Japanese pop culture has taken Switzerland by storm, with manga comics leading the charge in what was once considered a niche market but has now become mainstream. At the center of this cultural movement in Zurich is an artist known as Manus, who has transformed his childhood passion for manga drawing into a thriving career teaching others the intricate art form that originated in Japan.
The Swiss fascination with Japanese culture extends far beyond manga, encompassing anime, cherry blossoms, and matcha tea. In recent years, the number of Swiss travelers visiting Japan has exploded, while manga sales in German-speaking Swiss bookstores have multiplied significantly. This cultural phenomenon now includes concerts, snacks, and drawing courses all celebrating "cool Japan."
Manus, whose artistic name derives from the Latin word for "hand" – fitting for a professional illustrator – began drawing manga as a young boy in Zurich. After studying animation in Lucerne, he made a pivotal journey to Tokyo, the birthplace of manga art, which ultimately led him to turn his passion into a profession. He now offers manga workshops for both beginners and advanced students, sharing his expertise with a growing community of enthusiasts.
During his workshops, participants practice curves and movements before tackling the fundamentals of manga illustration. The goal is for each student to create their own character, incorporating the typical manga features of large eyes, distinctive hairstyles, and expressive heroic poses. When Manus sketches a figure with his ultra-fine pencil, the process appears effortless and playful, but this impression is deceiving.
Behind every seemingly effortless stroke lies years of dedicated practice and hard work. According to the 36-year-old artist, completing a full manga volume can take anywhere from ten to twelve months, sometimes even longer. While Japan has specialized manga schools, Manus taught himself the craft through years of intensive, independent study and practice.
The turning point in Manus's career came during his stay in Tokyo, where he was taking Japanese language classes. During these lessons, he sketched the first drafts of his manga project – the story of a woman who lost her arm in an accident. "I wasn't doing well mentally at that time," Manus recalls. "The stay in Japan opened up new perspectives for me, with new experiences and acquaintances."
For Manus, drawing enters what he describes as a magical, zen-like state. "When drawing, you have to remind yourself to get up," he explains. "You're like in a zen mode. Time just passes by." Drawing represents more than just craftsmanship for the Zurich-based artist – it's a journey into his own fantasy world and a gateway to a young, creative scene that continues to captivate more people.
This growing enthusiasm is evident at events like the Pop Con Festival, which recently attracted tens of thousands of visitors to Zurich. The manga community's welcoming nature particularly stands out to Manus. "The scene is very open and colorful. Everyone is welcome in the manga scene," he notes. This inclusivity is reflected in his workshops, where even absolute manga beginners quickly discover there's plenty of room for experimentation and creative exploration.
The workshop environment demonstrates the accessibility of manga culture, breaking down barriers between experienced artists and newcomers. Participants find themselves immersed in a supportive community that encourages creativity and personal expression, regardless of skill level. This openness has contributed significantly to the mainstream acceptance of manga culture in Switzerland, transforming what was once a subculture into a widely celebrated art form that continues to grow in popularity across the country.
