Manga Inking Experience at ZENON in Kichijoji | Finish a Classic Scene with a G-Pen

Try Inking at the Home Base of Manga Publisher Coamix

This experience is run by Coamix Inc., a manga publisher. Based at CREATORS LOUNGE ZENON and the neighbouring Gallery ZENON in Kichijoji, Tokyo, the company shares the appeal of manga and anime with visitors.

In the workshop, you'll use a G-pen and ink, the same tools used by professional manga artists, to finish a scene of manga. Over about two hours, you'll add your own lines to an official under-drawing prepared for the experience.

Your finished piece is framed for you to take home. You also keep the G-pen and ink you used, so you can enjoy drawing again once you're back home.

First, Choose the Manuscript You Want to Draw

The pages you'll ink are official under-drawings from series whose rights are managed by Coamix. You choose the one you'd like to draw from the prepared manuscripts, including Fist of the North Star, City Hunter and Record of Ragnarok.

You might pick a favourite character or a scene that stuck with you, or choose a page with fine detail you'd like to take on. Because you follow the under-drawing, you can focus entirely on the inking.

Learn How to Use the Tools and Set Up Your Filming

Before you start, staff explain how to use the G-pen and ink. They show you how to hold the pen and how to draw lines, so even first-time G-pen users can take part.

If you'd like to record the process, set your own smartphone on a filming stand. Filming equipment is available to borrow.

Shooting a time-lapse lets you look back at the lines building up on the page in a short video. If you get it ready before you begin, you can concentrate on drawing.

Now, Ink the Manuscript with Your G-Pen

Dip your G-pen in ink and draw along the under-drawing. The thickness of the line changes with how much pressure you use, so go slowly and get a feel for it.

Fine strands of hair, the expression around the eyes, bold outlines. Drawing them one by one, you may start to notice the detail in the manga you usually read.

Building up lines with your own hand to complete the page is the highlight of this experience. You get to spend unhurried time with a scene from a series you love.

Take Home Your Framed Artwork, G-Pen and Ink

You receive your finished manuscript in a frame. It's a lovely feeling to be able to hang a piece you drew while travelling right on your wall at home.

You can also take home the G-pen and ink you used. Back home, you can try out the techniques you learned that day once more.

Relax in the Lounge After the Experience

Afterwards, you can relax in a lounge lined with manga and art books, enjoying a drink or a snack. Take time to admire your finished piece, or compare results with your companions.

Next door, Gallery ZENON hosts manga and anime exhibitions and sells related merchandise. If you're interested in the displays, check the current exhibition details and admission conditions, then consider combining a visit with your workshop, before or after.

FAQ

■ Can beginners take part? Yes. Before you begin, staff explain how to use the tools. People with no manga drawing experience, and those using a G-pen for the first time, are welcome.

■ Which languages are supported? Descriptions are available in English, Chinese and Japanese.

■ How long does it take? The booking plan takes about two hours.

■ Do I need to bring my own tools? The G-pen and ink are provided. If you'd like to film the process, please bring your own smartphone.

■ What can I take home? You can take home your framed artwork, plus the G-pen and ink you used in the workshop.

Things to Check Before You Book

• Date and start time
• Meeting point (2-11-1 Kichijoji Minamicho)
• Duration of about two hours
• Languages available for the explanation
• Which series you can choose from
• Preparing your smartphone for filming
• Clothing you don't mind getting ink on
• Carrying your souvenirs and framed artwork
• Whether children can take part
• Change and cancellation conditions

This is a group experience, and you meet at the venue. Prices, hours and plan details may change, so please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

Why not add your own lines to a scene from a favourite manga? At ZENON in Kichijoji, you can experience the manga-making process with a G-pen and ink.

After about two hours of focused drawing, your finished piece sits in its frame. You can take the tools home too, so your trip to Tokyo might just spark a love of drawing manga.

For details and availability, see the Kichijoji Manga Inking Workshop.