Ken Niimura is a Spanish-Japanese cartoonist and illustrator with a unique style informed by his international background.
He has worked with clients such as Amazon, Google, McDonald’s, Marvel Comics, Apple, L’Oreal, DC Entertainment, Shogakukan, Slate, The Apatow Company, Tezuka Pro, Image Comics, Kodansha and NHK Broadcasting Station among others.
His book I Kill Giants, written by Joe Kelly, won the International Manga Award and was adapted into a film in 2019 starring Zoe Saldana. His series Umami earned him an Eisner Award to the Best Digital Comic. Ken Niimura’s work has been translated into twelve languages.
He lives and works between Japan and Europe.
Honors
Eisner Award to the Best Digital Comic, 2019
Gold Award in the International Manga Award, 2012
Nomination Eisner Award to the Best Comic for Teens, 2010
Exhibitions
Ken Niimura Exhibition, Manga Night Books (Japan), 2019
Otogibanashi (with Miki Yamamoto), Pinpoint Gallery (Japan), 2018
Making a scene, Lakes International Comic Art Festival (UK), 2016
Chez Niimura, XX Barcelona Manga Convention (Spain), 2014
Chez Niimura, Gallery Antenna (Japan), 2014
Imágenes de un mundo flotante, Studio Banana (Spain), 2010
Images d’un monde flottant, Château de la Chesnaie (France), 2008
Teaching/mentorship
School Of Visual Arts, 2019
The Animation Workshop, 2019
Escuela Joso, 2016
La Maison de la Culture du Japon à Paris, 2010
The Asia Europe Foundation, 2009
Salamanca University, 2008
Jury
The Golden Pinwheel Young Illustrators Competition, 2021
Wacom International Comic/Manga Schools Contest, 2019
Sitges International Film Festival, 2006
Interviews & Press