#Germany #Düsseldorf #LEGIKA #Manga #DoKomi

Legika Studio's First Overseas Editorial Office in Germany

Legika, a non-profit organization headquartered in Tokyo's Shinagawa district, has made great strides by hosting its inaugural overseas manga editorial office at DoKomi 2026. This event, held from May 29 to 31, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Germany, is the largest manga, anime, and Japanese culture convention in the country. With support from Wacom, the editorial office aimed to develop emerging manga creators and provide valuable insights into their work.

Unveiling the Potential of Young Creators

The editorial office serves as a venue for manga editors to evaluate the works of aspiring artists, facilitating industry discussions and discovering new talent. Given that DoKomi attracts thousands of manga and anime enthusiasts and creators from around the globe every year, this initiative by Legika marked a significant step in bridging the gap for aspiring professionals in Germany who often find it challenging to pursue careers in the manga industry.

This year's DoKomi expanded its venue to 306,000 square meters, approximately 2.64 times the size of Tokyo Big Sight, and sold out a record 230,000 tickets, showcasing the growing popularity of Japanese pop culture in Germany. Legika's editorial office attracted numerous aspiring manga artists and creators from Germany and surrounding countries, providing a platform for them to bring their works and discuss their careers with editors.

Engaging in Meaningful Dialogue

Participants had the opportunity to bring their own works and engage in discussions around creativity and career development. Editors from Legika provided constructive feedback and advice, creating an environment of lively exchanges. An AI-powered translation app aided communication, allowing for discussions in both Japanese and German.

As interest in Japanese manga culture continues to rise, this initiative provided a valuable opportunity to connect with passionate creators and witness the expanding landscape of commercial creative activities abroad.

Staff Insights from the Event

A staff editor remarked, “DoKomi feels like it's evolved into a different kind of comic convention compared to what we see in Japan. Both participants and attendees seem to enjoy the freedom of expression whether through their manga creations or through cosplay.” This freedom is evident in the original works brought to the event, many influenced by well-known Japanese content like Studio Ghibli and Vocaloid.

Additionally, Legika COO Kazutaka Kozaki noted, “We realized that the language barrier is exceptionally significant for manga enthusiasts in Europe. Although German-speaking content is abundant, many young creators struggle with English, making interactions difficult. However, with the help of AI translation apps, conversations became smoother, showcasing a breakthrough in overcoming these barriers.”

Connection with German Publishers

The presence of “MANGA” alongside “COMIC” in German bookstores indicates an increasing interest in Japanese manga. This trend was reinforced by the rising participation numbers at DoKomi. Legika was able to engage with local creators and publishing industry representatives, discussing the future prospects of the market.

Expanding Creative Support Initiatives

While Legika has primarily operated within Japan, this experience at DoKomi highlighted a demand for Japanese manga production and editorial knowledge from creators abroad. Moving forward, Legika aims to broaden its connections to talented creators regardless of location, promoting a collaboration that links Japanese manga to international markets through programs such as the Tokiwa-so project, which nurtures manga artists.

Conclusion

In its mission to support manga creators worldwide, Legika Studio is dedicated to fostering new talent and creating opportunities that bridge the gap between Japan and the international community. The success of its first overseas editorial office is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in expanding the reach of Japanese manga culture.