My Love of Mountain Climbing, Food, and Manga, All Started at the University of Tsukuba

Manga artist
SHINANOGAWA Hideo

Advantages of Studying at the University of Tsukuba in My Career and Life

I joined the University of Tsukuba to study graphic design. As I learned more, I realized that design is a powerful communication tool. I also realized the joy of communicating with readers through cartoon media. I have been drawing manga since I was a child. However, I started drawing manga earnestly in my third year of the university, with the intention of finding a job. In 2015, I published "Yama to Shokuyoku to Watashi" (Mountains, Appetite, and Me), which is still being serialized. In this work, the main character, a young woman, climbs mountains alone and cooks and eats by herself. This work is based on my own experiences. I started mountain climbing as a hobby when I was a student, and I also learned how to cook during the same time. I have created many other characters based on my friends from that time. I am confident that the experiences I had back then have been utilized in my current work.

My Fondest Memories as a Student

In my first year, I was given a simple assignment: make a collage from magazine cuttings. As a determined 19 year old, I knew I could make my work stand out. Although the assignment required submissions to be in B4 size, I made the bold decision to submit my work in B1 size. In fact, I was the only one who did this. At first, the teacher seemed dissatisfied, but eventually he graded me an A. He evaluated it from an artistic perspective, regarding the requirement for a larger size. Hence, I realized this was the kind of university that recognized talent. I was proud that I had created something with impact, and I would have been fairly depressed if I had received a low evaluation.
The same concept holds true in the world of manga too. Even if there are too many pages or the manga does not exactly fit the standard, an interesting concept will always win out. In retrospect, I still consider the abovementioned experience of having my creativity evaluated as one of my best memories.

Message to Students of the University of Tsukuba

I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of University of Tsukuba. I did get into some troubles, but I was forgiven, which I'm grateful for. The university's unique environment can make you feel lonely but also envelop you. This university is the perfect place for those seeking respite from the urban bustle and an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a world of their own creation, where they can deepen their understanding of a subject. I'm certain that everyone will make the most of what the University of Tsukuba has to offer.

TSUKUBA ALUMNI (PDF for printing)