With their diverse genres and storylines, manga have become the bestselling comic books in the world. Through expert-led classes, enter the Japanese comic book universe in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and artistic capital. Experiment with Japanese visual storytelling techniques in character design, plotting, and sketching, discovering your own creative process, from concept to creation.
Meet manga artists and industry professionals. Trace the history of manga at Kyoto International Manga Museum and Kozanji Temple, which houses the Choju Giga, a thirteenth-century scroll thought to be the origin of Japan’s manga heritage. Team up with other Global Navigators to create your own short manga project—inspired by your adventures in Kyoto!
It won’t be hard to find story ideas exploring iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine and Nijo Castle and bustling downtown markets like Nishiki. On excursions, travel to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka and to Akihabara, the heart of manga culture in Tokyo. In and out of Kyoto, you’ll dive into the world of manga while living your own exciting densetsu (story).
Looking for a longer term program? Check out our trimester, semester, or academic year programs for high schoolers.
Graduating high school soon? Visit the CIEE First Year Abroad and CIEE Gap Year Abroad pages to learn more about our post-graduation options.
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