A place liberated from the chores of daily life, where one can devote oneself entirely to manga creation.
That is the facility located in Takamori Town: “Artist Village Aso 096-Ku” (Aso O’clock).
Twelve individuals, invited from home and abroad by the operating publisher Coamix, are currently in residence.
We asked two individuals who have seized the opportunity for series publication about the appeal of this facility.
*The information in this article is current as of September 2025.
A library stocked with approximately 6,000 books across various fields, allowing one to gain the knowledge and hints necessary for creation.
A mutually inspiring creative space.
Ms. Nariyoshi Yuki
Received an Honorable Mention in the 1st Coamix Kyushu International Manga Award. Serialized Child Reliever: Mr. Tokita of Usagi Children’s Hospital on the web manga site “Zenon Editorial Department” (completed in July 2026).
Ms. Amaya Sone
Twin manga artists from Indonesia. Received an Honorable Mention in the 1st SILENT MANGA AUDITION®. Currently serializing The Fallen Angel’s Medical Chart (as the artist) on the web manga site “Zenon Editorial Department.”
Q
: Please tell us what brought you to this facility.
Nariyoshi Yuki (hereafter “Yuki”) :I worked as an assistant under Yorifuji-sensei, who serialized The Elegant Court Life of the Tea Witch: The Desk-Bound Life of the Weakest Sorcerer Hiding Their Cheat Skill (Original Story: Ameko Kaeruda [EveryStar] / Manga: Yorifuji). Sensei told me about this facility, and I decided to move in, believing that here—without having to worry about basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing—I could strive to become a professional manga artist while inspiring and competing alongside fellow aspiring creators.
Amaya Sone (hereafter “Sone”) :I have dreamed of becoming a manga artist ever since I was a child. However, in Indonesia, publishers do not accept walk-in portfolio submissions, nor are there any contests, so there were virtually no ways to make a career out of manga. But then, a Japanese editor with whom I had been in touch since winning a Coamix manga award told me about this facility. Realizing it was my chance to make my debut, I decided to relocate here.
Q
: What was your journey to becoming a manga artist?
Yuki :When I was attending a vocational school, I won manga awards from several publishers and was assigned editors, but none of that led to a serialized work. On the other hand, after winning a Coamix manga award and moving into this facility, I was given opportunities and was able to have two one-shot stories published. That experience, combined with my passion for medical dramas, directly led to my current serialization.
Sone :I won an award in the 1st Silent Manga Audition organized by Coamix. After that, I left my home country and relocated here, gaining experience in areas such as drawing artwork for vertical-scrolling manga. Eventually, an editor proposed a serialization project to me, which allowed me to make my official debut as an illustrator.
Q
: How is life here at the facility?
Yuki :Having peers around who are all striving for a serialized manga provides great inspiration. As we work on our creations, helping each other out allows us to sharpen our skills together.
Sone :It is the same for me. Being able to consult with one another when we run into problems is a huge source of encouragement during the production process.
Yuki :The environment is excellent as well. The residential building is right next to the art studio, and meals are provided, allowing us to focus entirely on our work. Editors are also located within the same facility, so I am very grateful that we can ask for their feedback right away.
Q
: How do you collaborate with your editor?
Yuki :In my case, the story researcher first provides the initial ideas for the narrative. After that, I draw the name (the rough storyboard for the manga), refine the content with the editor, and work toward completion while having everything checked by a supervisor. I create the work in close partnership with the editor, who acts as a liaison with all parties involved and provides valuable advice on the story.
Sone :Since I am in charge of the artwork, I receive the storyboard created by the storyboard artist from the editor and ask where the key points of the story lie. After discussing important details regarding the illustrations, I begin drawing. Having the editor explain the intentions behind the storyboard helps me transition smoothly into the artwork phase, which is a massive help.
Q
: Please tell us about the highlights of your respective serialized works.
Yuki :My work centers on Child Life Specialists (CLS), professionals who specialize in the mental and emotional care of children. I believe that seeing how healthcare workers dedicate themselves to supporting children will provide valuable insights, especially for parents.
Sone :The protagonist of The Fallen Angel’s Chart (Datenshi no Karte) is a beautiful and kind nurse. At the same time, she has another side: an executioner who delivers justice to criminals who have slipped through the cracks of the law. I hope readers will enjoy her strong, striking presence and the thrilling story of bringing various forms of evil to justice.
A screening room with a total of 42 seats, used when wanting to watch video materials on a large screen.
On-site kitchen staff serve meals prepared with nutritional balance in mind.
Ms. Yuki draws characters using traditional media and creates everything else digitally.
A space for producing manga. Equipment and tools are provided to match each manga artist’s drawing method.
Check out both of their works here!
Child Reliever: Mr. Tokita of Usagi Children’s Hospital
Nariyoshi Yuki
Research & Story Concept: Kanae Amano
Medical Supervision: Hiroki Kitaoka
¥770 (tax included)
Published by Coamix
The Fallen Angel’s Chart
Manga : Amaya Sone
Storyboard Composition: Hiroto Oishi
Original Story : Shiori Tsukisakura (peep)
¥770 (tax included)
Published by Coamix
Artist Village Aso 096-ku
● Address: 2803 Kamishikimi, Takamori-machi, Aso-gun, Kumamoto 869-1601
● Phone: 0967-63-1100
● Website: https://aso096k.jp/
*Please note that tours for the general public are not accepted.
*For inquiries regarding residency, please contact us via the form below:
https://corp.coamix.co.jp/contact/inquiry/
