Kansai Gaidai University Launches Special Program "Manga Art Institute" for International Students to Master Manga Production

Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture) has launched the special program "Manga Art Institute (MAI) Summer Program 2026" to equip international students with the knowledge and skills for professional manga production. The program runs for approximately four weeks, from June 23 (Tue) to July 18 (Sat), with 29 students from 8 countries participating.

Kansai Gaidai University's International Student Center offers a "Manga Techniques" course, which has gained popularity among international students, fueled by the global boom in Japanese anime and manga. The "Manga Art Institute" builds upon this course with an advanced curriculum, positioned as an introductory program for students aiming to become professional manga artists.

▲ 29 participants from 8 countries attended.

Led by instructor David Yamato, who teaches "Manga Techniques," the program includes lectures by professional illustrators, guest speeches by manga artists, and fieldwork in Osaka and Kyoto. The aim is to "create original works with a professional and business perspective."

▲ Instructor Yamato, who leads MAI (from the "Manga Techniques" class).

▲ The four-week special program has begun.

An orientation was held on June 24, the first day, where Professor Zarker of the International Student Center encouraged the students, saying, "This program has been in preparation for two years. You will have opportunities to fully enjoy Japanese culture, including manga. Please study diligently."

The program's content is diverse, ranging from lectures and practical exercises to fieldwork. Students will thoroughly learn the basics of manga production, including story, storyboard and layout design, and paneling, as well as "character design," "screentones," and "typography."

Fieldwork will also be conducted at the Kyoto International Manga Museum and Den Den Town in Osaka's Nipponbashi district. Students will receive guidance from professional illustrators and manga artists, along with guest lectures.

Based on the lectures, exercises, and fieldwork, participants will create a portfolio. The completed collection of works will be exhibited and sold at conventions as a demonstration of their learning achievements.

▲ Instructor Yamato (left), who is leading the program, spoke about the mindset for participation.

▲ "I look forward to working with you for the next four weeks," they said during self-introductions.

Kelly (USA), who has been studying abroad at Kansai Gaidai for a year since the fall semester of 2025, taking manga-themed classes, said, "I love shonen anime and aim to become a professional manga artist. I am interested in all the scheduled lectures and am very excited."

Noraan Walre from the university's partner institution, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, said, "My university professor introduced me to this program. I want to improve both my analog and digital skills, and I hope to leverage this course for business expansion as I am considering expanding my business."

Instructor Yamato, who is in charge, expressed his expectations for the students: "The foundation of manga study is creative writing. It is essential to always be aware of the reader and communicate with them. When creating a work, students will be thoroughly encouraged to think about what they want to convey to the reader."

[Contact Information]

Kansai Gaidai University Public Relations Department

Phone: 072-805-2817 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, excluding Sundays and holidays)

E-mail: press@kansaigaidai.ac.jp

Kansai Gaidai University

Official Website: https://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp

▲ Nakamiya Campus

"GO FOR it! Beyond Language."

Kansai Gaidai University utilizes its global network, which extends to 428 universities in 55 countries and regions (as of June 2026), sending approximately 1,300 students abroad annually. The university welcomes around 1,100 international students each year across its two campuses in Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, fostering daily international exchange.

Building on language proficiency, the university offers an educational system that integrates diverse specialized fields such as culture, politics, and economics as "plus alpha" components. Students can pursue various learning paths, including the "USCPA Pathway Program" aimed at obtaining U.S. Certified Public Accountant qualifications, tailored to their individual interests. Students acquire specialized skills beyond language, cultivating the solid capabilities needed to meet the demands of the evolving era and society.