53 The Inspiring Journey of Kofi Manga

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!

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!

• Support Japan Station on Patreon

Links, Videos, Etc.

Check out the links below to keep up with Kofi's work.

• Kofi Manga YouTube Channel
• Kofi Manga on Instagram
• Kofi Manga on Facebook

For more information on the United States-Japan Bridging Foundation, the scholarships they offer or to donate, visit their website via the link below.

• United States-Japan Bridging Foundation Website

To learn more about Kansai Gaidai University, visit their website via the link below.

• Kansai Gaidai University Website

For more information on Professor Akira Sasō, visit the Wikipedia page below.

• About Akira Sasō (Wikipedia)

To watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams, use the link below. It will premiere on November 20th, 2020.

• Watch Koshien: Japan's Field of Dreams

In case you missed it, here is a link for episode 33 of Japan Station.

• Learning Japanese While Legally Blind (Tony Vega) | Japan Station 33

If you enjoyed this episode of Japan Station, then you'll also probably enjoy the episodes below.

• Manga Creator Minami Sakai | Japan Station 26
• Evangeline Neo of Evacomics | Japan Station 28

Also, don't forget to check out the latest episode of the Ichimon Japan podcast.

• What is a kirakira name? | Ichimon Japan 29

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).

• Visit KimitoDesigns.com

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

• Get full show notes at www.japanstationpodcast.com