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Japanese Manga
Manga Researcher

Yoo Sookyung

< 21, Jan, 2017 >

Some report Japan-made manga are popular in other countries. I believe, however, we can't lump together. For instance, manga isn't considered to be enjoyed by the people suffering from Islamic State.

Yoo Sookyung's a Korean female researcher who belongs to International Manga Research Center, Kyoto Seika University. Getting interested in Japan manga, she's learnt visiting many countries like Canada. I've got to interview with her.



■ I'm so glad seeing you. I heard you'd belonged to Kyoto Seika University before becoming a researcher.

Yoo Sookyung: That's right. I'd studied manga there since 2004. In the doctoral course, I wanted to learn about other countries' manga to be discerning 'cos I'd almost done Japanese one until then.

With leave of absence a year, paying all my possessions, I went to a lot of countries like France and Canada that I learnt the languages. I found I could meet somebody who reads Japan-made manga in any nations, then. A friend in Colombia said she loved "Candy ♥ Candy" so much. In addition, at a rural cafe in France, a male black with frightening look told me he loved "Rurouni Kenshin" with dim eyes. lol


■ Surprising!

Y: I wondered why they all loved manga over the borderlines of circumstances and culture, which made me desire to work around something international. So I was back in Japan and told my then teacher that I liked to be a member of International Manga Research Center after my graduation. A year later, just before my graduation, he invited me to a researcher.



Yoo Sookyung

Born in 1986 South Korea.
Thru Korea Animation High School,
Came to Japan for learning at
Kyoto Seika University in 2004.
Proficient in English, French
and Japanese, not just Korean.
Her favorite manga magazine in
childhood was "Ribon."



■ Good!

Y: I didn't get what I'd do at the time. lol But I believe this is me flighty, because there are many works like contributing, planning for exhibitions and events, meeting with foreigners and so on. International jobs have recently been on the increase.

For instance, we've got inquiries to exhibit manga manuscripts from overseas. But manga artists almost hesitate to give their precious manuscripts to foreign countries. We have a project called "Genga Dash" for keeping and opening the manuscripts. Takemiya, a president of Kyoto Seika Univ., is in charge of the leader. I am also one of the project members. "Genga Dash" is, in brief, the copies as exquisite as real ones. By the "Genga Dash," we can make the exhibitions true. No one'll be troubled even if an accident comes to the "Genga Dash."


■ A bridge between manga artists and foreigners.

Y: Yes. I also hold workshops and lecture meeting there. I always say you must illustrate in analog way first, because it improves you more than you can use nothing but digital way although there are many manga artists who utilize tablet terminals.


■ There are some manga styles not as usual like...

Y: Line Manga. Actually, it is spread in South Korea, my homeland, more than any other countries. They say WEBTOON there. That's spreading also in China. However, not just a style anywhere, and so I can't lump together. There are many styles here and there. I believe, therefore, it is important for you to learn analog way first for coping with other styles.

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