Becoming a Mangaka at 50: The of Hayashida Mozuru

Becoming a mangaka at 50 might seem like a distant dream for many, but Hayashida Mozuru’s story proves that age is no barrier to great achievements. After three decades dedicated to the fashion industry, he decided to turn an old passion into his profession — and today, he shines in the pages of the renowned Japanese magazine Morning.

Mangaka at 50: How Did It All Start?

It all began when his daughter received a digital drawing tablet. Watching her, Hayashida realized he could also use the tool to create his own art. That was the turning point for his return to drawing — a hobby he had loved since his youth but had set aside due to professional obligations.

Hayashida always wanted to be an artist but ended up pursuing a career in fashion after being discouraged from following the arts. Now, as a mangaka in his 50s, he is reviving old dreams with the maturity and experience he gained throughout his life. Even with no prior publication experience, his talent and dedication caught the attention of Morning’s editors, who invited him to launch a weekly series.

Hayashida Faced Challenges Due to His Age

Hayashida shares that, despite now having his manga published, things weren’t easy at the start: “I couldn’t get any editor to take me on, and when I went to editorial review sessions at traveling publisher events, I would think, ‘Isn’t it embarrassing to try at this age? I don’t want to give up, but maybe it’s impossible.’ And so, I would discreetly cover the part of the entry form that showed my age with my hand.”

He also took his manga to be evaluated at various publisher events. According to Hayashida: “They said my art style was ‘outdated’ and harshly criticized me (bitter laugh). Despite hearing things like ‘your style is old’ or ‘your drawing looks obsolete,’ I thought, ‘It’s not over for me yet.’ And I kept going.”

“In fact, I attended those review sessions for over ten years. Always hiding my age, of course (laughs). But little by little, they started saying things like, ‘Your story structure is interesting’ or ‘Your characters are engaging.’ That’s when I felt that maybe I had a shot.”

“I simply couldn’t give up. I worked for a long time in the fashion industry, but deep down, I always wanted to be a mangaka. I used to draw when I was young, but life led me down different paths. When I hit 50, I thought, ‘If not now, then never.’ It felt like a last chance I had to give myself.”

But now you must be wondering, what manga does Hayashida Mozuru publish? It’s called Apparel Dog, and it currently has 30 chapters published. Check out below the “outdated” art style of Hayashida:

Synopsis of Apparel Dog:

“In an era where clothes no longer sell, launch a men’s fashion brand.”

That’s the colossal mission given to Sorato Tanaka (29 years old, in his eighth year at the company).

Broke, single, and even on the verge of losing his home, this man on the edge throws himself into the race to create a brand that could determine the fate of his company!

An ambitious work where a former fashion director — who also handles the design — dives realistically into the behind-the-scenes of the industry!
Ever wondered how the clothes we wear every day are actually made?

This is a work-life story set in the fashion world that will surely teach you something useful!

Source Yahoo