Kumamoto Fosters Future Creators Through Innovative High School Exchange
A groundbreaking educational partnership is unfolding in Kumamoto Prefecture, where Amakusa Technical High School’s Information Technology Department (CG Series) and Takamori High School’s Manga Department are collaborating to nurture the next generation of content creators. This initiative, supported by Digital Art Amakusa (an organization backed by ORENDA WORLD), marks a significant step towards developing diverse creative talent from regional Japan.
The first phase of this exciting collaboration took place on December 2, 2025, with an exchange class hosted by Takamori High School’s Manga Department. Students from Amakusa Technical High School’s CG series immersed themselves in the specialized knowledge and techniques of manga production, broadening their artistic horizons.
Unpacking the Content Industry’s Present and Future
The exchange class featured a compelling lecture by Shuichi Mochida, President of Kumamoto Coamix Inc., who delved into the current landscape of the entertainment industry and the intricate techniques of manga creation.
Mochida-san meticulously analyzed the state of Japan’s content industry, presenting data on domestic and global market sizes and growth rates. He emphasized that the industry finds itself at a pivotal crossroads: a golden opportunity presented by the expanding global market, juxtaposed with the looming challenge of a shrinking domestic market due to Japan’s declining birthrate. It’s a delicate balance, like a tightrope walk between a booming global stage and a shrinking domestic audience, where the development of creators and the establishment of supportive environments are paramount for the industry’s survival and growth.
He further elaborated on the power of manga, introducing globally popular character information, Coamix’s manga awards, and Takamori High School’s unique manga department curriculum. Mochida-san highlighted the strategic advantages of nurturing creators in regional areas like Kumamoto, passionately advocating for young people’s potential to create something from nothing and spread its value across the globe.
Mastering the Art of Manga Expression
The latter half of the session transitioned into practical skill guidance, focusing on manga-specific expressive techniques—a distinct contrast to the 3DCG skills the Amakusa students typically hone. The instruction covered crucial elements such as
