Manga, a term that represents a style and tradition of comics and cartooning developed in Japan during the late 19th century, has spread in global popularity the last few decades. As the artform increases its profile and influence on popular culture comics, animation, film, and art academics, many Illustrators and academics are becoming interested in learning the craft, and unique aspects of the artform. What better way of exploring the culture of manga and it's many intricacies than traveling to its birthplace, Japan, and interfacing with an institution that specializes in teaching the craft?

This course will take place on the campus of Kyoto Seika University, a partner institution of RISD with a full-fledged Manga, Anime, and Illustration undergraduate and graduate program, led Kyoto Seika faculty and RISD faculty members, multidisciplined artist Eric Telfort (Associate professor, Illustration), and graphic novelist Cat Huang (term appointment, Illustration). Participants will engage in a 3 week intensive cultural exchange experience where they will work alongside student peers at Kyoto Seika, learn traditional Japanese illustration techniques, research the range of manga genres, and meet with leading professionals from the Japanese publishing world. Museums, historical landmarks, and location scouting will provide further cultural context as students develop an appreciation for the influences of manga. While on campus students will develop a 4-page manga, as part of an anthology of short stories by students from RISD and Kyoto Seika, to be printed at a later date. In addition to group critiques, feedback will be provided by RISD and Kyoto Seika faculty, as well as invited professionals from the local publishing community.