As global excitement for anime and manga continues to surge and fuel the passionate international fan culture reshaping storytelling and sharing worldwide, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles welcomes professional manga artist Kazuo Maekawa for an interactive, hands-on workshop at JAPAN HOUSE and also at Anime Expo. Known for his work on the Ace Attorney series, Maekawa’s special sessions will offer a rare opportunity to learn directly from a working manga creator.

In this engaging workshop, attendees will be given professional insight into the core principles of manga creation, explore character design, expressive facial storytelling, panel composition, pacing, and the techniques artists use to guide readers through emotion, action, and timing. Participants will also gain valuable context for the cultural roots of manga in Japan and the evolution of its storytelling methods alongside the global rise of anime and animation.

A key focus of the session is the creation of a 4-panel comic, known as a “yonkoma.” A yonkoma is a classic Japanese comic format made up of four sequential panels, typically arranged vertically, designed to deliver a complete story in a compact and highly structured form. Each panel plays a specific narrative role from setup, development, twist, and punchline, creating a concise storytelling rhythm that is both efficient and impactful. While often comedic, yonkoma is also widely used for slice-of-life moments, character-driven storytelling, and emotional beats.

Under expert guidance, participants will create their own original yonkoma comic from concept to completion, learning how to transform ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives within a limited space. Whether you’re a beginner, an aspiring illustrator, or a lifelong anime and manga fan, this workshop offers a rare chance to practice authentic industry techniques while joining a global celebration of anime and manga culture.