For many aspiring artists, the dream of becoming a professional mangaka—a manga artist—feels out of reach. The Japanese manga industry is competitive, often leaving international talent wondering how to break in. But now, a groundbreaking initiative in Zimbabwe is opening the door for those who want to learn how to create a manga and even explore how to become a manga artist in Japan. This is a great innovation championed
The NFT Manga Project: A Bridge Between Zimbabwe and Japan
Launched at the Otakukon Anime Festival 2025, the NFT Manga Project brings together Zimbabwean talent and Japan’s established manga market. Spearheaded by Zaif INO, a Japanese NFT platform, in partnership with Jitsugyo no Nihonsha, a Tokyo-based publisher, the project’s goal is simple yet powerful: connect African creators with opportunities to publish manga for Japanese and global audiences.
How It Works
Artists in Zimbabwe are invited to submit their manga concepts and completed works. Selected projects will receive professional editorial guidance, digital publishing support, and distribution through NFT technology. Minting manga as NFTs ensures that creators not only share their stories with the world but also retain ownership and earn royalties when their work is sold or collected.
For artists asking themselves, “How do I become a mangaka?” or “What’s the first step in learning how to create a manga?”—this project provides practical mentorship, publishing expertise, and a direct pipeline to Japan’s manga community.
Why This Matters
- Pathway to Becoming a Mangaka: Aspiring creators gain first-hand experience in how the manga publishing process works, including editing, digital production, and audience engagement.
- Learning How to Create a Manga: Participants receive guidance that sharpens their storytelling and artistic craft—two key pillars in becoming successful manga creators.
- Opportunities to Become a Manga Artist in Japan: With support from a Japanese publisher and visibility on an international NFT platform, Zimbabwean artists gain unprecedented access to the Japanese manga market.
- Financial Sustainability: By selling manga as NFTs, artists create a revenue stream that grows as their works are collected and resold globally.
Otakukon: A Launchpad for Manga Dreams
The choice to announce the project at Otakukon Anime Festival was no coincidence. As Zimbabwe’s largest anime and manga convention, Otakukon gathers thousands of fans who are passionate about Japanese pop culture. The NFT Manga Project tapped into this energy to highlight that Zimbabwean creators don’t just consume manga—they are ready to contribute original stories to the global industry.
How to Get Involved
The NFT Manga Project is currently accepting submissions until September 30, 2025. For Zimbabwean artists who have always wondered how to become a mangaka, this is a chance to take your first step. Whether you’ve just started sketching characters or you already have a short manga draft, this project gives you the tools, support, and exposure to grow.
Visit the Call out Page Here
Final Thoughts
Becoming a manga artist in Japan might seem like a distant dream—but initiatives like the NFT Manga Project prove it’s possible to bridge that gap. For Zimbabwean creators and anyone in Africa with a passion for manga, this project offers a unique chance to learn how to create a manga, publish internationally, and take the first steps toward becoming a mangaka.