#Japan #Shibuya #illustration #Maki Ashiya #watercolor

Discover Your Creativity with Maki Ashiya

On March 21, 2026, the Nihon Designer Gakuin in Shibuya, Tokyo, will host an exciting open campus event aimed at high school students with a passion for design, illustration, manga, and animation. This campus experience not only provides prospective students with insights into creative career paths but also allows them to interact with current students and engage in educational discussions.

Watercolor Workshop Details

During the event, attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a watercolor illustration workshop led by the celebrated illustrator and author, Maki Ashiya. Known for her exceptional ability to capture light, atmosphere, and warmth in her works using transparent watercolors, Ashiya began her artistic journey in earnest in 2016 and has since made significant contributions to the art education community.

In the workshop, Ashiya will cover several essential topics for budding artists:

• - Composition and Color Theory: How to create engaging illustrations that stand out.
• - Handling Watercolors: Techniques for mastering different watercolor materials.
• - Expression Techniques: Unique approaches to expressing moods and themes through transparent watercolor.

Participants will have hands-on experience by adding color to Maki Ashiya’s line drawings, providing a practical and enriching learning experience.

Workshop Schedule

• - Date: March 21, 2026 (Saturday)
• - Time: 13:45 - 15:45
• - Location: Nihon Designer Gakuin, Shibuya, Tokyo
• - Cost: Free (Advance registration required)
• - Registration Link: Register here

Meet Maki Ashiya

Maki Ashiya is not just an illustrator; she is an artist who creates pieces that evoke feelings of lightness and warmth through her watercolor techniques. Since starting her career, she has contributed to publications such as Seasonal S and has been involved in various workshops as an instructor. In April 2023, she began teaching at the Nihon Designer Gakuin, sharing her expertise with the next generation of artists. You can follow her on X (previously Twitter) @a0z0o0 and Instagram @p0azo0q.

About Nihon Designer Gakuin

The Nihon Designer Gakuin, part of Kure Gakuen Educational Institution in Shibuya, Tokyo, is dedicated to nurturing creators in fields such as design, illustration, manga, and animation. The school's founding philosophy, articulated by the first principal Fumio Yamana, emphasizes the belief that "beauty resides in the details," guiding students as they cultivate their skills and sensibilities. The institution focuses on a Real Education model that mirrors professional environments, ensuring students learn under the same standards as industry professionals through hands-on creative experiences.

In response to the evolving educational landscape, Nihon Designer Gakuin employs a blended learning approach, maximizing the benefits of both in-person and online education. Their commitment to expanding creative education extends beyond Japan, with active initiatives unfolding in Malaysia, aiming to build a framework where Japanese creativity can be shared with the world and global creativity learned within Japan.

Explore more about the Nihon Designer Gakuin and their programs at Nihon Designer Gakuin and Nihon Photography Arts School.