Department Store, Kumamoto city