Manga and Anime – Unique Graduate Programs in Culture and the Arts at PJATK

Are you fascinated by contemporary Japanese aesthetics? Do you want your interest in the pop culture of the Land of the Rising Sun to become a solid foundation for your professional career? The Gdańsk Faculty of New Media Arts at PJATK is opening a unique door for you. Admissions are now open for the 2026–27 academic year for an innovative program:Manga and Anime—Cultural and Artistic Studies.

It is the only program in Poland that combines rigorous academic knowledge with intensive artistic training, educating creators and researchers of Japanese pop culture.

Who is this program for?

The program is aimed at people planning a career in the creative sector, in particular:

• Artists and graphic designers:those who want to mastercharacter designand manga techniques.
• Media and publishing professionals:those targeting the publishing/marketing sector.
• Educators and cultural facilitators.
• Portfolio enthusiasts:those who want to hone their skills.

Why PJATK?

• Hands-on workshop:learning traditional and digital drawing, storyboarding, and animation.
• In-depth analysis:understanding the history, aesthetics, and publishing mechanisms.
• Career prospects:preparation for work in publishing, game development (Concept Artist), and animation.  

Meet Dr. Joanna Zakrzewska

A Japanese studies scholar, illustrator, and calligraphy master (10th dan). Her academic work focuses on the aesthetics of Japanese art (“Sakuteiki: Notes on Garden Design,” “Rethinking Beauty: The Aesthetics of Japanese Calligraphy,” “Splendor and Asceticism: A Guide to Traditional Japanese Architecture”). She is the illustrator for the Yume series published by Kirin. She has numerous scholarly publications and art exhibitions to her credit.

Are manga and anime just entertainment? Or are they also an important cultural phenomenon, a language for storytelling, and a space for professional development? We invite you to watch a webinar from the “Time for an Upgrade” series featuring Dr. Joanna Zakrzewska and Dr. Marta Tyminska.