schools for students interested in japanese animation and comics

[Reiko Narita]

Um...I'm not sure if someone has posted something similar to this, but I'm new here, so please give me some slack. I hope this is the appropriate place to post this.

I'm a high school senior, getting ready to go to colloge, most likely an art college. I'm very interested in anime (japanese animation), but I think I would like to try making my own manga (japanese comic/graphic novel) rather than the actual animation process. I wanted to know if there are any schools, in the US or in Japan, that actually teach this type of art. I'm already working on some characters and a story. The only guide to creating manga I have is my "How To Draw Manga" books series. I'm not sure if I could make a good living out of it, but I really want to do this. My art isn't as nearly as perfect, but I've been told I have potential, so that's got to count for something. :p I know that manga isn't animation, but it usually leads to it, that is to say if the manga series is good enough.

Any and all advice is appreciated. Thank you for viewing this post.

Please Note* I'm still a newcomer and know very little of the animation/comic business.

[BrentNewhall]

Draw the manga now.

Seriously, that's my advice.

[Hawaiiangurl]

Aloha, my name is Dawny and I jus joined this Forum earlier 2day. Um I was jus wondering about the Animation Business in Japan. How does it work? Are they really strict? I'm an artist and I've been drawing since the age of 3 till now. I'm really creative and open minded. What does a person have to have in order to succeed in being an Anime Cartoonist? My dream has always been to become a Animator for Japanese Cartoons, I grew up watching them. I believe I can fulfill this dream but I don't know where to start. Can you please give me any information that be helpful.
Mahalo 4 your time and consideration.

[BrioCyrain]

Seeing how there isn't many colleges or universities that teach hand drawn animation in america, I suggest either going to an actual JAPANESE school, or or the few animation schools in Canada like VanArts.

VanArts (http://www.vanarts.com)

Yogoyi Animation Institute (http://yoani.jp/e/about.html)