One session: 30 to 50 min
Audience: 3^rd to 12^th grade

My in-person visits are my absolute favorite way to connect with young readers and I have visited over 100 schools so far. I combine a one-of-a-kind Power Point presentation, along with an inspirational speech and manga drawing workshop all to make this event unforgettable. The goal here is to motivate and challenge students to chase their dreams and face their fears all while having fun and laughing along the way!

I will also create a unique personalized promotional video custom tailored for your event that will include an introduction by me and any other details about the event you want me to share. You are free to use this video whenever and wherever you want to promote this event. It will help your students get to know a little about me and help get them pumped up and inspired for my visit.

My speech covers how and why I left Japan at a young age and came to America to become an artist. How I struggled to fit in to a new country, a new culture, and a new school. How I tried many new things and failed so many times to reach my goal and how I finally became a successful manga artist in America. After your students hear about my journey, they will be inspired to follow their dreams and take more risks. Try something new and make a few mistakes along the way. Ultimately, I want to inspire students to push themselves outside of their comfort zone and be the best they can be.

My manga drawing workshop is super interactive and full of energy. Your students can choose from various samples that I created ahead of time, and we will draw an original manga character based on their selections. I will demonstrate the process step by step and make it simple enough that even teachers can get involved and draw as well. Your students will be surprised at how easy it is to tap into their creativity and create something new.

I will also share a behind-the-scenes look at my process making the book BOUNCE BACK. Your students will get to learn what it’s like to be an artist and how I made this book step by step.

In the end, we’ll have a Q&A session. Your students can ask me anything!

What Misako needs at in person events:  

1. I will bring my MacBook for my speech. I’ll need a projector, screen, and speakers.
2. An easel pad or white board to draw. Black markers and color markers or pencils.

What your students need at in person events: 

A pencil, eraser, and white plain paper. Color pencils are optional.  

Exclusive benefits at in-person events:

After class, I love to spend extra time with your students and talk about manga, anime, Japanese culture and more! If your students have copies of BOUNCE BACK, I’d be happy to do a book signing and give away some personalized kawaii postcards.