Doki doki Manchester on Sunday!

This Sunday - 13th November Inko will be joining a convention Doki Doki Manchester.
You can find my name on an attending artist list.
This is my first time to visit Manchester, and I'm very excited!

"Fantasy World" is out now!

One of the projects I joined as a manga artist "Fantasy World" is out now on amazon, yay! :)
Story: Ken is a 15 year old boy with aspirations of becoming a musician; however his dad has different plans for him. After an argument he is kicked out of his house and forced to go on an adventure to be accepted back home. Along with his faithful companion Note. What adventures and situations will Ken get himself into… Read Fantasy World to find out. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fantasy-World-Adventures-Ken-ebook/dp/B0061BLQD2

1001 COMICS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU DIE is out!

Finally, this great guide for comics of all over the world is out in England!!
1001 COMICS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU DIE is edited by Paul Gravett and I joined in writing 5 reviews.

There are numerous great comics you never imagined they exist in this world... Get one if you are interested to discover them!!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/1001-Comic-Books-Must-Before/dp/1844036987/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318359690&sr=1-1

A panel discuttion "Comics & Conflicts"

Hello people!
There is a fascinating event called "Comics & Conflicts" on Friday 19th & Saturday 20th August at Imperial War Museum.
At 11:30am on 20th, I will join a panel discussion with Paul Gravett as a chair, along side with David Blandy, talk about David's work "Child of the Atom" which Inko took a part of creating an animation scene. The screening starts from 4pm.

There is also a panel of "War: The human cost" the comic anthology artists. The book includes Inko's 8 page comic "Search & Avoid".

Please come along if you're interested! ;D

HYPER JAPAN on Fri 22nd- Sun 24th July!!

It's cold and wet... wet and cold... anyway, there is still something to look forward to.
HYPER JAPAN is in this weekend!
I'm joining with my felloe manga artist Chie Kutsuwada as Umisen-Yamasen this year again.
I look forward to see you all at there!

Do not miss our short but fun manga workshops at downstairs show space:
Fri 11:40 - 12:10
Sat 11:30 - 12:00

Thanks! :D

London Film & Comic Con!!

Hi everyone, I've just come back from Paris, but I'm off again to London to join in London Film & Comic Con this weekend! （；´Д｀）pant pant

Inko, Chie Kutsuwada and NipponAisuki will have a table there, also there is a signing of Spirit Of Hope charity comic on Saturday.

There are so much going on at the event, I'm sure you'll enjoy!!

See ya!

Japan Expo in Paris!!

Hi everyone, it was brilliantly sunny on Sunday for Japan Festival Brighton!!
Now I'm heading off to Paris for Japan Expo Paris, the largest Japan convention in a whole Europe!!
It's on from Thursday 30th June till Sunday 3rd July at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre.
I can't tell how much I'm looking forward to it.

I'm having a table with other manga artist Chie Kutsuwada and great illustrator NipponAisuki, with a name "Umisen Nipponaisuki". Our table number is Z246 in the hall 5A.

We sell charity postcards which all the sales will be donated to Japan earthquake & tsunami aid.

See you there! :D

Japan Festival in Brighton!

Hello everyone!
The weather is not so great recently in here, Brighton - one moment is hot, and another moment is cold, then wet, then stormy... I really hope this weekend would be sunny, because I'm joining in Brighton Japan Festival!!

The festival is for Japan Tsunami appeal - part of sales goes for Japanese Red Cross.

On 25th, I'll dance on stage from 11:30am (I know, I know, I'm a manga artist, not a dancer. But hey) as a group called Fume.

After that, I'll be at a table with other manga artist Chie Kutsuwada.

Fingers crossed for the weather, and see you in Brigton!!(・ω・)ノ

SPIRIT OF HOPE charity comic for Japan /New Zealand

On March 11 2011 Japan suffered an earthquake of enormous and devastating power...
The scars still very much open and sore that makes me think what I can do for my home country from England.
I've been joining various anthologies and charity events and Spirit of Hope is one of the charity anthologies for earthquake appeal for Japan and New Zealand.
The 3 page comic titled "The Ship" is written by brilliant Richmond Clements, and I contributed an art.


Each copy will cost you £14.99, plus £3 for postage and packing.You can choose which cover you prefer – when ordering, say whether you want Jimmy Broxton or Michael Allred. (Of course, you could always get both.) When the advance orders are sent out, the CBA hopes to include 3 small limited edition prints of the covers and an extra picture.
Send your order to The Comic Book Alliance, PO Box 165, Marple, Cheshire SK6 7BL. You can download an order form from the CBA website (and find out more about the CBA while you’re there.) Cheques & postal orders should be made out to ‘The Comic Book Alliance’. At the moment the CBA doesn’t offer electronic ordering and payment, but they hope to be able to do so very soon.

Count down to MCM London Expo!

Me, Chie Kutsuwada and Nipponaisuki will be sharing a table at Comic Village in Expo.
See you in this weekend!! xxx

Anti-War anthology is out on amazon now!

War: The Human Cost 260 page book + CD is available from Amazon now for £11.99 + £2.85 uk shipping (will ship worldwide).

Inko is joined in for 8 page comic "Search & Avoid" about Vietnam War.

Remember, only 750 copies (hand numbered). When they're gone, they're gone! :D

SPIRIT OF HOPE charity comic for Japan /New Zealand

SPIRIT OF HOPE CHARITY COMIC FOR JAPAN /NEW ZEALAND

Inko joined in this charity anthology by donating 3 page comic art "The Ship" written by Richmond Clements.

The comic is edited by Alan Cowsill for the Comic book Alliance http://www.comicbook.org.uk/ to raise funds for the people of Japan and New Zealand after the terrible earthquakes and tsunami.

I'll update when it's out!
Thank you!! :D

Art blossom Japanrelief Aid Art Project

One of my artist friend Nipponaisuki organised a new project!
The following is from his blog entry about it:


Hi!

It has been 11 days since the huge earthquake struck Japan on 11th March with a magnitude of 9.0 that occurred 80 miles away from Japan’s northern coast. Being the largest earthquake to hit Japan in its recorded history and the 4th largest worldwide, Japan has also been hit hard by Tsunami waves leaving a large wake of destruction and devastation. Moreover, Japan faces an ongoing battle to contain its Fukushima nuclear reactor plant, to ensure national and global safety.

Despite these tragic events, there are many stories of solidarity, compassion and fighting for survival emerging, offering much hope and inspiration.

To show their support and appreciation towards a country that first inspired them to pursue a life of creativity, Manga artist and Illustrator Juan-Carlos Cambón (DeadlyKawaii/ Nipponaisuki) and Master calligrapher Hiroko-Fukuda (art Project Wakoshi), have set up project ART BLOSSOM JAPAN to raise funding towards those directly affected by this natural disaster.

Working with talented Manga artist and Illustrators Zarina Liew (Cobalt Café), Inko and Chie Kutsuwada (Umisen-Yamasen), this project’s aim is to unite Manga-ka/Comic artists and Illustrators from all corners of the world to help raise funds towards supporting those who are without homes or have lost loved ones in Japan, by donating their artwork. ART BLOSSOM JAPAN does not stop here however as there is a more long-term goal to continue to donate towards charitable causes around the world.

This is a project created by artists, for artists, to come together and offer their unique skills and their blossoming creations to help and inspire others in need.

With Japan coming into its iconic spring “Hanami” Sakura blossoming season , this is a call for Manga/ Comic artists and Illustrators to let your creativity bloom and send a message of encouragement to help make the deeply artistic and cultural country of Japan blossom in full bloom once more!

Donated artwork from Artists will be displayed and sold through the Art Blossom Japan site, along with all the artists details, at the Artist's suggested price and 100% of all proceeds raised (minus shipping fees) will be donated to Red Cross Relief Aids and selected charities, with the aim to continue to help donate to causes around the world. Art Blossom Japan is a non-profit organization.

We are accepting originals and printed artwork submissions from Manga-ka/ Comic artists and Illustrators from around the world.
All submissions will be reviewed in the first instance and should have some reference to Japan.

The ART BLOSSOM JAPAN website will be released Very soon!

For further details please send enquiries to: enquiries@artblossomjapan.com

20th April - Heart Japan event!

Inko and Chie will be in Heart Japan charity event on 20th April!
There are exhibition, manga portrait, manga wall, auctions... and more!!

See you at Vibe Bar in Brick Lane!
http://heartjapan.org.uk/

Film screening & talk at ICA, London!!

Friday 8 April 6.30pm

Artist Film Club features the public premiere of David Blandy's latest work Child of the Atom. Inspired by his grandfather's belief that the atomic bombing of Hiroshima saved his life when he was a POW held by the Japanese, Child of the Atom revolves around footage of Blandy and his daughter visiting Hiroshima for the first time together. Attempting to literally and symbolically come to terms with their personal connection to the bombing of the city, Blandy intersperses scenes of modern Hiroshima with flashback sequences of apocalyptic anime, featuring the film's eponymous character who must decide if he is hero or villain.

After the screening Blandy will discuss making the work, memory, and family legends, with collaborating Mango artist and Japanese expat Inko and Anne Piper, a novelist and playwright, who has been actively protesting against nuclear weapons for over 50 years in addition to being Blandy’s grandmother.

Free, please call 020 7930 3647 to book.

Japan will rise up again!

I just wanted to say thank you for all who support and care for devastated Japan.
As one of Japanese, I wanted to tell everyone how much we're encouraged, no matter what tragic events await us. The world biggest earthquake, then Tsunami, then fire, then nuclear power plats damaged, our home land might not be the same again, but we will rebuilt all over again!

Cherry blossoms

Hopefully we can see with a smile...!

Ganbare, Japan!

"I'm gonna survive. Oh yes I will!!"
Japan's gonna survive this!!

Ganbare, Japan!

I can cry for it later.
Meanwhile, I just do what I can do.
(><) Japan Tsunami appeal

Thursday 3rc March - World Book Day 2011

Happy World Book Day 2011!
Inko will be doing Manga portrait at Jubilee Children’s Library in Brighton!
Brighton's Local Author, Morag Ramsey, will be reading from her latest book, Alex McLean – Time Traveller, and providing related activities. Signed copies will be available at a reduced price and World Book Day Book Tokens will be accepted. Have a lovely manga portrait for only £5 as well!

Jubilee Children’s Library, 4 – 6pm on Thursday 3rd March.

Jubilee Street
Brighton
BN1 1GE

Contact

Automated renewals (24 hour) 0303 123 0035
Main number and renewals 01273 290800
Email libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk

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Manga workshop in Croydon!

Hello everyone, Inko and Chie will have manga workshops at libraries in Croydon!

Manga workshops for ages 10 - 17

Saturday 19th February 2.30 - 4.30pm
Purley Library, Banstead Road, CR8 3YH
with Chie Kutsuwada

Saturday 26th February 2.30 - 4.30pm
Coulsdon Library, Brighton Road, CR5 2NH
with Inko

We have different style on our manga creations, so there should be varieties of method you can learn! I hope everyone would enjoy for workshops!
Reserve your free tickets at Purley library 020 8726 6900 or purley@croydon.gov.uk

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DRAWING ON THE WORLD OF MANGA

Young artists with an interest in a popular Japanese comic-book art form are in for a treat as three Croydon libraries stage manga workshops during February.

Aimed at artists aged from 10 to 17, the workshops will show how to capture the secrets of drawing the distinctive manga-style characters and then offer the chance to win prizes in a competition to find the best artwork and stories by the youngsters.

Revered manga artists Ai Takita-Lucas – known as Inko – and Chie Kutsuwada will conduct the workshops at Purley and Coulsdon, and talk about an art form that dates from the 19^th century, but which has risen to international prominence since World War II.

The workshops will take place at:

• Purley Library, Banstead Road, on Saturday, 19 February, from 2.30 to 4.30pm, conducted by Chie Kutsuwada;

• Norbury Library, London Road/Beatrice Avenue, on Tuesday, 22 February, from 1 to 2pm;

• Coulsdon Library, Brighton Road, on Saturday, 26 February, from 2.30 to 4.30pm, conducted by Ai Takita-Lucas.

Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for customer services, culture and sports, said: “We are fully aware, from previous library service projects and competitions, that the young people of Croydon are a richly talented bunch.

“These workshops are going to give youngsters with an artistic flair a rare chance to meet, talk to and benefit from the experience of two of this country’s leading manga artists – I think they’ll find it incredibly rewarding.”

Admission to all the workshops is free. Places at the Purley and Coulsdon events are limited, so anybody keen to take part in what are sure to be popular workshops can reserve tickets, for either event, by sending an email to Purley Library at purley@croydon.gov.uk or by calling 020 8726 6900.

6th Feb - London Anime Con!

Inko and Chie Kutsuwada are sharing art dealer's table at London Anime Con this weekend!
This is the first time for us to join in this event, so we don't know what to expect, but we'll sure we're going to have a fun with all visitors. (^ω^)人(^ω^)

See you there!

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Inko's exhibition - Brighton

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great new year and had gone back on track!
Yes, I'm back on my usual work and displaying my drawings & paintings from 2nd February at Cafe One Ten in Brighton for 2 months.


Please come and see if you are nearby! :D

Thank you!!
Inko