Core Insights - The establishment of Japan's first public high school manga program at Kumamoto Prefectural Takamori High School has attracted students nationwide aspiring to become professional manga artists [1][3] - The school, previously facing enrollment issues, now has approximately 120 students enrolled in the manga program, showcasing a successful model for revitalizing public high schools in Japan [1][3] Group 1: School and Program Development - The manga program was initiated in spring 2023, with significant support from local government and Coamix, a manga publishing company, which invested around 1 billion yen (approximately 10 million USD) for infrastructure and related needs [3] - The program includes 30 classes per week, with 6 to 13 classes focused on manga creation and art, taught by professional manga editors and artists [3] - The admission rate for the manga program has become competitive, dropping to 1/3 or even 1/4 due to increased interest [3] Group 2: Community and Economic Impact - Takamori Town, located at the foot of Mount Aso, has faced a population decline of over 1,000 people in the past decade, with a significant portion being elderly [3] - The local government and businesses collaborated effectively to revitalize the school, demonstrating a successful model for community engagement and economic development through education [3] - The program has not only attracted local students but also students from outside Kumamoto Prefecture, indicating a broader appeal and potential for regional tourism and economic growth [3]