KADOKAWA has launched KADOKAWA WORLD MANGA ATELIER (KWMA), a new initiative aimed at supporting overseas manga creators, with services officially beginning on April 30, 2026.
The project is designed to provide continuous opportunities for creators outside Japan, combining submission platforms, editorial feedback, and contest participation to support potential manga debuts and global releases.
KWMA is built around three core initiatives. The first is Online Portfolio Review MOCHIKOMI, a submission platform that allows creators worldwide to send their work to editors at any time. The service is available in English and is open to creators who can communicate in either English or Japanese.
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The second is OnSITE Portfolio Review, a series of in-person workshops where editors from KADOKAWA’s World Manga Editorial Team travel internationally to review portfolios and provide direct feedback. The first session is scheduled to take place at Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles from July 2 to July 5, with advance reservations currently open.
The third ais the KADOKAWA WORLD MANGA CONTEST, which expands on the previous “Wordless World Manga Contest.” The updated version now accepts both wordless and dialogue-based entries in multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Spanish, French, and Traditional Chinese.
According to KADOKAWA, the initiative arrives due to growing global demand for manga creation opportunities. The company noted that its previous contest received 1,126 entries from 104 countries and regions, proving strong international interest and a lack of accessible pathways to professional support.
Creators selected through KWMA programs may be assigned dedicated editors and receive guidance toward serialization and publication in Japan, as well as international distribution.
Source: Press Release
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