Ryoma Manga Contest: First International Manga Contest at Fairway Nine Mall Surabaya
A different atmosphere was seen at Fairway Nine Mall Surabaya on Saturday, November 9, 2025. Dozens of participants of various ages, from children to adults, looked serious as they drew at their tables. Some held colored pencils, while others drew with digital pens in front of computer screens. They were all participating in Ryoma Manga Kente, an International Manga Exam held for the first time in Surabaya.
This event is a collaboration between Ohayo Drawing School Indonesia and Ryoma College in Kochi, Japan. The program is an official certification event that measures participants’ abilities in the world of manga, from drawing techniques, coloring, composition, to visual storytelling.
Unlike ordinary drawing competitions, participants’ work will be sent directly to Japan to be assessed by sensei from Ryoma College. Each participant will receive personal feedback in the form of advice and development notes from professional teachers there. Thus, this exam not only assesses skills but also helps participants develop continuously.
Enthusiasm of Participants from All Over Indonesia
The enthusiasm of the participants was very high, with more than 700 participants from various cities in Indonesia participating, both directly at Fairway Nine Mall and online.
The test was divided based on age and skill level, from 4-year-olds to adults, so that everyone could show their best potential in an exciting and inspiring atmosphere. Rows of tables were filled with drawing tools and digital screens, while mall visitors could watch the participants’ drawing process firsthand, adding to the educational excitement.
Surabaya and Kochi: An Inspiring Sister City Collaboration
The selection of Surabaya as the location for the inaugural event outside Jakarta was not without reason. Surabaya has a sister city relationship with Kochi City, Japan, where Ryoma College originated. Through this sister city relationship, a tangible collaboration in the fields of education and culture was born. Ryoma Manga Kente is one example of this collaboration that directly benefits the community, especially the creative young generation of Surabaya.
“We are very proud that Surabaya can become a bridge for cultural collaboration with Japan. This is a concrete step to introduce international creative education standards to local talent.” said FSEC Fairway Nine Mall Director Yunny Boenniardy Wijoyo.
Fairway Nine Mall: A New Space for Education and Creativity in Surabaya
This event is also part of the Fairway Surabaya Education Center (FSEC) initiative developed by Fairway Nine Mall. The program aims to make the mall not only a place for shopping, but also an educational space and a place for developing the creative potential of children and teenagers. Through various activities such as workshops, competitions, and international-scale exams, FSEC is committed to providing an enjoyable learning experience while building the confidence and talents of Surabaya’s younger generation.
Support for educational activities such as the International Manga Competition proves Fairway Nine Mall’s commitment to playing an active role in building a creative ecosystem in Surabaya. In addition to the exam, the event was enlivened by traditional dance performances that showcased the charm of local culture a symbol of the beautiful blend of modern creativity and Indonesian cultural wisdom.
Fostering a Creative Future Generation
More than just an exam, Ryoma Manga Kente is an important step in the development of Indonesia’s creative human resources. With international assessment standards in place, young creators can learn directly from practices that are applicable in the global industry. From this activity, we learn that an interest in manga is no longer just a hobby, but a structured and recognized professional path. The collaboration between educational institutions, city governments, and the private sector, such as Fairway Nine Mall, demonstrates how cultural diplomacy can be realized through inspiring and sustainable activities.
Who knows, this could give rise to Indonesian manga artists whose works are recognized worldwide, and perhaps even a distinctive Indonesian manga style rooted in Japanese techniques but with characters and stories that grow from our own culture.