Danica Davidson
July 17, 2024 
Manga creator Koji Aihara, who might be best-known to American fans for his book Even a Monkey Can Draw Manga (co-created with Kentaro Takekuma), recently came out with a new manga in Japan that details his depression. The Japanese paper The Asahi Shimbun talked about both the book’s candid look at depression, as well as bringing attention to mental illness.
Like a lot of people, Aihara had a hard time during the COVID-19 epidemic. For him, he became convinced that he had lost his talent and would no longer be able to think of new ideas. He decided to try to kill himself. He survived, and was put in a psychiatric ward for two months. Following this he began a slow recovery. He had another relapse in 2024, which is shown in his new manga. It pictures him at his desk without a pen, unable to work again.
About that scene, Aihara said, “I wanted to hint at a vague sense of hope, but I just didn’t have that in me anymore. But some readers have said they appreciated the realism, which makes me happy.”
Aihara has monthly hospital visits and describes life as going up and down. The interview, as well as the book, seemed to be about breaking the stigma around mental illness while also showing people might have to remain vigilant.
Even a Monkey Can Draw Manga was published by VIZ Media in 2002 and is currently out of print. This is the official description for it on Amazon:
This mock-instructional tome is actually a hilarious parody in graphic novel form of those books which seek to advise one on “how to draw manga.” But it is also a gripping comic book narrative in its own right about the struggle of two bumbling and desperate would-be know-it-alls the authors of the book in their vainglorious pursuit of comic book technique, wealth, and fame.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please know that there is help available. In America, you can call 1-800-273-8255. In Canada, you can call 1-833-456-4566. In Japan, you can call 03-5774-0992. For other countries, numbers and resources are available on this site.
Source and Image: The Asahi Shimbun
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Danica Davidson is the author of the bestselling Manga Art for Beginners with artist Melanie Westin, plus its sequel, Manga Art for Everyone, and the first-of-its-kind manga chalk book Chalk Art Manga, both illustrated by professional Japanese mangaka Rena Saiya. Check out her other comics and books at www.danicadavidson.com.
