About the program

In this four-week program, guided by Japan-based professional artists and manga instructors, participants will learn about narrative composition, the technical application of inkwork, and character concept development for manga. Beyond technical training, the lessons will also explore the reasons behind the success of manga media by examining Japan’s cultural landscape.

All lessons are designed to help each participant identify their strengths as an independent creator in today’s media environment. Through the exploration of the mangaka’s multidisciplinary role as an illustrator, graphic designer, novelist, and screenwriter, the project-driven lessons aim to help each participant discover their personal approach to manga creation and beyond.

About Kansai Gaidai University

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to participate in the Manga Art Institute, you must meet the following criteria.

• Be enrolled in a Bachelor’s or graduate degree program at Concordia.
• Have a minimum 2.70 cumulative GPA (CGPA).

Program Dates

June 23 – July 18, 2026

Program courses

Week 1: Writing for Manga

Build a strong foundation in storytelling and manga language. Students explore narrative structure, manga history, panels and transitions, storyboarding, and introductory inking techniques.

Week 2: Design & Illustration

Focus on character development and visual expression through life drawing and character illustration. The week includes Kyoto fieldwork, offering cultural and artistic inspiration.

Week 3: Studio Practice

Apply learned skills through manga production and illustration projects. Students participate in guest lectures and Osaka fieldwork, while open studio sessions support independent creative work.

Week 4: Presentation & Showcase

Complete final projects and prepare for presentation. The program concludes with a convention-style showcase and completion ceremony.

Cultural Experiences

Learning extends beyond the classroom through carefully planned cultural activities:

• Educational fieldwork in Kyoto and Osaka
• Exploration of Japan’s creative and cultural landscapes
• Interactions with local university students

These experiences help students better understand the cultural context of manga and contemporary Japan.

Estimated costs & bursary

Host institution fees: JPY 600,000 (approximmately $5300 CDN)

Program fee includes: 

• Tuition to Kansai Gaidai
• Housing
• Cultural & social activities 

Additional costs: Program fee quoted above does not include airfare and airport taxes; local transportation costs; travel insurance; visas; meals; personal expenses . Participants are responsible for paying these.

Quebec Mobility Bursary

To help with the costs of going abroad, Concordia offers a $1,950 CAD Quebec Mobility Bursary to students.

To qualify, you must be a Concordia student enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program and approved to participate in the summer school program. 

Important to note: 

• You must submit a Quebec Mobility Bursary application. 
• Approved students will receive the bursary payment upon arrival and reception of the mandatory Confirmation of Arrival form.
• Details on the payment of the bursary will be sent to successful applicants.  

Contact Concordia International if you have any questions about the Quebec Mobility Bursary. 

Accommodations

Participants will stay in a single-room at on-campus international residence called YUI (結). The facility accommodates international students as well as selected local students. It is the place where students from various cultural background meet and interact as a community.