Japan Manga & Culture
Summer Program
An international manga and anime summer program in partnership with Osaka Sogo College of Design in Osaka, Japan.
Learn manga illustration, character design, and storytelling while experiencing Japanese creative culture.
Who Runs This Program
This is a structured educational program, not a tour. The program is organized by Red Fire Capital (Coto de Caza, California) in partnership with Osaka Sogo College of Design, and professionally managed by experienced program staff to ensure a safe, supportive, and meaningful learning experience for students.
International Manga Summer Program
This program is organized by Red Fire Capital through a U.S.βJapan educational partnership, bringing students together for an immersive manga and anime learning experience in partnership with Osaka Sogo College of Design, one of Japan's respected professional design schools.
Partner School in Osaka
Students attend classes at Osaka Sogo College of Design, a respected professional design school in Osaka with decades of experience in manga, animation, and creative arts education. During the program, students learn directly from professional Japanese manga and anime artists in real studio classrooms.
Professional Staff Supervision
Experienced program staff support students throughout the program β from arrival in Japan to departure β providing guidance during travel, classes, excursions, and daily activities.
Osaka Sogo College of Design
Students attend this program at Osaka Sogo College of Design in Osaka, Japan. Students attend classes in professional design studio classrooms and learn directly from experienced Japanese manga and anime artists. The college has a long history of educating creative professionals in manga, animation, and visual arts.
Learn about the school β
9-Day Itinerary
Program Schedule
June 13β21, 2027 Β· Osaka, Japan
Day 1
Arrival & Orientation
Students arrive in Osaka, check in, and meet fellow participants. The program begins with an orientation, safety briefing, and an anime-themed icebreaker activity. Students are introduced to their creative project for the program.
Day 2
Manga Foundations & Character Design
Students learn the fundamentals of manga drawing, including line work, facial expressions, and character movement. They create their own original anime character and develop its personality and story.
Each student completes an original character design.
Day 3
Storytelling & Manga Panels
Students learn how to build a story and organize manga panels. They begin creating their own short manga and participate in guided peer feedback sessions.
Students complete a first draft of their mini manga.
Day 4
Advanced Techniques & Project Development
Students develop skills in composition, character movement, and background drawing. They refine their manga structure with guidance from instructors.
Students strengthen both their artwork and storytelling.
Day 5
Anime Culture Immersion
Location: Den Den Town (Osaka's anime district). Students explore anime shops, manga stores, and figure stores through a guided activity. They visit locations such as Animate and experience authentic Japanese anime culture.
Day 6
Anime Experience Day
Option A: Visit an anime-themed cafe Β· Cosplay experience and photos.
Option B: Visit Universal Studios Japan Β· Experience Super Nintendo World and other attractions.
Students choose Option A or Option B during registration. Universal Studios Japan admission is included.
Day 7
Final Project Development
Students focus on completing their final manga projects with guidance from instructors. They refine their artwork, finalize story details, and prepare their work for the final showcase.
Day 8
Showcase & Dotonbori Night Experience
Students present their final manga projects, receive certificates, and take group photos.
In the evening, students visit Dotonbori, Osaka's famous food district: street food tasting (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen), night photo spots, and cultural exploration. Students stay with their assigned staff group at all times.
Day 9
Departure
Students prepare for departure and are transferred to the airport.
Note: The program schedule may be adjusted based on weather, operational needs, or other circumstances. Activities may be reordered, replaced, or modified when necessary to ensure the best experience for participants. June is Osaka's rainy season, so indoor backup activities are planned for every outdoor day.
For Parents
Safety & Supervision
We understand that sending your child abroad is a significant decision. Below is a detailed overview of how we keep students safe throughout the program.
Student Supervision
- Adult chaperones accompany students during all travel and excursions
- Group travel during all activities β no solo outings
- Hotel supervision and a nightly curfew enforced by staff
- Students are never left unsupervised in a foreign environment
- Alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and drugs are strictly prohibited
Medical Support
- Staff are prepared to assist students if medical care is needed
- Students provide emergency contact and medical information before departure
- Japan has excellent, accessible healthcare in Osaka
- Students with medical needs are accommodated with advance notice
Communication with Parents
- Parents receive direct contact information for program staff
- Students have access to communicate with parents throughout the trip
- Program updates and photos shared with families during the program
- Emergency contact procedures clearly communicated before departure
Tuition & Fees
Program Pricing
One program fee covers everything listed under "What's Included." Items under "Not Included" are the family's responsibility.
Program Fee
Early bird price available until January 31, 2027
Per student Β· 9 days / 8 nights Β· Spaces are limited
What's Included
- Tuition and manga/anime instruction at Osaka Sogo College of Design
- Shared hotel accommodation for the full program (8 nights)
- Daily breakfast and lunch, plus group dinners listed in the itinerary
- Airport pickup and drop-off at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Local ground transportation in Osaka for all scheduled activities
- All scheduled cultural activities, excursions, and admission tickets (including Universal Studios Japan if Option B is chosen)
- Standard art supplies and materials for class
- Translation and language support
- 24/7 on-site supervision by program staff
- Graduation certificate
Not Included
- International airfare (Japan's Β₯3,000 departure tax is included in airline tickets)
- Travel and health insurance (required β proof must be submitted before departure)
- Passport and visa fees
- Meals and snacks outside scheduled group meals
- Personal spending money, souvenirs, and optional activities
- Medical, dental, or emergency expenses
Application does not guarantee enrollment. Spaces are limited.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
If a participant cancels:
More than 30 days before the program start date:
Full refund minus a $300 administrative fee.
15β30 days before the program start date:
50% of the program fee will be refunded.
Within 15 days of the program start date:
Program fees are non-refundable.
If the organizer cancels:
If the program is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, participants receive a full refund of all payments made to the organizer.
Events outside our control:
If the program is canceled or changed due to events outside our control (such as natural disasters, pandemics, or government travel restrictions), program fees will be refunded minus any non-recoverable costs already paid to third parties.
The organizer is not responsible for airfare or other travel costs. Full terms are in the Program Participation Agreement.
Enrollment
How to Apply
The enrollment process is straightforward. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
Submit Student Information
Complete our online registration form with your student's personal, medical, and contact information.
Review Program Policies
A parent or guardian reviews and acknowledges the program's participation guidelines, supervision policies, and code of conduct.
Complete Payment
Pay the program fee in full by May 10, 2027 to reserve your student's seat. Your spot is secured as soon as payment is received.
Receive Travel Information
Enrolled families receive a detailed preparation packet including packing lists, flight coordination instructions, and staff contact information. Please send us your child's flight details by May 24, 2027.
Getting There
Flight & Arrival Information
Families are responsible for booking international flights to Japan. After enrollment, the program will provide a recommended group flight for arrival in Osaka.
Book Your Own Flights
Each family is responsible for booking their child's international flights to Japan. After enrollment, a recommended group flight will be provided.
Arrive at KIX β June 13, 2027
All students should arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka on Sunday, June 13, 2027, between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Japan time.
Airport Pickup for All Students
Program staff will greet students at the airport and provide transportation to the hotel. No student will travel alone after arrival.
Details Sent to Families
Recommended flight info, meeting location details, and arrival instructions will be sent to enrolled families by mid-May 2027.
Booking Your Flight
Each family is responsible for booking the student's international flight to Japan.
To simplify airport pickup and group travel, we will provide a recommended flight itinerary after enrollment.
Students are strongly encouraged to book this recommended flight so that airport pickup and group transportation can be arranged smoothly.
Families may also book alternative flights if necessary β airport pickup will still be arranged, but pickup times may vary.
We recommend booking early to secure the best airfare.
Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX)
All students should arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka on Sunday, June 13, 2027. Please land between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM Japan time.
Program staff will meet students at the airport and accompany them to the hotel.
Detailed arrival instructions and meeting location information will be sent to families before the program begins.
Airport Pickup & Transportation
Program staff will greet students at the airport and provide transportation to the hotel.
Students arriving on the recommended group flight will travel together with staff.
Students arriving on other flights will also be accommodated whenever possible, though pickup timing may vary.
On departure day, Monday, June 21, 2027, staff escort students to KIX. The group leaves the hotel at 8:00 AM, so please book return flights departing after 11:30 AM Japan time.
No student will be required to travel alone after arrival.
Arrival Information for Families
Closer to the program start date, families will receive:
- Recommended flight information
- Airport meeting location details
- Emergency contact information
- Arrival instructions for students
- Please email your child's flight details (airline, flight numbers, arrival and departure times) to japanese.manga.school@gmail.com by May 24, 2027.
This ensures a smooth and safe arrival process for all participants.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Email us at japanese.manga.school@gmail.com
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Questions? We're happy to help parents and families learn more about the program.
- β’ Questions about the program or curriculum
- β’ Visa invitation letter requests
- β’ Accommodation or medical questions
- β’ Payment plan inquiries
- β’ Flight coordination assistance
WeChat ID:
Diegolelezhou
