Toyo Art School to Host Special Workshop 'Techniques for Drawing and Showcasing Kawaii' with Popular VTuber Illustrator Suimya on June 21

Toyo Art School, an art and design vocational school in Shinjuku, Tokyo (established in 1946, President: Daisuke Nakagomi), will host a special lecture titled 'Techniques for Drawing and Showcasing Kawaii' on June 21, 2026. The session will feature illustrator Suimya (X: @suimya, approximately 192,000 followers), known for character designs such as 'Nekozuki Mio' and 'Watamiya Ahiru'. The event will be conducted in a talk and live painting format and is free to attend by prior reservation.

Background: Growing Demand for VTuber 'Mamas' and 'Papas' and Live2D Education The term 'Mama' in the industry refers to the illustrator who designed a VTuber's original character, while 'Papa' refers to the Live2D modeler who animates a static image. With the globalization of streaming culture, these roles have become firmly established professions.

While educational institutions offering systematic Live2D model production curricula are limited, Toyo Art School is an official participant in Live2D's 'LEAP' (Live2D Education Aid Program). The school focuses on training the next generation of 'design-and-animate' creators by regularly inviting industry professionals for special lectures.

Event Overview - Title: Techniques for Drawing and Showcasing Kawaii: Suimya Special Lecture - Format: Talk and Live Painting - Date: June 21, 2026, starting at 13:30 (Doors open at 13:00) - Venue: Toyo Art School (2-6 Tomihisa-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) - Audience: High school students, graduates, and aspiring vocational students - Fee: Free - Reservation: Prior booking via the school's official website

Why Toyo Art School Focuses on Live2D Education - Continuous Live2D Education Since 2014: As an official LEAP participant, the school began CG animation classes using Live2D in April 2014 in collaboration with Live2D Inc. - First Educational Institution to Adopt 'nizima LIVE': Introduced in 2025, the school has established a system where students can animate their own characters using the facial tracking app. - Industry Exposure: The school exhibited student original Live2D models (16 in total) at Tokyo Game Show 2025 and participated in the annual 'alive' event. - Career Paths of Graduates: Graduates have secured positions at companies including Cygames, ANYCOLOR, f4samurai, Live2D, and Bank of Innovation.