LEGIKA and Nihon Kogakuin Collaborate for Creator Development
On June 18, 2025, the non-profit organization LEGIKA, known for its manga creator development project "Tokiwa-so Project," and Nihon Kogakuin, a leading vocational school, signed a partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the cultivation of new creators in the fields of manga and animation. This collaboration coincides with the upcoming opening of the new facility, "Kamiikedai Tokiwa Soul Room," which is set to house 55 studio rooms beginning July 1, 2025.
This agreement marks a significant step toward expanding the educational opportunities for aspiring creators by establishing a Manga and Animation Department at Nihon Kogakuin's Kamata and Hachioji campuses, offering both four-year and two-year courses. Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to reside in designated facilities such as the Kamiikedai Tokiwa Soul Room, allowing for deeper immersion in creative work and an enriched learning environment.
The partnership will promote a variety of initiatives including student residency, participation in events and contests organized by the Tokiwa-so Project, and support for debut and employment opportunities. As more professional creators and aspiring artists engage in collaborative projects, the importance of thriving within a high-quality community is becoming increasingly clear. This alignment aims to develop cooperative skill-building programs that provide superior education and opportunities for all involved parties.
Overview of the Partnership
- - Agreement Date: June 18, 2025
- - Objectives: The partnership focuses on various initiatives related to the Tokiwa-so Project and LEGIKA's Regi Studio, including:
1. Recruitment and residency of Nihon Kogakuin students at Tokiwa-so Project facilities.
2. Participation of Nihon Kogakuin students in events organized by the Tokiwa-so Project.
3. Development programs for participants of the Tokiwa-so Project and Nihon Kogakuin students.
4. Involvement of students and participants in various contests.
5. Support for the debut and employment of participants and students.
6. Assistance in the creation of creative works by both groups.
7. Other relevant matters as necessary, as determined by the parties involved.
The collaboration will extend to both Nihon Kogakuin College and Nihon Kogakuin Hachioji College.
About Nihon Kogakuin
Founded in 1947 in Ota City, Nihon Kogakuin is one of Japan's largest comprehensive vocational schools, catering to modern industries such as broadcasting, computing, and entertainment. With campuses in Kamata, Hachioji, and Noboribetsu, it serves around 10,000 students across diverse fields including gaming, animation, media, music, design, IT, technology, and sports. The institution is also home to the Tokyo University of Technology, which accommodates approximately 8,000 students in its six faculties.
Kamiikedai Tokiwa Soul Room
- - Location: 5-37-8 Kamiikedai, Ota City, Tokyo
- - Number of Rooms: 55
- - Developer: Tokyu Corporation
- - Management: LEGIKA
- - More Info: Kamiikedai Tokiwa Soul Room
Overview of Tokiwa-so Project
The Tokiwa-so Project aims to nurture lasting professional manga creators by providing an environment where participants can live, compete, and create together, focusing on team growth through a psychologically safe community. The project has produced several notable manga artists and continues to foster new talent through a structured approach to collaborative development.
About LEGIKA
- - Organization Name: Nonprofit Organization LEGIKA (Legika)
- - Location: 5-5-15 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
- - Established: October 30, 2009
- - Services: LEGIKA operates two primary services—Regi Studio for high-quality manga production and Tokiwa-so Project for manga creator development.
- - More Info: LEGIKA Official Website