J-Subculture News

 Manga culture isn't a Japanese thing anymore. Manga created by non-Japanese is seen at many locations both in Japan as well as outside of Japan. However, we still want to speak up proudly Japanese Manga is on the cutting edge.

Japanese manga is more detailed in frame layout and depiction than foreign manga (Created by non-Japanese). Before you know it you are into the world of Manga. Perhaps the diligent and careful nature of the Japanese people is reflected in Japanese Manga. This is one of the secrets why Japanese Manga keeps having much attention internationally.



The very first Japanese Manga appeared in the Heian-era(平安時代). The Manga is totally different from the current Manga though, it's said that this is the initial base of Manga. This shows the lives of people in the Heian era by anthropomorphizing animals.

In 1946, after WWII, "Sazae-san" created by Machiko Hasegawa began to be a series in a manga magazine, which became an entertainment to support post-war reconstruction. And what surprise is Sazae-san in anime has continued to be on the air today!

In the '90s, the recognition of Japanese manga increased dramatically with the success of "Sailor Moon". Sailor Moon shows Japanese school scenes and Japanese daily sceneries such as streets, shops, and parks, which was an opportunity to attract the curiosity of non-Japanese. Following this, many Japanese Mangas you may have known, Dragon-ball, Naruto, ONE PIECE, Attack on Titan, DEATH NOTE, for example, were introduced outside of Japan.



Therefore, non-Japanese Manga Artist is not that rare outside of Japan anymore. On the other hand, becoming a Manga Artist in Japan is a super high competition for even Japanese! There are about 5,000 Manga Artists in Japan who have their work published in magazines or other media. When you see this number, don't you think it's a larger number than you think? But the chance of success is just 1%. If there are 1,000 apprentices, only about 10 of them will win an award and make their debut in magazines. And the actual path to the debut is not easy at all. In this competitive Manga field in Japan, do you know there are some non-Japanese Manga Artists?



Giuseppe Durato（Peppe）



The title of the Manga "Mingo" is the name of the main character. And Mingo is based on his own experience of the Manga Artist, Peppe. Mingo is an Italian guy, loving Japanese Anime, Manga, and idols. He comes to Japan to find a place where "he can be himself". Despite his cool Italian face, he sucks at talking to girls. He does his best to be popular by following the advice "Japanese girls like Italians who look like Italians", however, he gets confused and spins his wheels. Peppe was actually on TV as a member of TERRACE HOUSE in 2019. His love never came to fruition in TERRACE HOUSE though, many girls watching this TV show got melted down by his coolness.



Åsa Ekström



"Nordic Girl Åsa discovers the Mysteries of Japan"

This Manga is originally from an essay manga that she posted on her personal blog. Many Japanese readers find her drawings of Japanese culture, customs, and behavior from a foreigner's perspective very unique. One of the factors that made it popular is her cute feminine design, which looks like it is drawn by a Japanese Artist at first glance.

What brought her to Japan was actually "Sailor Moon"! She is one of those people who got into the first Japanese Manga boom. Her Manga has achieved more than 220,000 copies so far.