Manga University’s founding company, Japanime, marks its 15th anniversary this year. For the past decade and a half, we have given manga-and-anime fans throughout the world access to the resources and tools they need to create their own works of art.

Today, “Manga University” is synonymous with “How to Draw Manga."

What began as a small toy store in Kawaguchi City, Japan, on February 26, 1998, has evolved into the world’s leading publisher of English-language educational manga. The Manga University publishing imprint was up and running within two years of our company’s launch. We published our first book, How to Draw Manga: Getting Started, in October 2000. Four years later, the first books in our award-winning Kanji de Manga series — now nine volumes strong — were released. 

By the end of our 10th year in business, we had published more than three-dozen critically acclaimed titles, including the best-seller Manga Moods, the sweeping pictorial Samurai Confidential and the American Library Association Top 10 selection The Manga Cookbook. Plus, we've given dozens of amateur manga artists an opportunity to enjoy international exposure through our popular Manga Without Borders books.

The past five years has seen even more exciting MU offerings, including a full complement of free online drawing tutorials and our low-cost, anyone-can-do-it Manga University Home Study Course.

But while we are taking this moment to remember our accomplishments, we’re certainly not resting on our anime accolades. We’re hard at work on several exciting projects, including new How to Draw Manga books and other Japanese-themed learning materials. We're certain the next 15 years to be just as exciting as the previous 15 years!

Thanks to everyone who has supported us over these years. You’ve always been there for us, and Manga University will continue to be here for you!