In Japan, comic books (manga) are typically created by the same person serving as both the author and illustrator, meaning manga artists generally need to come up with their own stories. (There are some exceptions, such as works like “Death Note.”) However, crafting a mega-hit like “Dragon Ball” or “One Piece,” which excites everyone, is incredibly challenging, and not every professional manga artist in Japan possesses the talent to create perfect stories like those.
However, aside from such works, Japanese comics encompass a wide variety of genres, and there are many beloved titles among readers that aren’t necessarily adventure or battle manga.
Sazae-san
While not widely known outside Japan, Sazae-san is a manga that virtually every person in Japan is familiar with. Serialized in the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper, it depicted the everyday life of a typical family living in Tokyo in 1946, with themes that resonated with everyone (for example, a father hogging the TV, leaving the children unable to watch, prompting them to hide the remote).
Such themes that “everyone can relate to” are recommended for manga because they have the potential to attract a wide audience, and you can generate ideas from your own daily life. According to Machiko Hasegawa, the author of Sazae-san, she apparently based her manga on her older sister, observing people close to her and depicting them as protagonists in her comics, allowing readers to feel as if the fictional characters were real individuals. So, when you’re struggling to come up with themes, it might be worth trying to observe those around you and challenge yourself to draw inspiration from them.
Doraemon
Doraemon, a hugely popular manga also beloved in India, is almost universally recognized by Japanese people. Unlike “Sazae-san,” this manga is not grounded in reality but rather revolves around science fiction elements, using futuristic gadgets to create trouble. However, characters like Nobita, Gian, Suneo, and Shizuka within the world of Doraemon are typical of those found in children’s social circles. In other words, because these characters resemble those children encounter in real life, the use of unimaginable futuristic tools sparks excitement and makes them wonder, “Could that really be possible?”
Kimi ni Todoke
While this work may not be as well-known, it was beloved by almost all girls in Japan. Set in a high school in Hokkaido, Japan (a fairly remote city, comparable to Arunachal Pradesh state in India…?), the story revolves around the school life of a shy girl in her first year and a popular boy in her class who become attracted to each other and eventually start dating. The story doesn’t involve unrealistic events but rather captivates readers with the misunderstandings and the heartfelt yearning between the heroine and hero. Thus, elements like “relatability” and “wanting to cheer for the characters” are crucial in creating an engaging manga.
Report Comics
While not a specific title, in Japan, essay manga depicting personal experiences, such as “Tried Doing This” or “Went on a Trip to That Place,” are also popular. The topics for these comics are incredibly diverse. For instance:
- Experience with depression leading to resignation and eventual recovery.
- An account of the first overseas trip in one’s life.
- From starting the journey of finding a partner to getting married.
- Experiences during university entrance exams.
- Daily life with a dog, filled with cuteness every day.
Expressing one’s own experiences and thoughts in comic form on topics that others can relate to is also possible.
Conclusion
Finally, what I want to convey is that you don’t have to overthink it. Just take what comes to mind, your past experiences, your thoughts, and turn them into comics. Your comics will surely become works that someone can relate to.
Also, if you want to know more about improving your own work outside of competitions, feel free to email me. I’ll provide honest feedback and advice to help bring out the charm of your work even more. (It’s free charge.)