Private Intensive Manga Program ‣ DEOW Japan

Apply now for:: Flexible dates
Deadline to apply:: Approx. 28 days prior to start

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, originating in Japan, has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide. With its popularity rising, many non-Japanese individuals are eager to learn the craft. Japan, as the birthplace of Manga, offers unparalleled opportunities for aspiring artists.

The Japanese comic industry is strong, with specialized organizations and educational institutions nurturing talent and fostering connections within the industry. To provide for the growing interest, the Japan Study Abroad Network presents a Private Intensive Manga Program, available online and in person. This unique course, conducted in English, personalize instruction to each student's level, goals, and preferences, maximizing their learning experience. Made by DEOW, the program adopts a practical, coaching-style approach, focusing on practice and skill development to empower students to create Manga independently.

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

Inquire about this school

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

Explore Tokyo’s rich history and vibrant culture through personalized tours of its iconic districts. From the traditional charm of Asakusa to the energetic atmosphere of Shibuya and the otaku hub of Akihabara, our small group tours cater to your interests, ensuring a memorable experience tailored to you.

Shibuya and Harajuku, renowned hotspots in Japan, symbols modern youth culture. Shibuya boasts iconic landmarks like the Hachiko statue and the bustling Shibuya Crossing, a global spectacle of pedestrian traffic. It’s a shopping haven with major department stores and the famous Shibuya 109 fashion outlet. Nearby, Harajuku captivates with its vibrant street fashion, trendy cafes, and eclectic art scene, making it a must-visit destination for fashion enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

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 – 31 Hours Total)	¥292,402
Manga Kit*For Standard Analog Program	¥20,000
Accommodations (Optional)	¥85,000
Airport Pick-up (Optional)	¥35,000
Q&A Session with a Professional Japanese Manga Editor (Optional)	¥8,000
Total	¥413,250
Total with Tax and discount (3%)	¥440,938

*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.