The modern equivalent of the Tokiwa-so apartment where Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989) and many other manga legends got their start is thriving in Hino, western Tokyo.

The share house, Tama Tokiwa-so Danchi, is the result of renovations to a 60-year-old building within the Tama Daira Danchi housing complex.

Like the original Tokiwa-so in Tokyo’s Toshima Ward that was dismantled around 40 years ago after it fell into disrepair, talented young manga artists at Tama Tokiwa-so Danchi devote themselves to creating cartoons.

There appears no end to the number of artists who want to move in with the dream of making their professional debuts.

WORKING ALONE

Yuho Sakamoto from Mie Prefecture relocated to Tama Tokiwa-so Danchi toward the end of last year.

“I easily slack off and don’t work hard alone,” said Sakamoto, 25. “I don’t have any friends pursuing manga dreams in my hometown.”

Seeking a more constructive outlet for her creative endeavors, Sakamoto ended up at Tama Tokiwa-so Danchi by chance.

Sakamoto began considering becoming a professional manga artist in February last year. Taking temporary leave from graduate school to study art, she was invited by an acquaintance to create a manga and sell the work at an event.

An editor then asked Sakamoto if she would like to “work with us,” which caught her by surprise.

In the event, the plan never materialized but Sakamoto received valuable advice, which led to a fresh connection with an executive of a major publisher. Sakamoto is currently hard at work finetuning her title for the magazine publisher.

“Working on manga can be quite isolating,” said Sakamoto. “It’s challenging to spend an entire day without speaking to anyone, but here, I can find someone to talk to.”

Talking about her hopes, Sakamoto said: “I will first apply for manga prizes while earning a living through part-time shifts. My ultimate goal is to serialize my manga at some point.”

HELPING EACH OTHER

One resident has already made her professional debut.

Nagi Sabata had longed to be a manga artist since her childhood and sent her creations to cartoon competitions whenever the opportunity arose.

After graduating from college, she joined a company although she still could not give up pursuing her childhood dream. In January 2023, she won a prize in the Monthly Shonen Sunday’s new face award, marking her debut.

For now, Sabata, 28, is refining the content of her title with an editor ahead of the manga being serialized on a manga app. She still works part time at a restaurant.

“Talking with the residents here helps me understand the steps I should take from now on,” said Sabata with a smile. “It would break my spirit if I cannot envision my future path clearly. I wish to live here forever.”

JOB OPPORTUNITIES, TOO

Tama Tokiwa-so Danchi opened in 2021. Around 50 people are living there at present.

Each resident is assigned a private room of about 10 square meters. Kitchen and laundry facilities are communal.

Manga creators share information and meals in the common lounge.

The monthly rent is 55,000 yen ($350), including utility expenses. The tenancy period is set at up to three years in principle.

The Tokiwa-so project was started by Legika, a nonprofit group based in the capital’s Shinagawa Ward, in 2006.

The program’s initial aim was simply to offer affordable housing in old detached houses to young aspiring manga creators to help them find success.

But with advances in digitization, creators found themselves increasingly isolated.

Recognizing the importance of in-person communication and rivalry, Legika set about creating a specialized place where cartoonists are thrown together in a residential setting.

It currently operates six bases under the Tokiwa-so umbrella in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Of a total of 680 residents to date, 144 have made their professional debuts.

“The advantage of our program is that residents can stimulate one another through their interactions, fostering new discoveries and inspiration,” said Kazutaka Kozaki, chief operating officer of Legika.

“It allows them to see whether they possess the qualities to become professional artists, having a vision and taking the necessary steps to achieve those goals.”

Aside from creating a place for aspiring cartoonists, Legika goes all out to offer them jobs over the mid- to long-term, too. It established an editing company, Legika Studios Editorial Department, to undertake manga productions from private businesses.