PROFILE Pen Name:Nachi Age: 26 Social network profiles: Instagram: @nachi.g32 Country: Vietnam Favorite manga:Tsubasa (Clamp), Ran and the Gray World, Letter Bee Favorite movie: Interstellar, Amelie Poulain Favorite quote: “More than what meets the eyes.”
“As a beginner, emerge yourself in other professional mangakas’ work. Pay attention to the composition, structures, and how they manage a story.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? The feeling was so unreal for me. I didn’t even know that I won until after my friends had messaged me. Even then, I had to refresh the SMA page again and again to make sure that it was my name on there. After that, it was just a burst of joy, especially since I hadn’t expected to actually win.
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I have always believed in hidden majestic “beauties” of nature. Their aura feels so pure and so gentle at the same time. That’s what draws me towards such encounters between humans and these hidden gems.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? SMA19’s theme was easy at first glance, but hard to fully realize. I did my best to manage the story-telling not only to create an easy-to-follow read, but also to engineer the most perfect and genuine reaction for the main character, especially during the highlight of the story. Every panel on the page had to be carefully structured. Every read and reread was another consideration being made. One usual comment about my work is that it can be too abstract, so I asked my friends to read the manga to see if they could flow with the story as I did.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started drawing manga when I was in the 3rd grade of elementary school. But I only got really serious and paid attention to my work from the start of secondary school. As for advice for beginners, the best thing to do is expand your horizon by emerging yourself in other professional mangakas’ work. Pay attention to the composition, structures, and how they manage a story.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I spent most of my years drawing by hand actually until two years ago when I switched to digital. My go-to digital tools are Photoshop and my trusty Samsung Pad.
What was the first manga you picked up? Doraemon.
Which manga changed your life? Cardcaptor Sakura.
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? This is such a hard question to answer. I would have to say it’s a mix of Mio, Yuuko and Mai from Nichijou. They have such “extra” innerself reactions to everything. Another character that I resonate with would be Miuora Hayasaka from Yotsuba. Like me, she makes a lot of weird toys and she babysits kids by making up unbelievably wild stories.
What kind of manga do you want to make next? I intend to write a story about astronomy.
About you
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I enjoy listening to music, reading books, making arts and crafts, playing video games, … Recently, I’m having a lot of fun watching esports. Particularly, I’m rooting for Identity V’s ZETA DIVISION from Japan. Their positive energy brings me so much comfort.
What industry do you work in (if manga making isn’t your primary job)? I’m a freelance artist. I draw manga primarily, while selling handicrafts. I also work part-time as an art teacher.
Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? I hope to have happily finished my astronomy story. To be honest, I just got back to drawing manga 2 years ago. So right now I’m only looking at short-term goals.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? I did give up on drawing in the past because somehow I always hated my stories after I finished them. However, that decision gave me the time to process everything and I no longer feel the pressure to “draw correctly”. And I found what I wanted to illustrate for myself. That decision to give up ultimately led me to today. So, if I could give advice to my younger self, it would be: “Don’t rush. Spend some time giving yourself a chance to realize what you truly want.”
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Simplicity, positivity, and humanity are the most important elements. They are the keys to every reader’s heart.
Thank you, Nachi! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
July 2023. The 096k (pronounced O’Clock) Kumamoto Drama Company set off for the biggest manga event in all of Europe: Japan Expo 2023 in Paris!
Japan Expo is a fair dedicated to Japanese pop culture, held in Paris, France. Since its first edition in 1999, the number of attendees has continued to grow, reaching 255,000 visitors this year. The audience has enjoyed areas dedicated to manga and anime, webtoons, cosplay, exhibitions, live events, and various other activities related to Japanese culture.
This year, the event grew large crowds from COAMIX, thanks to the presence of the guest of honor, Tsukasa Hojo-sensei (creator of CITY HUNTER and Cat’s Eye), and the096k Kumamoto Drama Company, along with the editors of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®!
The manga has now sold over 900,000 copies in Japan, and the theatrical performance has become increasingly popular with audiences in Kumamoto, where the show is presented weekly. It seemed like the perfect time to show it to the international audience, and there couldn’t have been a better place than France, where manga is published by piccoma Europe, and the love for manga is among the highest in all of Europe.
SMA editorsEnrico and Rose, participated in the festival as representatives and promoters of the Drama Company. They had the opportunity to meet various French publishing houses and promote the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® to a large number of visitors through specially created flyers for the Japan Expo. You can find all the photos and details on the SMA’s Instagram!
As for the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company, the 25 actresses and a large number of staff members performed two types of shows during the four days of the manga and anime festival:
・The theatrical performance “Keiji’s Kabuki Adventure THE STAGE PLAY – Chapter of Kiyomasa Katō: The Tiger of Kumamoto” on the ICHIGO stage (main stage).
・Live performances of traditional Japanese art and anime songs on the SAKURA stage (Japanese cultural performance stage).
◾️The theatrical performance (July 13th and 15th)
For the theatrical performance, the challenge for the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company at Japan Expo was to represent the play “Keiji’s Kabuki Adventure THE STAGE PLAY – Chapter of Kiyomasa Katō: The Tiger of Kumamoto” in just 60 minutes. The show was originally designed for the Japanese audience and had a duration of about 70 minutes. This time, the limited time available for the performance forced the show to be modified and simplified to make it understandable to the French audience… and it was a success that exceeded all expectations!
With the number of spectators increasing from 400 to 1500 in just two days (!!!), the theatrical performance enchanted the French audience with specially created subtitles supervised by an international editorial team, its moving story, and the vibrant energy of the 25 actresses. The stage went beyond the boundaries of the Japanese language and touched the hearts of the new French fans, who showed their support and warmth for the theatrical performance.
Special guests Kumamon (the worldwide famous mascot of Kumamoto) and KUNI-KEN also participated in the two days of the show with their shamisen performances, captivating the international audience. KUNI-KEN Has participated in the Japan Expo countless times before.
The backgrounds will continue to be used in future theatrical performances, so they hope their artistic quality will be appreciated as soon as possible on stage!
◾️Live performance and anime song medley (July 14th and 16th)
In addition to the theatrical performance, the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company also had the opportunity to showcase their Japanese arts specialties to their new French fans, including Japanese drum performances, singing, sword fights, and dance. The performances were accompanied by the opening theme songs from the historic years of Tsukasa Hojo-sensei and Tetsuo Hara-sensei: “Get Wild,” “Cat’s Eye,” and “Ai wo Torimodose!!” They enchanted the audience with the exciting voices and performances of the actresses.
Moreover, given the creator’s special connection with the Kumamoto region, a special cover of “WE ARE!” (the opening of ONE PIECE) was sung on stage, providing a perfect conclusion to these special performances that drew nearly 3,000 spectators over the two days!
During the four-day fair, the French audience got to know more and more about the members of the 096k Kumamoto Drama Company. The actresses were stopped by a large number of fans to take pictures together and to receive direct positive feedback. They sincerely hope to see their French fans again in Kumamoto to relive the emotions they shared this year! They also hope for a large number of manga created in France for the upcoming rounds of SMA!
The 096k Kumamoto Drama Company will continue its performances both in Japan and abroad, hoping to reach as many fans as possible worldwide with the beauty of Kumamoto and Takamori Town and the charm of manga by COAMIX and SMA!
MERCI, JAPAN EXPO!
MERCI, FRANCE!
A BIENTOT (See you again soon!）
HELLO SMA19 AWARD WINNER, ryancomicpress!
PROFILE Pen Name: ryancomicpress Age: Late Twenties Social network profiles: Twitter: @ryancomicpress, Youtube: @ryanime2 Country: United States of America Favorite manga:Yu-Gi-Oh!, My Hero Academia, Chainsawman, Gantz, The Quintessential Quintuplets Favorite movie: Zodiac or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Favorite quote: “So if you need a hero Just look in the mirror No one’s gonna save you now So you better save yourself” -After the Storm by Kali Uchis”
“Focus on the big emotional moment and the build up to it. Don’t make your story too complex and have fun with it.”
About SMA
How does it feel to receive a SILENT MANGA AUDITION® award? It feels like a dream. I’ve never had this kind of success before. I’m so happy!
What was the inspiration behind your awarded work? I’ve had something similar happen to me in the past with stray cats around the neighborhood. I thought that making the protagonist a grumpy old man would be a good foil to the cute cat and help make his overflowing emotion more impactful.
What challenges did you face while making your manga? How did you overcome them? Keeping everything consistent was pretty challenging. I was constantly cross referencing each page with each other to make sure it all looked correct.
How and when did you start making manga? Any advice for beginners? I started making 4 page manga around 2019 on my iPad for fun. My advice would be to start with really small projects first instead of a long series. You’ll learn more that way.
Do you draw your manga digitally or by hand? What are your go-to digital or analogue tools? I draw my manga digitally on the desktop and the iPad. My go-to digital tool is Clip Studio Paint. I use the basic pens.
What was the first manga you picked up? It might have been a volume of Shonen Jump I got at my middle school book fair.
Which manga changed your life? It’s probably Bakuman. Or Naruto. Or Yu-Gi-Oh!
Which manga character do you most identify with? Why? Kaiji from the manga series Kaiji. He loses more than he wins but he keeps enduring no matter what.
What kind of manga do you want to make next? Something with action in it!
About You
What do you do when you’re not making manga? How do you relax? I try to work on other creative projects like animation or watercoloring or streaming myself playing Yu-Gi-Oh. Where do you see your manga career in 5 years time? Hopefully successful enough to have financial stability and to go eat at a nice restaurant every week.
What manga making advice would you give to your younger self if you could? Just start. You’ll get better over time. You have to fail a bunch of times before you see even a sliver of success. It’s okay to fail. JUST START NOW. DON’T WAIT. STOP PROCRASTINATING. GOGOGOGO!!!!!!
What advice would you give to people entering the SILENT MANGA AUDITION®? Focus on the big emotional moment and the build up to it. Don’t make your story too complex and have fun with it.
Thank you, ryancomicpress! We’re eagerly expecting your next manga masterpiece!
Two MasterClass Members Finalists in Manga Taisho Contest! Two members of the SILENT MANGA AUDITION® MasterClass are finalists in Monthly Comic ZENON’s 26th Manga Taisho: nemuisemi from Ukraine and Andrea Jen from
Argentina!
“Marmoris” is created by SMA18 Grand Prix Runner-Up nemuisemi. The manga follows Olivia, a girl tormented by the sea with no memory of her past,
and Adelia, a member of a mystical race of fox-people who have a unique gift for magical potions’
creation and medicine. Will coming together bring them happiness, or will the trauma of the past and
wounds too deep to heal tear them apart?
“The Lady Afraid of Flowers” is created by SMA-EX1 Grand Prix Runner-Up Andrea Jen. Working earnestly on her family farm, Jasmine is hindered by a crippling fear of
flowers, despite wanting to enjoy their beauty. Her life is changed when she encounters her kind
neighbor Samuel, but something sinister and more terrible than Jasmine’s fear is lurking in the
shadows…!
“Monthly Comic ZENON’s Manga Taisho” (lit. “The Great Manga Audition of Monthly Comic ZENON”) is ZENON’s oldest contest where Japanese
newcomers can prove themselves DIRECTLY to their future fans with a 39 page entry. Manga Taisho is
not only judged by manga legends such as Tsukasa Hojo-sensei and Tetsuo Hara-sensei, but also judged
by booksellers and the general public in order to evaluate the marketability of the entrants. Andrea
Jen and nemuisemi follow monotone_ink, Laica Chrose, Enewald, and Momo Sanse as international creators discovered by the SMA Editorial Dept. who have reached the finals of the
prestigious Manga Taisho, which allows you, the SMA Community, to READ and VOTE for their manga!
Both Andrea Jen and nemuisemi’s manga will be available for review by Japanese and international
readers from today July 7th until July 14th,11:59 (JPN time) on the Comic ZENON website.
3 – Fill the form with YOUR name and vote for an entry HERE
That’s it!
We’re looking forward to reading your opinions and reactions! *The English versions of “Mamoris” and “The Lady Afraid of Flowers” will be published on the
SMA website in the future! Kyushu International Manga Award
Want to challenge yourself beyond silent manga? Submit an up to 39 page one-shot manga with dialogues to the “Kyushu International Manga Award”, a Japanese manga contest hosted by COAMIX Inc. and get your chance to be published in a Japanese manga magazine!!
About the “Kyushu International Manga Award”
The “Kyushu International Manga Award” manga contest is open exclusively for international creators and creators from Okinawa and the Kyushu region in southern Japan in order to support local manga creators locally. Rather than silent manga, entries with Japanese dialogue are judged by the ZENON Editorial Dept. and manga artist guest judges, and the winners’ entries are published in the Japanese manga magazine Monthly Comic ZENON alongside worldwide hit manga. Kyushu International Manga Award winners go on to work towards their series debut, just like how winners Enewaldandmonotone_ink are doing with us at the Artists Village Aso 096k, as well as Poodpoopsie, Plushelisa, and monami are doing with us remotely!
Application Requirements
・Applicants must be residents of the Kyushu/Okinawa area or outside of Japan (regardless of nationality).
・Entries must be works that have not been published in a commercial magazine.
・Any genre is acceptable.
・Entries in the story manga category should be no longer than 39 pages, and entries in the 4-panel manga category should be no longer than 10 pages.
・Submit by set deadlines (Japan Standard Time): November 20th or May 20th
Prize Money (may be subject to change)
・Grand Prix: 1,000,000 yen + support towards a series debut offer (in one of the following media: Monthly Comic ZENON, Web Comic Zenyon, or Comic Tatan)
・Entries should be drawn on B4 size paper with a basic frame of 270mm (length) x 180mm (width) and a margin of at least 20mm (width), drawn with black ink or sumi ink (or monochrome/grayscale if working in digital). If there is text over the drawing, cover the drawing with tracing paper and write in pencil over it.
・The data should be uploaded in PSD or TIFF format with integrated layers, and a resolution of 600 dpi or higher for monochrome/grayscale 2-bit.
・Entries done on paper should be scanned and digitized with a 300 dpi resolution.
・Each page must be numbered.
・The reading order is from right to left and dialogue should be written in Japanese (the use of machine translation is permitted).
Submission Method
Upload your work via the designated Google Form (in Japanese) or in case of any further questions, contact us via the following address: sma_info@coamix.co.jp.
Please write the title of the work, name (with your pen name, if any), age, occupation, telephone number, address, brief personal history, and publication history inside your email. We can’t wait to read your manga masterpiece!!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #5: Ichirou
PROFILE Pen Name:Ichirou Country: Brazil Favorite manga:20th Century Boys, AKIRA
“The most wonderful thing is that I get to spend time with artists who have different experiences and backgrounds than I do.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
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.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
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.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
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.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
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.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to become better at creating comics, so I can make a work that captivates the readers.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
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.
Thank you, Ichirou! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #4: yoonmi
PROFILE Pen Name:yoonmi Country: United States Favorite manga:Haikyuu!, orange, Goodnight Punpun, The Way of the Househusband, Soredemo Boku wa Kimi ga Suki
“It’s reassuring with my editor right next to me. It is much easier to consult and hold meetings.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
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.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
It’s the first time I’m living in the countryside. Still, it was normal for me in my home city to require a car 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. How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
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.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
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!
What are your goals for the future?
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.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
If the door is open to you and you have the space in your life to accommodate it, stop thinking and just do it.
Thank you, yoonmi! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #3: Sideburn004
PROFILE Pen Name:Sideburn004 Country: Russia Favorite manga:My Hero Academia, BLEACH
“Here, I can concentrate on making manga and devote myself to my work. That’s the thing I’m most happy about.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
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.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
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.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
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.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
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.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to achieve results in the form of a series of my own work or a book.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
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.
Thank you, Sideburn004! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #2: MAGE
PROFILE Pen Name:MAGE Country: Indonesia Favorite manga:Witch Hat Atelier, Delicious in Dungeon, Golden Kamui, Arte
“The environment in which I spend time with fellow aspiring manga artists is where I am able to grow and develop.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
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.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
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.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
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!
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
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.
What are your goals for the future?
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.
Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
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!
Thank you, MAGE! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
Meet the Artists Village MasterClass #1: Enewald
PROFILE Pen Name:Enewald Country: Finland Favorite manga:ONE PIECE, Witch Hat Atelier, Berserk, Land of the Lustrous, 20th Century Boys
“With both editors and manga creators being right next to me, I feel welcome being part of the community.”
What made you decide to come to Japan?
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 Inc., 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.
What is your impression of Japan, Kumamoto, and Aso?
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.
How do you feel about the Artists Village Aso 096k’s location in Kumamoto as an environment for drawing manga? What’s your impression of the living environment and food?
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.
What does an average day at the Artists Village look like for you?
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).
What are your goals for the future?
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. Please give a message to those who are thinking about working at the Artists Village Aso 096k!
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.
Thank you, Enewald! We’re eagerly awaiting your original manga debut!
Learn more about how YOU can join the Artists Village and create manga with us!
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