Manga publisher to give up to ¥2 mil. to debuting mangaka
11:36 JST, December 21, 2022
Shogakukan Inc. will offer manga artists who debut in its weekly magazines up to ¥2 million per series as a part of a financial package to support struggling new mangaka amid the rising cost of living.
Those who release their debut manga in Shukan Shonen Sunday or Shukan Big Comic Spirits will be able to receive the package. The financial support, which is separate from the prize money given to the most notable new mangaka, is expected to attract attention and bring in new talent.
Having a serialized manga in a printed weekly magazine is said to be very demanding compared to an online magazine, especially for new mangaka as it is difficult to take time off.
To produce about 20 pages a week, a mangaka needs to hire about three assistants and rent a work space.
“Many new mangaka cannot support themselves solely on the income that their manga brings in,” said Kazunori Oshima, editor-in-chief of Shukan Shonen Sunday.
Takanobu Ishida, editor-in-chief of Shukan Big Comic Spirits, said the company plans to make it easier for new mangaka to debut by offering them financial support to create a more comfortable work environment. Ishida said mangaka are “the treasures of a manga magazine.”
More than 10 mangaka will debut in the two weekly magazines a year, so at least ¥20 million is expected to be given away next year. A serialized work created by a mangaka who was supported by the financial package is set to start next spring at the earliest.
"Culture" POPULAR ARTICLE
-
Japan Anime Film ‘The Colors Within’ Directed by Naoko Yamada Portrays Teen with Synesthesia, Friends’ Search for Identity Though Music
-
Maison Yoshiki Makes Paris Debut During City’s Fashion Week; Yoshiki Plays Piano as Models Walk Runway Near Eiffel Tower
-
Nature’s Splendor on Display at Tokyo Museum; Seasonal Designs Depicting Water, Moon
-
KLP48 Debuts in Malaysia, Overseas Sister Group of Beloved Japanese Pop Idol Group AKB48
-
Paris Fashion Week Features Innovative Japanese Brand CFCL; Uses 3D Programming, Recycled Materials to Minimize Waste
JN ACCESS RANKING
- Harris Widens Lead over Trump to 47%-40%, Reuters/Ipsos Poll Finds
- Japan-S. Korea Exchange Festival Held in Seoul
- Japan Trying to Draw Digital Nomads, Who Are Seen as Beneficial to Economy, Society
- JICA Employee Suspected of Leaking Info on ODA Project in Manila; Bidding for Railway Renovation May Have Been Impacted
- Asukayama Monorail in Tokyo: Free to Ride!