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The Experiment: Japan: Anime & Manga

by: The Experiment in International Living

4.5 (10)VerifiedSince 1932

Immerse yourself in Tokyo, the anime and manga capital of the world, while developing your illustration and animation skills under the guidance of industry professionals. Attend a reputable anime school and learn techniques in character creation, digital animation, and traditional art using tools like watercolors, colored pencils, Copic markers, Photoshop, and Clip Studio. Explore Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture neighborhoods, including Akihabara for arcades and anime, Ikebukuro for Pokémon and gaming, and Harajuku for alternative street fashion. Experience authentic Japanese daily life during a 3-day homestay with local families, participate in school activities, and visit historic shrines and museums. Conclude your journey by reflecting on your growth as an artist and the cultural insights gained from this immersive program.

Program Highlights

Develop illustration and animation skills through hands-on classes with industry professionals using traditional and digital media.

Learn character creation and production techniques, from drawing and painting to digital animation using tools, such as Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, and Clip Studio.

Explore Tokyo’s pop culture districts, including Akihabara for anime and gaming, Ikebukuro for Pokémon, and Harajuku for alternative street fashion.

Experience Japanese daily life during a 3-day homestay, participating in local school activities and connecting with host families.

Discover Japan’s history and culture through visits to shrines, museums, and other iconic sites, while reflecting on your artistic and cultural growth.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Tokyo, Japan
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Oct 14, 2025

Awards

Top Rated Provider 2023 - High School AbroadTop Online Program 2021 - Study Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.5

Total Reviews

10

Great life experience

January 20, 2026by: Joshua Martinez - United States
5

I traveled to Tokyo, Japan for the Anime and Manga program. It was an amazing experience. I met new people along the way. Our leaders were very informed and experienced. I was able to not just learn the anime and manga but also the Japanese culture. My host family was welcoming and I enjoyed my time with them. A great life experience.

A Peaceful, Immersive, Relaxing and Welcoming Experience

October 01, 2023by: Charity A - United States
4

This was my first time travelling abroad and I am glad I had the opportunity to travel as part of this program. This experience was really fun, beyond my expectations. There was so much I got to do in the country within a short period of time. The reason I would pick this program again is because there is still more to explore within the country and other opportunities that I didn't get to be a part of/do because of the short time. I made a lot of friends and also got to explore a whole different place I never knew I would have gone to if it wasn't for the program. It was definitely worthwhile. My favorite part is the amazing people I met and the impact they have had on me and this experience. The leaders and teachers were also a great part of the experience they were very kind and understanding people. They also did not feel like authority and were relaxed, friendly and open minded people. They also made sure were were doing fine mentally and physically.

Fantastic trip

August 23, 2019by: Ian Wong - United States
4

On this trip, I had known what to expect from the itinerary, though everything that was not listed made the program so much greater. The planned activities were certainly amazing highlights, especially being able to experience animation classes from professionals in the field and learning their techniques. I would go with my group members during our free time to explore the city. We went to many different parts of Japan and there was always something new to see. Even when I went in a small group to go out and eat, I would end up finding some interesting things to see or shop for. I never imagined that I would become such close friends to all of my group members, especially since I had never experienced something like this before. We all had similar interests so we got along together very well. The later stay in Sapporo for the honestly was also a great experience. While the first half was fun and I learned a lot from it, the second half at the homestay showed me so much more, experiencing the daily life of the actual families living in Japan and learning to live like them. Overall I would say this trip was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I'm very glad I went on it.

So much fun

September 05, 2018by: Kofi King - United States
4

In Japan I had lots of fun. From the streets of Tokyo to the woods of Nanae in Hokkaido, our group traveled everywhere. The anime classes we attended were great, as it was a type of learning that always introduced an exciting aspect to it. The people I met were amazing, and I'm sure to keep in touch with them.

Beyond what expected

August 31, 2018by: Abraham Intriago - United States
5

My experience in Japan was amazing, i had a great time experiencing the culture and traditions in Japan. The food was amazing and allowed me to diversify my interest in food. This trip allowed me to grow as an individual and gain memorable experiences and friendships.

Best Experience Ever!

August 30, 2018by: Marshall McArthur - United States
5

My trip to Japan was an experience that I will never forget. Not only did I expand my cultural knowledge and awareness but I also got to immerse myself in and around groups of amazing people. Never before had I felt so welcomed and thrilled to keep learning. Everyday was a day in which I felt in paradise. Japan will forever be one of my favorite places.

The best summer ever

August 15, 2018by: Julian Manaois - United States
4

This trip allowed me to learn new things about Japanese culture and advance in the field I love to study, Animation. I would gladly do this again and again. I met amazing people and I still keep in contact with them. This trip is well worth the time.

A culturally enlightening and overall amazing experience

November 01, 2017by: Mathieu - United States
5

This program, Japanimation: Anime & Manga was an unforgettable experience in which one can explore the culture and language of Japan, while also exploring and reflecting on yourself. I had felt extremely safe during the trip and my leaders were exceedingly helpful, whether pointing your group towards a point of interest or giving insight into adapting into the culture. There were several oppertunities and activities which encourage one to work outside their comfort zone that had created a sense of a wonderful and inviting community. This program had also aided in the development of my own leadership skills as well as providing encouragement to work outside my comfort zone more offen. There were also a variety of other things to do other than animation and manga such as admiring Japan's natural beauty, plentiful cafés, and Arcades. This program had become an unforgettable experience to me as I look forward to going abroad with The Experiment again.

ToriiBusy city in Japan

Japan

August 31, 2017by: Dara phay - United States
5

My experience living in japan was amazing. My animation got along with each other pretty well. The food over there was delicious! The architecture were outstanding. The program was great because of my leaders in my group. They made sure we were safe. They made each day of our trip fun! One thing to prepare for this trip is being out your comfort zone. At one point you will taking bath in a public bath. Also, you will be walking a lot. I got to learn more about the language and culture. The animation classes were super exciting. Looking at your drawing skills improving gives you a great excitement. My homestay family was amazing. I got to participate in the shrine festival and walked around the forest with the family. Overall this trip is 100 percent worth it and safe.

Japan was lit fam

August 14, 2017by: True Jackson - United States
4

Everyone in my group, including myself, really enjoyed their time in Japan. We got along fairly quickly and learned and did so much in such a short time. We were going somewhere different just about every day. There was a lot of walking, bootleg Japanese language and gestures and trying to find wifi at seven eleven's. It was a lot of fun and I would recommend this program to just about any human being anywhere.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Tokyo, Japan

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Experiential Learning
  • Homestays
  • Language Immersion

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Duration:
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Medical / Accident Insurance
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Emergency Support
  • Guide / Chaperone

Accommodation Options

  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
    • High School Junior (3rd Year)
    • High School Senior (4th Year)

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Letters of Reference
    • Phone/Video Interview
    • Other
    • Essay

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