Manga / Animation Design Schools (Professional Training Colleges) in Japan
In this article, from among the numerous vocational schools in Japan, we feature Manga / Animation Design Schools. Some schools have voice acting departments as well. Most design schools have a 2-3 year curriculum. We list some design schools that accept foreign students. Please keep in mind that, in addition to language proficiency, there are several other requirements for studying at Japanese vocational schools. For more information, please read this article.
What is a manga / animation design school?
Manga and anime vocational schools are strong in terms of job placement in the entertainment industry. They provide opportunities to learn from active professionals, engage in practical studies, and develop the skills demanded by the industry.
Curriculum in a Manga/Animation Vocational School:
In manga/Animation vocational schools, the curriculum is designed with beginners in mind, so it often starts with the basics of drawing, such as figure drawing and sketching. Students also learn how to draw characters, backgrounds, and other elements, enabling them to have a solid grasp of illustration by the time they graduate.
Many schools also offer classes on drawing manga using digital software. In addition to technical skills, students also learn about storytelling, character development, and dialogue creation. In this way, they can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to become manga artists within 2 to 3 years.
Advantages of attending a manga vocational school and the difference from self-study
For individuals aspiring to become manga artists, some may consider studying manga on their own and making their debut. However, there are advantages to attending a manga vocational school that cannot be obtained through self-study. Here are three benefits of attending a manga vocational school:
Access to debut support
The biggest advantage is the availability of debut support. Manga/Animation vocational schools offer unique forms of support, such as having editors from famous publishing houses visit the school to review students' works or the possibility of having manga created during the program published as books. The nature of the support provided may vary depending on the school, so it's beneficial to compare the debut support offered by different institutions.
Instruction from professional manga artists
By attending a manga/animation vocational school, you can receive direct instruction from professional manga artists. Vocational schools teach fundamental techniques such as tool usage, drawing methods, and story development.
On the other hand, as an assistant, you would mostly receive guidance for intermediate to advanced level skills, such as having your manga reviewed and receiving advice. Moreover, becoming an assistant requires a certain level of basic skills, so if you want to learn manga from scratch, studying at a vocational school is recommended.
Building connections within the industry: Manga vocational schools attract numerous manga artists and editors who provide guidance to students. By interacting with professionals from various publishing houses, you can establish connections and determine which publishing house is the best fit for you.
Furthermore, by connecting with industry professionals, you expand the possibilities of making your manga debut.
Japanese Manga / Animation Design Schools Accepting International Students
Each school offers different curricula, please visit the respective school's website for details. There are of course more schools beyond those listed below, so please search with this list as well.
Manga / Animation Design Schools in Hokkaido
Sapporo Manga, Animation & Voice Actor College (Hokkaido)
Departments: Animation Design, Manga Design, Voice Acting
Duration: 2 years
https://www.smg.ac.jp/td/for-foreign/
Manga / Animation Design Schools in Tokyo, Kanagawa
Nippon Designer School (Tokyo)
Departments: Illustration, Graphic Design, Comprehensive Design, Visual Design Major, Comprehensive Illustration, Interior Design, Comic Creation, Manga
Duration: 2-3 years
Tokyo Animation College (Tokyo)
Departments: Animation, Manga and Illustration, Voice Acting
Duration: 2-3 years
https://www.tokyo-anime.jp/ryugakusei/
Yokohama Digital Arts College (Kanagawa)
Departments: Media creative sector, Design, Games and computer graphics, Music
Duration: 2-3 years
Yoyogi Animation Gakuin (Tokyo)
Departments: Animation, Creation
Duration: 2-3 years
https://www.yoani.co.jp/global/
Manga / Animation Design Schools in Aichi, Niigata, Osaka
Aichi Zokei Design College (Aichi)
Departments: Illustration and picture books, Comic Art, Manga creation
Duration: 2 years
Japan Animation & Manga college (Niigata)
Departments: Animation, 3DCG Animation & Games, Character Design, Game Graphics, Comic Illustration, Manga Creation, Manga Illustration and Characters
Duration: 2-3 years
Osaka Anime / Voice Actor & e-Sports Professional Training College (Osaka)
Departments: Digital Design Technology, Animation Technology, e-Sports and Game CG
Duration: 3-4 years
Manga / Animation Design Schools in Ehime, Fukuoka
Kawahara Design and Art College (Ehime)
Departments: 3DCG Game and Animation, Graphic Design, Manga Creator
Duration: 2 years
Aso Pop Culture College (Fukuoka)
Departments: Games, CG, Animation, Manga, Illustration
Duration: 2-4 years
Fukuoka College of Design and Technology (Fukuoka)
Departments: Novel & Scenario, Comic Illustration & Manga, Animation, CG, e-Sports, Games etc.
Duration: 3-4 years
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