Rene Goes to School

Episode 2

Bringing Cheer through Manga

Rene is a Cameroonian manga creator. His popular manga deals with the cultural differences he faced growing up in Japan. Now, Rene goes to school to meet with foreign children living in Japan and turn their experiences into manga. In this episode, Rene meets eleven-year-old Arthur from Brazil, who came to Japan at age five. Arthur once struggled with thoughtless words from his peers and now wants to encourage others like himself. We follow Rene and Arthur as they try to bring cheer through manga.

Episode 3

Drawing Courage and Purpose from Family

Rene is a Cameroonian manga creator who grew up in Japan from age four. In this episode, he meets eighteen-year-old Heshike Hideki from Peru, who came to Japan three years ago. Supported by his cheerful family, Hideki overcame the language barrier and loneliness and is now pursuing a career in nursing care. However, he worries that he won't be able to communicate effectively with patients in Japanese. We follow Rene and Hideki as they bond over basketball, food and family and create a manga.

Episode 4

Celebrating the Gift of Friendships

Cameroonian manga creator Rene makes a manga with France, a 16-year-old student from the Philippines. France wants to thank her friends who've helped her adapt and enjoy life in Japan.

Episode 5

Speaking Up for Change

Cameroonian manga creator Rene makes a manga with Sudina, a 16-year-old Nepalese student. Sudina feels unaccepted despite growing up in Japan and hopes that expressing it will lead to solutions.

Episode 6

Illustrating the Meaning of Family

Cameroonian manga creator Rene meets 16-year-old Kendri and Kevin from Cuba. The twins want to express their gratitude to their step-grandfather, who helped them adjust to life in Japan.