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Fukuoka Design School and Aqua Star: A Creative Partnership

On October 24, 2025, the Fukuoka Design & Technology School partnered with Aqua Star to host a final presentation event for a collaborative educational project. This initiative, aimed at second-year students in the Comic Illustration and Manga department, sought to blend academic learning with industry practice.

During the online event, thirty-two students shared their creative efforts spanning four months, showcasing an impressive array of character designs. The most outstanding works were recognized, with Akari Sanada and Mizuki Yano taking home the prestigious top awards. Their creations will soon be integrated into Aqua Star's own content, "Ura Ginza Tsukumo-bando," which promises to enhance the vibrant world of digital storytelling.

Voices from the Award Winners

Akari Sanada expressed a newfound enjoyment in character design:
"This project helped me discover the joy in character creation, which I previously found challenging. I feel inspired to create even more engaging characters."
Mizuki Yano echoed similar sentiments, stating:
"I learned the importance of crafting concepts that align with our target audience. Additionally, I enjoyed the process of trial and error throughout this project, making it a valuable experience during my student years."

A Peek Inside 'Ura Ginza Tsukumo-bando'

The award-winning project, "Ura Ginza Tsukumo-bando," functions as a character card communication tool available on smartphones and web platforms. Set in a back alley of Ginza, it allows users to collect character cards of Tsukumogami, showcasing fascinating backstories and artistic narratives.

This digital platform effectively combines Aqua Star's strengths in visual design and digital technology, offering a unique experiential content that moves beyond mere observation. With nearly fifty diverse characters, each created by Aqua Star's talented illustrators, the project exemplifies the potential of visual media to engage users.

For more information, visit Aqua Star's official site: Ura Ginza Tsukumo-bando.

The Significance of the Project

The foundation of this initiative lies in enhancing students' abilities to interpret intentions and translate them into visual forms. With the growing prevalence of chat tools and social media, it has become increasingly essential for students to hone their skills in comprehending context and intentions accurately. Facing real-world challenges and presenting their results to industry experts serves to train them as creators ready to thrive in a professional setting.

Insights from Project Coordinators

Yuki Mori, Head of Visual Works Department at Aqua Star, remarked on the dedication shown by the students and educators:
"We're grateful for the participation of students and faculty from Fukuoka Design School in this contest. The presentations from our two winners communicated their intentions and thoughts powerfully, and it was incredibly inspiring to witness their creativity firsthand."

Furthermore, Hideki Hayashi from the Fukuoka Design School highlighted the valuable experience gained by students:
"Through this corporate project, students were tasked with interpreting how to visually solve real-world problems faced by Aqua Star. They received constructive feedback throughout the process, which enriched their learning experience. The importance of expressing creative intent was emphasized during presentations, leaving a lasting impact on their development as future professionals."

About Fukuoka Design & Technology School

Fukuoka Design & Technology School focuses on turning creativity into professions, offering 21 specializations that include game design, e-sports, and cutting-edge technologies. Recognized as a vocational training school by the Minister of Education, the institution collaborates with over 1,300 companies to provide practical and industry-ready training. Students gain firsthand experience through real-world projects, honing their professional skills in dynamic environments.

About Aqua Star Corporation

Founded in 1991, Aqua Star specializes in visual production, focusing on storyboards and illustrations. Since 2020, the company has expanded into digital realms by engaging in anime, game illustrations, and web marketing. Aqua Star tackles promotional challenges using the power of visuals, participating in over 5,000 projects annually. Their mission is to convey complex ideas clearly and compellingly, creating content that resonates with audiences.

For inquiries, please contact Aqua Star's Public Relations representative, Kamiya.