Cartoonist Defends Competition in School

By Han Sang-hee

Staff Reporter

‘Dragon Zakura’ Author Mita Talks About Manga and Education

Competition among Korean students to enter better universities seems overly fierce. But famed Japanese cartoonist Norifusa Mita says ``healthy'' competition is unavoidable for them to achieve their dreams.

The 52-year-old artist, whose famous manga ``Dragon Zakura'' has been remade as a television drama called ``Master of Study'' here, visited Korea last week to see its popularity for himself and share his views regarding his famous work.

``I have been asked the question several times and even gone through criticism about instigating too much competition. But I believe competition is good and necessary," he said at a press conference last week in Seoul. "It must be fair and equal to everyone, and I think it's an important factor in studying.''

"Dragon Zakura'' revolves around Kenji Sakuragi, a poor lawyer and ex-motorcycle gang member in pursuit of a way to boost his life and career. He finally decides to set up a special class in the notorious Ryuuzan High School, and starts his journey to send five of his students to the prestigious Tokyo University. It was made into a drama series in Japan in 2005.

The Korean version ``Master of Study'' also takes place at a school with five students led by Kim Su-ro as the lawyer and former gang member who strives to help them make it to the prestigious Cheonha University.

``We, my editor and writer, were thinking of bringing a work that depicted people who were striving to reach their goals, and we decided to come up with something based on education. My editor is a graduate from Tokyo University, so he came up with some of the studying methods he used when he was a high school student and then we asked people around us for more ideas and study tips,'' Mita said. ``His experience was the foundation of the work.'' When asked why he thought the series was so popular both in Japan and Korea, Mita smiled and shrugged.

``It's a pleasure to watch young students work their way to success and also watch them grow in the process. I think both Japanese and Korean viewers liked the manga and the drama because it depicted young and energetic students inspiring hope and helping each other out.''

The Korean version is currently leading the Wednesday and Thursday drama slot ― not surprising given the interest Koreans have when it comes to education. The Japanese drama, which aired in 2005, also shared similar hype among education-driven students and parents in Japan.

``In Japan, teachers usually recommend their students to apply to lower schools, but after the drama, they realized that their words of support could actually play a significant role. There were many students from rural schools who applied to Tokyo University, and many actually made it,'' he explained.

Mita added that he was working on another work that includes the teacher that appears in ``Drama Zakura.'' The lawyer-turned-teacher is sent to a headhunting company, where he discovers the joys and sorrows of ordinary office workers and businessmen.

``There is no one answer when it comes to education and I don't think `Dragon Zakura' suggests that. I simply wanted the viewers to think about education. If the manga and the drama, made people talk more about education, then my job is done. This is my first visit to Korea, and I have realized that Koreans enjoy my work, just as much as the Japanese do. I promise I will try to bring something more interesting in the future for both my fans here and back home,'' Mita said.

``Try out some of the methods from the drama. You never know, you may find the right one for you.''

Artist Mita started his manga career at the age of 30, after graduating college, working briefly at a department store and trying to revive his failing family business. Discovering a talent in sports cartoons, he started making a name for himself with ``Drama Zakura'' in 2003. The popular manga eventually won the 2005 Kodansha Manga Award for general manga and the Excellence Prize at the 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival.

``Master of Study'' is broadcast every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:55 p.m. on KBS.