On this episode of the Japan Station podcast, manga creator and boxer Kofi Bazzell-Smith (a.k.a. Kofi Manga) stops by to discuss manga, the Japanese language, and the importance of perseverance.
About Kofi Manga
Kofi Bazzell-Smith is an American manga creator and boxer. He is active on YouTube and Instagram under the name Kofi Manga.
Topics Discussed
- The anime/manga Hajime no Ippo
- How it was that Kofi started studying Japanese
- How Kofi checks the Japanese that writes for his manga
- Lang-8 and HelloTalk
- The story of how Kofi was able to go to Japan for the first time
- Working as a video game tester for Deep Silver Volition
- Studying Japanese in Fukuoka for a month
- Getting one-on-one manga storytelling classes from a manga artist in Japan
- The importance of making mistakes when learning a new language
- How Kofi ended up going to Kansai Gaidai University
- How Kofi earned money in order to get back to Japan
- Kofi’s quest to study at Kyoto Seika University
- Kansai Gaidai and its dorms
- Taking a manga production course at Kansai Gaidai University
- The time Kofi had his portfolio reviewed by professional manga editors at the Kyoto International Manga Museum
- The important advice that Kofi received from a Kodansha editor
- Why Kofi decided to draw a boxing manga
- Studying under Professor Akira Sasō at Kyoto Seika University
- Osamu Tezuka’s old apartment Tokiwa-sō
- Getting accepted to participate in the Tokwa-sō Project
- The importance of perseverence and being a nice person
- What Kofi is currently working on and future plans
- And much more!
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Support on Patreon
If you enjoy Japan Station and want to ensure that we’re able to produce more episodes, then please consider becoming a patron on Patreon.com. For a minimum pledge of $1 a month you’ll get early access to all JapanKyo podcasts, bonus content, and more. And for $3 a month, you’ll get access to Japanese Plus Alpha, a podcast produced by me (Tony Vega) that focuses on the Japanese language and all of its fascinating quirks. Also, all pledges get a shout-out on the show and my undying gratitude. Thank you in advance!
Links, Videos, Etc.
Check out the links below to keep up with Kofi’s work.
Here is a video from the Kofi Manga YouTube channel. In this one Kofi runs through the original boxing manga–titled Jiyū–that he drew.
For more information on the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, the scholarships they offer or to donate, visit their website via the link below.
To learn more about Kansai Gaidai University, visit their website via the link below.
For more information on Professor Akira Sasō, visit the Wikipedia page below.
To watch Koshien: Japan’s Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020.
In case you missed it, here is a link for episode 33 of Japan Station.
If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, then you’ll also probably enjoy the episodes below.
Also, don’t forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.
If you would like to check out the Kimito Designs shop, then use the link below. Remember to use the coupon code OPENING10 when you check out to get 10% off (valid until the end of 2020).
Special Thanks
Opening/Closing song: Oedo Controller (大江戸コントローラー) by Yunomi featuring Toriena (Used with permission from Yunomi)
To listen to more of Yunomi’s music, check out his Soundcloud page or YouTube channel.
Japan Station cover art: Provided by Erik R.
Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith
Featured image: Courtesy of Kofi Bazzell-Smith
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Full Show Notes
