Japanese mangaka Kiyomi Koizumi captivated audiences at the Algiers International Comics Festival (FIBDA) on 3 October 2025 with a talk titled « The Renaissance of FIBDA in Japan and the Interest in the Animation Industry in the Middle East ». Blending her love of manga, mythology and cricket, Koizumi shared her personal journey and the special connection she has forged with Algerian comics, which she is now striving to promote in Japan.
Koizumi first discovered Algeria through her participation in a previous edition of FIBDA. « The second-to-last edition of the festival was my first experience in Algeria, and it had a profound impact on my career », she explained. Inspired by what she encountered, she returned to Japan determined to introduce Algerian comics to her readers and foster cultural exchanges between Japan and the Arab world. « I wanted to share what I had discovered here, the vitality, creativity and richness of Algerian authors. Comics have existed in Algeria for more than half a century, since M’qidech in the 1960s. It’s an extraordinary tradition », she said.
She praised the skill and originality of Algerian artists, noting their ability to « craft stories with precise and effective storyboarding, deeply rooted in local culture ». Their commitment to integrating elements of Algerian identity into their work particularly impressed her. Back in Japan, Koizumi gave two conferences dedicated to Algerian comics, where she shared her experiences at FIBDA and highlighted the talent she had encountered.
« Thanks to these encounters, many Japanese people have started to take an interest in Algerian culture. It’s something I’m very proud of », she said. Through her close contacts with Japanese publishers, Koizumi has also presented several works by Algerian authors. « They were impressed by the quality and maturity of Algerian manga. Some even said they were seriously considering publishing these works in Japan », she added enthusiastically.
Born in Shizuoka, at the foot of Mount Fuji, Koizumi is best known for Bhagavat Crease, the first manga ever dedicated to cricket. Published in India in 2013 and followed by a sequel in 2018, the series blends sport and mythology through the story of Amir, a young Muslim boy who embodies the god Vishnu. « I was the first Japanese woman to draw a manga about cricket. There was no precedent, so it was a real challenge », she recalled.
A passionate admirer of Indian culture, Koizumi draws inspiration from players such as Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja. « I love Mohammed Siraj’s nickname, Siraj the Lionheart. He’s humble and embodies the spirit of cricket », she said. Breaking into the male-dominated world of shōnen manga was no easy task, but Koizumi’s distinctive vision has helped her carve out a unique place in the industry, and now, she’s opening new doors for Algerian creators on the Japanese scene.