Summary of “Manga Workshop” by Hiroko Oda in 2024
1. Overview
In 2024, manga artist Hiroko Oda launched her Manga Workshop, which quickly gained popularity both in Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa) and abroad (Bulgaria, Congo, and India). These workshops aim to foster cultural exchange and creative expression through manga art. Below is a summary of the activities from 2024:
- Number of workshops: 28 (9 at mf collection gallery, 11 at Cafe Hahaco, 3 in collaboration with local governments, 5 abroad)
- Locations: Tokyo, Okinawa, Bulgaria, Congo, India
- Audience: Ranging from preschoolers to adults of diverse nationalities
- Formats: Online and in-person
Participants learned everything from the basics to advanced techniques in manga-style illustration, including character design, drawing poses, and coloring methods tailored to individual needs. In Bulgaria, workshops featured English presentations on the history and recent trends in Japanese manga culture.
2. Key Features
- Workshops in Japan,Bulgaria,India,Congo:
Held both in-person and online, these workshops welcomed participants of various nationalities and skill levels. - Participant Growth:
Many attendees returned for multiple sessions, improving their skills over time. Some explored unique art styles and dynamic poses. Parents and children often participated together, influencing each other’s styles. - Multi-Generational Participation:
- Children reported enjoying the creative freedom and learning useful drawing tips, leading to a high repeat rate.
- Adults found the workshops refreshing, saying they provided a rare opportunity to focus deeply on drawing.
3. Voices of Participants
- First-Timers: Successfully created expressive characters even during their initial participation.
- Repeat Attendees: Progressed significantly with each session, mastering challenging poses, intricate linework, and digital coloring techniques.
- Digital Art Exploration: Increased use of tablets enabled participants to experiment with features like layering, achieving effects like jewel-like highlights in eyes.
- Family Bonding: Parents who initially joined as spectators became deeply involved in creating art alongside their children.
Highlights included sisters drawing Demon Slayer characters together and original works with distinctive Chagall-inspired coloring.
4. Future Prospects
- Continued Monthly Workshops: Ongoing monthly events, often fully booked, with additional workshops held 3–4 times a month by request from local governments and businesses.
- Exhibition Plans: A participant artwork exhibition is scheduled for April 2025 to showcase their achievements and provide new opportunities for networking and learning.
5. Conclusion
Hiroko Oda’s Manga Workshop, launched in 2024, has exceeded expectations, becoming a platform for cross-cultural and intergenerational exchange. Beyond improving artistic skills, participants gained focus, joy, and a sense of accomplishment.
Looking ahead, collaborations with tourism agencies, local governments, and international organizations are planned, promising even broader horizons for these workshops.
