Kansai Gaidai University (Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture) has launched the special program "Manga Art Institute (MAI) Summer Program 2026" to equip international students with the knowledge and skills for professional manga production. The program runs for approximately four weeks, from June 23 (Tue) to July 18 (Sat), with 29 students from 8 countries participating. Kansai Gaidai University's International Student Center offers a "Manga Techniques" course, which has gained popularity among international students, fueled by the global boom in Japanese anime and manga. The "Manga Art Institute" builds upon this course with an advanced curriculum, positioned as an introductory program for students aiming to become professional manga artists. ▲ 29 participants from 8 countries attended. Led by instructor David Yamato, who teaches "Manga Techniques," the program includes lectures by professional illustrators, guest speeches by manga artists, and fieldwork in Osaka and Kyoto. The aim is to "create original works with a professional and business perspective." ▲ Instructor Yamato, who leads MAI (from the "Manga Techniques" class). ▲ The four-week special program has begun. An orientation was held on June 24, the first day, where Professor Zarker of the International Student Center encouraged the students, saying, "This program has been in preparation for two years. You will have opportunities to fully enjoy Japanese culture, including manga. Please study diligently." The program's content is diverse, ranging from lectures and practical exercises to fieldwork. Students will thoroughly learn the basics of manga production, including story, storyboard and layout design, and paneling, as well as "character design," "screentones," and "typography." Fieldwork will also be conducted at the Kyoto International Manga Museum and Den Den Town in Osaka's Nipponbashi district. Students will receive guidance from professional illustrators and manga artists, along with guest lectures. Ba