Risshisha Educational Corporation Announces Talk Show by Director Kenji Iwaisawa

The Manga & Animation Creation Department at Nihon Railway & Sports Business College 21 (Note 1), operated by Risshisha Educational Corporation (headquartered in Sumida Ward, Tokyo), will host a talk show featuring animation director Kenji Iwaisawa on August 4, 2026, to commemorate the establishment of the new department.

Event Overview

"Manga & Animation Creation Department Inauguration: Talk Show with Director Kenji Iwaisawa"

Date: August 4, 2026 (Tuesday)

Time: 13:00–15:30

Venue: Risshisha Kinshicho Campus, Ark Towers Building

Target Audience: Junior and senior high school students nationwide (parents may accompany); limited to 30 participants

Admission: Free (held as part of an open campus event)

Reservation: https://www.nihonschool21.ac.jp/news/anime_talkshow2026/

Kenji Iwaisawa (Iwaisawa Kenji)

Animation Director / Film Director

Born in Tokyo in 1981. Entered the film industry after high school and worked on sets directed by Teruo Ishii.

After gaining experience in live-action films, he began self-studying animation production.

In 2008, he released his first short animated film, "Fukuracho, Tunnel Alley Man."

His feature-length animation "Music" (2019), completed over seven and a half years, won the Grand Prix at the Ottawa International Animation Film Festival.

It became a domestic box office hit and received widespread acclaim.

His first commercial theatrical anime, "Hyakumu.", premiered nationwide in September 2025 and enjoyed a long theatrical run due to strong audience support.

Manga & Animation Creation Department

Scheduled to launch in April 2027, this new department offers students an environment equivalent to professional studios, allowing them to thoroughly master foundational drawing techniques, digital tools, and storytelling skills.

With a small-class system, the department nurtures each student's individuality and provides comprehensive support for debuts and job placements.

To strengthen industry-academia collaboration, Harumichi Aoki from Seishinsha Co., Ltd. will serve as manga division advisor, and Hiroyuki Morita as special advisor for the animation division.

Both bring extensive experience and outstanding achievements in their respective fields. They will provide expert guidance and advice to enhance the department's educational and research activities, further enriching the curriculum and strengthening talent development.

Additionally, the department will offer unique "Special Elective Courses" only possible at Risshisha, allowing students to deepen their expertise in manga and animation while also taking courses from other departments, such as accounting.

This enables students to develop "self-sufficiency skills" and become one-of-a-kind creators.

Note

Note 1: Nihon Railway & Sports Business College 21 will change its name to "Risshisha Tokyo Railway Digital Create, Sports & Dance College" in April 2027 (application pending).

Contact

Public Relations Department, Risshisha Educational Corporation

03-3624-5403 / [email protected]