Osaka School of Art
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Learn to draw Manga
in Osaka

World-class manga education in the heart of Osaka, Japan. Train under published Mangaka. Build your portfolio. Launch your career.

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Our Story

A School Built by Artists
for Artists

The Osaka School of Arts is the first of its kind, offering a manga teaching program primarily focused on allowing foreign students to learn directly from a professional mangaka in Japan. Our school is located one minute away from Tanimachi 6-Chome and 15 minutes from Shinsaibashi, and is one stop away from Osaka Castle. Through our school, you can have the unique experience of living and learning in Japan.

Even if you have zero knowledge of drawing, our ABC program can take you from nothing to hopefully publishing your work as a real mangaka! The goal of our school is to make your dream of becoming a mangaka come true! Come join a community of like-minded artists and begin your life in Japan. Our school even offers a Japanese language learning course. We will assist you in every step to ensure that your stay in Japan is a smooth and successful process.

“I built OSA because I wanted to create a place where artists could learn and grow together while experiencing all that Japan has to offer.”

— Sean Ngo, Founder

Master the Craft

Rigorous, structured training from fundamental inking to full chapter production, designed and taught by a working artist.

A Global Community

A studio built for artists from every corner of the world, learning side-by-side in the heart of Osaka.

Study Abroad in Japan

Enrollment in a qualifying program supports your Japanese Student Visa application, making your creative journey a full cultural immersion.

Real-World Curriculum

Every lesson is built on professional practice: the same techniques, tools, and workflow used by working Mangaka today.

Visit Us

Located in the Heart of Osaka

Directly next to Tanimachi 6-chome station and walking distance to Osaka Castle

Campus Address

Osaka School of Art

English

Earls Tanimachi 4F-W, 6-4-6 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0012

日本語

〒542-0012 中央区谷町6-4-6 アールズ谷町4階W

See what our students and visitors are saying about their experience at OSA.

Access

  • •1 minute walk from Tanimachi 6-chome Station (Subway Lines)
  • •15 minutes from Shinsaibashi
  • •One stop from Osaka Castle Park

Click the map to open in Google Maps and explore nearby stations, restaurants, and landmarks

Our Facilities

Your Studio in Osaka

OSA's campus is located in Tanimachi, Osaka, one minute from Tanimachi 6-chome station. The classroom is equipped for both traditional and digital manga production, with amenities designed to let you focus on your art.

Open house event at OSA
A closeup of the OSA building from outside
Computer station
OSA studio view
Classroom overview with tables
Painting station
Corner table with Japanese prayer items
Wall with plants
OSA signage
Studio bookshelf with manga and art books
Windows with a view outside
Windows with a view outside
Greenery area
Student work
OSA building from outside
Seating area

Traditional & Digital

Fully stocked for both pen-and-ink and iPad/Clip Studio Paint workflows.

Private Desk Booths

Each student works in their own booth — privacy and focus are built into the space.

Manga Library & Lounge

A collection of manga and board games in the lounge area for breaks and inspiration.

Flexible Learning Hours

We're here to help you succeed with different class times available.

Arles Tanimachi 4F-W · 6-4-6 Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0012 · 1 min from Tanimachi 6-chome · 10 min from Shinsaibashi

Our Programs

One School. Three Paths.

Our instructor reviews your portfolio and places you in the program that fits you best. The cultural visa is granted for 1 year and renewable up to 4 years — enough time to go from complete beginner to professional debut.

A — FoundationB — CraftC — Industry
Program A — Start from zero. Build a real foundation.
ABeginner

Program A

Start from zero. Build a real foundation.

Designed for those with little to no drawing experience. The course teaches shape, light, value, and composition, then progresses to figure drawing, basic anatomy, and perspective. We finish with line weight and manga panelling. By the end of Program A, you will have the skills of an intermediate artist.

  • Shape, light, value & composition
  • Figure drawing & basic anatomy
  • Perspective & background techniques
  • Drawing people and environments
  • Line weight fundamentals
  • Introduction to manga panelling
Program B — Master the techniques of a professional mangaka.
BIntermediate

Program B

Master the techniques of a professional mangaka.

For artists with solid drawing experience who want to reach industry standard. We cover the specific techniques working mangaka use: panelling, text blocks, splash pages, and cover composition. Advanced linework, character design, and clothing design are core components. You will graduate with the skills of a professional mangaka.

  • Manga panelling & text block layout
  • Splash pages & cover composition
  • Advanced linework & inking
  • Character design & archetypes
  • Clothing & fashion design
  • Mangaka mentality & professional workflow
Program C — Break into the manga industry.
CAdvanced

Program C

Break into the manga industry.

For artists already at a professional level looking to debut. Program C lets you develop your one-shot manga with full staff support: writing, editing, and advice from a working mangaka. We help you build connections with manga studios and submit your one-shot together. Our goal is publication, or a role as a mangaka's assistant on the path to your debut.

  • One-shot development & production
  • Writing & story editing support
  • Professional mangaka mentorship
  • Manga studio connections & networking
  • Publisher submission guidance
  • Industry debut strategy
Japanese language class at OSA
Add-On Course

Japanese Language Learning

Once a week you will meet with our Japanese language teacher and begin your language journey. As with our drawing programs, the instructor adjusts to your current fluency level and helps you reach your personal language goals; whether that's navigating daily life in Osaka or reading manga in its original language.

Once weekly · All fluency levels

Not sure which program is right for you?

Submit Your Portfolio for Assessment

Our Faculty

Instruction Rooted in Real Practice

Portrait of Sean Ngo

Sean Ngo

Founder & Lead Instructor

Sean Ngo is an accomplished Oil painter who graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Originally working from a concept art background and transitioning to fine art, his skills have won him awards and his work has been displayed at various galleries. His next journey has brought him to Japan where he created OSA.

  • Fine Art graduate — San Francisco art university
  • Professional artist with experience in visual development and sequential art
  • Founded OSA to bring world-class manga education to an international audience
Portrait of Taichi Nakano

Taichi Nakano

Educator & Language Learning Specialist

Taichi is an educator and entrepreneur based in Osaka. In 2021, he founded Yukei Juku, a private learning center that provides individualized support and English-language programs for children and adults. He continuously conducts independent research into language learning, drawing on his own experience as a language learner and exploring effective methods of language acquisition, teaching and intercultural communication.

  • Founder of Yukei Juku private learning center (2021)
  • Specializes in English-language education for diverse age groups
  • Independent researcher in language acquisition and intercultural communication
Portrait of Atsushi Sasaki

Atsushi Sasaki

Professional Mangaka & Manga Instructor

Atsushi Sasaki is an accomplished manga artist, comic producer and representative director of AtoC Production Co., Ltd. He debuted in 1985 in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine. He is currently writing and serializing 'The Lord of the Siege' which is being distributed worldwide. At OSA, he instructs students on how to become accomplished mangaka.

  • Debuted in Kodansha's Monthly Shonen Magazine (1985)
  • Representative Director of A2C Production Co., Ltd.
  • Currently serializing 'The Lord of the Siege' with worldwide distribution
  • Teaches professional mangaka techniques and industry practices
Portrait of Cindy Lusbec

Cindy Lusbec

Student Support & Cultural Liaison

Cindy is a French-English bilingual creative professional with advanced Japanese, currently preparing for the JLPT N1. With a background in executive assistance and administration, she combines strong communication and organizational skills with a passion for manga, anime, and Japanese culture. She practices manga-style illustration, watercolor, and Japanese calligraphy, and enjoys exploring different forms of Japanese art. At OSA, she supports international students and manga instructors by bridging language and cultural communication, helping students communicate more comfortably and confidently in the classroom.

  • French-English bilingual with advanced Japanese (JLPT N1)
  • Background in executive assistance and administration
  • Practices manga-style illustration, watercolor, and Japanese calligraphy
  • Bridges language and cultural gaps for international students

Grow With Us

Are you an experienced Mangaka or manga educator?

OSA's teaching team is expanding. If you are a working professional with a passion for teaching, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch

Tuition & Fees

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. 1 million Yen per year (or equivalent) covers your instruction, facility access, and visa legal processing: everything you need to study manga in Osaka.

Annual Tuition

1 million yen or $6,350

Per year of study. Includes visa legal processing fees.

Visa Legal Fees

Included

All official visa processing and legal documentation fees are included in your tuition cost.

Proof of Savings

¥2,000,000

Required

Japanese immigration requires you to demonstrate approximately 2 million Yen in savings to support yourself in Japan for at least one year.

Visa Duration

1 Year

The cultural activities visa is granted for 1 year and renewable up to 4 years total, enough time to complete all three programs and pursue your debut.

All requirements met? You can start your journey in Japan. Our admissions team will walk you through every financial and legal step of the process — so you can focus on your art.

Apply Now

Study Abroad in Japan

Your Art Education. Your Japanese Visa.

Enrolling in OSA makes you eligible for a Japanese Cultural Activities Visa, one of the fastest visas to obtain in Japan, with 1 to 3 months of processing time. The visa is granted for 1 year and renewable up to 4 years total.

How It Works

  1. 01

    Apply & Enroll

    Submit your enrollment application and receive your Letter of Acceptance from OSA.

  2. 02

    Visa Guidance

    Our admissions team provides a complete document checklist and walks you through every form required for the Japanese Cultural Activities Visa.

  3. 03

    Submit to Embassy

    File your application at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The cultural visa has one of Japan's fastest approval times: typically 1 to 3 months of processing.

  4. 04

    Arrive in Osaka

    Land in Japan, begin your manga education, and start your life in Osaka. The visa is granted for 1 year and renewable up to 4 years: enough time to complete all three programs.

No Japanese required. All programs are taught entirely in English. Visa guidance is provided in English. For full visa requirements, see the official requirements page.

Tanimachi Campus

One minute from Tanimachi 6-chome station, 10 minutes from Shinsaibashi, and one stop from Osaka Castle Park.

Housing Support

Our admissions team can guide you toward student housing options near the school to make your arrival in Japan as smooth as possible.

Visa Guidance Included

Full cultural visa application guidance is built into the OSA admissions process. Visa legal fees are factored into your annual tuition.

Students from Any Country

OSA welcomes students worldwide. Our team has experience supporting applications for students from many different countries.

Outside of the OSA building in Osaka, Japan
Osaka, Japan

FAQ

Questions? We Have Answers.

Everything you need to know before applying to the Osaka School of Art.

No. All programs are taught entirely in English. We also offer an optional weekly Japanese language course to help enrich your daily life in Osaka, but it is not required for any drawing program.

Still have questions? Email our admissions team.

Begin Your Journey

Ready to Become a Mangaka?

Submit your interest form and our admissions team will reach out to discuss your portfolio, recommend the right program, and walk you through the cultural visa process.

Campus Location

Tanimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka. 1 min from Tanimachi 6-chome station

Cohorts

Intake assessed on a rolling basis. Contact us to discuss start dates.

Enrollment Enquiry

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