Some of them share hand drawn art on their social media accounts. 

Here are some manga artists who have social media accounts you can follow:

Maashi Kishimoto, the author of NARUTO: https://www.instagram.com/masasikishi/
Akira Toriyama, the author of Dragon Ball series: https://www.instagram.com/akira.toriyama/Yusuke Murata, the author of One Punch Man: https://twitter.com/NEBU_KURO?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

2. Most manga artists work with an editor.

Manga projects are teamwork made by a team of an editor and the manga artist (and the help of assistants). It all starts with the editor and the manga artists having a meeting about the next project. Throughout the process, the editor and the manga artists keep having many exchanges, usually consisting of the manga artist sharing his or her idea, and the editor making comments on what to change.

3. Many manga starts out on weekly or monthly comic book magazines.

For example, popular series like One piece, dragon ball series, NARUTO were first featured in weekly magazine, Shonen Jump, where authors submit one episode per week.

4. Many manga artists have assistants.

Those artists who work for weekly magazine publishers are having to pump out content at a very high rate, so they need assistants to help them.
Assistants usually help by drawing the backgrounds, coloring in black parts, adding shading, and more. Sometimes, assistants have to spend nights to complete the projects.

5. Most manga artists work from home.

In order to come up with new ideas, and to depict the subject accurately, manga artists must do research. This can be done online, but some artists take a trip and interview people to do their research. Research is an especially crucial part of educational manga projects.

6. About 75% of manga artists converted their workflow to digital.

Manga artists used to draw on physical paper to create their work. 
Today, manga artists have three options: traditional way, digital way, and the combination of the two.  About 75% of professional artists have completely converted to digital workflow.

Drawing the art digitally helps some artists cut down on cost and time.

7. Manga artists tend to live unhealthy lifestyles.

Since many manga artists work for weekly and monthly magazine publishers, they must work long hours to meet their deadline. Even with the help of assistants, they tend not to leave their desk most of the time, and only leave the desk to eat and bathe. Some of them work for over 20 hours a day at the desk drawing.

8. Manga artists do researches.

In order to come up with new ideas, and to depict the subject accurately, manga artists must do research. This can be done online, but some artists take a trip and interview people to do their research. Research is an especially crucial part of educational manga projects.

9. Many publishing companies host Newcomer’s Awards contests.

One of the ways manga artists get their job is by submitting for the publisher’s newcomer’s awards contests. The purpose of the contest is to find a new talented artist to recruit. 

10. Manga Artists are called “sensei.”

Just like martial arts teachers, the title for Manga artists is 先生 (sensei). They are typically called by Last name + First name + sensei (i.e. 岸本斉史先生, Kishimoto Masashi-sensei, for the author of popular anime series, NARUTO), or last name + sensei.

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It’s not secret I love cherry blossoms are my favorite flowers. That’s one of many reasons I follow Japanese gardens on instagram! But they are not the only renowned flowers in Japan. There are so many other exquisite blossoms from Japan! Here are some traditional Japanese flowers and when you can see them.

1. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)

March to May

Sakura is one of the two national flowers of Japan. 

“Hanami” is the tradition to gather under the cherry tree and enjoy picnics with friends and family. 

There are three cherry trees that are considered Japanese monuments:

• Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima prefecture
• Yamataka Jindai Zakura in Yamanashi prefecture
• Usuzumi Zakura in Gift prefecture.

All three are said to be thousands of years old! If you are a cherry blossom fan, you might like to visit one or all of these ancient cherry trees during your next trip to Japan, and make sure to check out my “Sakura Blossoms by the Lake”

Sakura Blossoms by the Lake – Oil painting (unframed art)

$22.00 – $129.00

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2. Chrysanthemums (Kiku)

October to November

The Japanese passport covers feature a symbol of chrysanthemum because chrysanthemums are one of Japan’s two national flowers.

You can often spot these exquisite blossoms as motifs in Japanese art and as a part of traditional kimono designs.

Some varieties of chrysanthemums are edible. When you order sushi or sashimi in Japanese restaurants, you might find them garnished with a small chrysanthemum flower. 

You are not obligated to eat them, but if you want to try here are how you can eat them:

• Pluck the petals and put them on your sashimi
• Sprinkle the petals in your soy sauce you use for dipping your sushi. 

This not only adds fragrance to your meals, but also adds a burst of bright color (which is an important part of Japanese cuisine). As a bonus, chrysanthemums provide you with essential nutrients such as Vitamin B and Vitamin C.

3. Plum Blossoms 

February to March

In Japan, people celebrate the arrival of spring with “hanami,” a cherished tradition of flower viewing under cherry blossoms.

However, what many don’t realize is that in ancient Japan, hanami took place underneath the plum trees instead of cherry blossoms!

It is intriguing to note that in the ancient collection of Japanese poems known as Man’yoshu, which was compiled during the Nara period (Ad 710 – 784),  there are nearly three times more poems featuring plum blossoms than those that mention cherry blossoms. 

Japanese plum blossoms bloom in late winter and early spring, plum blossoms announce the end of the cold season and the beginning of warmer days.

Now that you uncovered this intriguing piece of history, consider displaying “Plum Blossoms in Spring” on your wall as a conversation starter

Plum Blossoms in Spring – Oil painting (framed art)

$189.00 – $399.00

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Plum Blossoms in Spring – Oil painting (unframed art)

$22.00 – $129.00

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4. Wisteria (Fuji)

April to June

Wisteria’s stunning cascade of purple flowers has captured the hearts of the Japanese people for centuries. Here are two examples from ancient times and the present day.

Wisteria’s mention in Japanese literature can be traced back to the pages of “Kojiki,” an old chronicle of Japan’s origin and mythology, where one deity wins the heart of another by presenting wisteria.

Fast forward to the present day, wisteria is still celebrated in the popular anime series, “Demon Slayer” in which you can see beautiful depictions of wisteria blossoms. 

If you are a fan of “Demon Slayer,” you might enjoy amazing wisteria sights in Japan in places like Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture.

Wisteria is called “fuji” like Fuji Mountain. That’s why I created “Fuji’s Wisteria” with both of them.

Fuji’s Wisteria – Oil painting (canvas art)

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5. Japanese Camellia (Tsubaki) 

Varies depending on the variety

Japanese camellia come in many varieties. But vastly speaking, most camellia varieties are known for these three features:

• mid-winter blooms
• minimal fragrance
• the unique trait of shedding their entire flower head when their flowering cycle concludes. 

Camellia’s resilience, modesty, and dignified serenity embody Japanese beauty. Sen-No-Rikyu, the pioneering Japanese tea master, was among the first well-known people to grow camellia plant in his garden. His influence made camellia one of the most essential  flowers for Japanese tea ceremonies during the winter season.

It is worth noting that not all varieties of camellias are the same. Some camellia varieties have a strong fragrance, and some lose their petals one by akin to Japanese cherry blossoms. 

If you are a fan of samurai movies, one movie where you can see a beautiful falling camellia losing its petals like cherry blossoms is “Samurai’s Promise,” which I had the pleasure of translating. The Camellia scene is quite beautiful, but the rest of the movie and story are equally fantastic!

These are just a few of the iconic Japanese flowers. Keep in mind that Japan stretches from south to north, and as such, when these flowers are in bloom will depend on the location. The above guide is a rough idea, and it should work for many of the main tourists’ locations.

Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let me know.

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The post 5 Japanese Flowers and the best time to view them. appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Name in Kanji Translation Service.

Here are some amazing Halloween theme images directly from Studio Ghibli.

They are free to use for personal use.

I choose those that had the Halloween theme colors and characters for you.

Awesome to use for laptop background! Enjoy.

Howl’s Moving Castle

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=7

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=12

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=10

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=40

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/howl/#&gid=1&pid=29

Spirited Away

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/chihiro/#&gid=1&pid=14

Princess Mononoke

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=24

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=23

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/mononoke/#&gid=1&pid=35

Pom Poko

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=34

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=32

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=31

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=29

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/tanuki/#&gid=1&pid=27

Kiki’s Delivery Service

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=10

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=11

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=12

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/majo/#&gid=1&pid=18

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/nausicaa/#&gid=1&pid=1

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/nausicaa/#&gid=1&pid=42

Tales from Earthsea

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/ged/#frame&gid=1&pid=3

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/ged/#&gid=1&pid=14

When Marnie was There

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/marnie/#&gid=1&pid=38

Earwig and the Witch

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=17

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=27

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=50

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=28

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=29

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=41

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=42

https://www.ghibli.jp/works/aya/#&gid=1&pid=4

More gifts! Free Kanji Digital Art Download

I created 10 enchanting Japaense Halloween related words for you.

Dive into the world of Studio Ghibli with my free Creepy Japanese words collection.

Feel free to print, or use as laptop wallpaper.

Click here to get your free copy of Halloween words digital art collection.

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Ramen noodles used to be considered a budget meal, but nowadays, anime fans are rethinking ramen, because they look soooo good in those anime series!

With Japanese-style ramen restaurants on the rise, you have the option to dine out, but you can also cook delicious Japanese-style ramen noodles at home. Here are some ways you can make your ramen noodles at home so much better, and it really does not take much effort. 

1. Start with quality ramen noodles

It is optional, but different noodles make a difference in how they turn out. If you have always been using the same ramen noodle, experiment with a few varieties that you never tried before. One of my favorites is the refrigerated ramen noodles in asian food stores.

2. Add these instant game changers (no effort)
These no-effort, instant toppings are game changers for your ramen noodles! 

• chopped green onions
• Dried wakame (They are dried seaweed that expands a lot in water, so do not use too much. You can get them online, or at your local asian food stores)
• Dried nori (They are the kind of seaweed that is used to wrap sushi with. They are thin like paper. You can get them online, or at your local grocery stores, or asian food stores)
• canned or frozen sweet corn (I do not recommend cream style corn.)
• sesame seeds
• spinach (either fresh, steamed, boiled, or sauted, depending on your taste)
• menma 
• sesame oil (just a drop)
• chili oil (just a drop)
• salt and pepper (They are good match for tonkotsu)
• beansprout
• ginger and/or garlic in a tube (Japanese people use these all the time. Often available at your local grocery store in the Asian food aisle, or at your local asian food store.)

3. Homemade Broth

There are two ways you can elevate your ramen broth. Make your own, or change the soup that comes with the ramen noodle.

If you want to try homemade broth, it does not have to be complicated. At my home, we like using bone broth that I make and miso (Miso is available at your local asian food store, or online). If you want some ramen noodle broth recipes, let me know in the comment below.

4. Add protein

This one is great for hungry anime-loving teens! Traditionally, Japanese people love adding Cha shu pork, but it does not have to be complicated. Here are some easy and quick proteins you can add to your ramen:

• Tempura (Frozen tempura can be found at your local asian food stores, or I can share recipes in the future blog if you are interested. Let me know.)
• Sliced deli ham (just like featured in Ponyo)
• Leftover meat (I do not recommend something smothered in sauce like BBQ as that will change the ramen noodle flavor quite a bit, but roasted food and grilled foods are great options.
• Boiled eggs

5. Pro tips from my ramen restaurant friend

I have a Japanese friend whose family runs a Japanese ramen noodle restaurant in Japan. When she and I came to the U.S., she gave me some tips to make american ramen noodles taste better.

• Start with a small amount of water
• Add the soup packet to the pot, not in the bowl
• Crack some eggs and add them to the pot when you include the soup packet. This way, the eggs will absorb the flavor. I used to only make boiled eggs, so this was a pleasant change!

There is a scene in Ponyo where a mother serves instant ramen noodle to her son and his new friend, Ponyo. All she did to make the noodle experience more fun for the children was to add ham, green onions, and boiled eggs, and served it with a cheerful announcement. It does not have to be complicated, ramen can be so much more with minimal effort. Enjoy!

The post 5 easy ways to spice up your ramen noodle at home appeared first on My Japanese Name Plus - Name in Kanji Translation Service.

スタジオジブリ公式サイトで『君たちはどう生きるか』の場面写真の提供を開始しました。 常識の範囲でご自由にお使い下さい①https://t.co/Dzy5T8Mr9r pic.twitter.com/tpC6XKPLlr

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) August 18, 2023

#新しいプロフィール画像 常識の範囲内で、自由に使ってください。 pic.twitter.com/T6WlXKVBAA

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) July 13, 2023

常識の範囲内で、自由につかってください① pic.twitter.com/ObWXms4hiK

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) July 30, 2023

常識の範囲内で、自由につかってください② pic.twitter.com/sRnfnfvfX5

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) July 30, 2023

常識の範囲内で、自由につかってください③ pic.twitter.com/uWwrJhmzGX

— スタジオジブリ STUDIO GHIBLI (@JP_GHIBLI) July 30, 2023

Comment below and let me know.

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