(Ecns.cn)--By recording his life as a Chinese student in Japan, 29-year-old Xiao Rong and his comic book series have become popular online in both Japan and China. So far the 50-issue series has been clicked on more than 1.5 million times, according to the Chinese Review Weekly on Thursday.
With vivid pictures, compelling language and true stories, the comics have attracted millions of fans since being posted online last May. The work has been described as the first of its kind to truly depict Chinese student life in Japan.
"Through Xiao's pictures, I have learned more about Japan and have less bias toward the Japanese people and the country. This is a great cartoon," said an online user nicknamed Win.
When he was only three years old, Xiao became interested in comics – especially those imported from Japan – and later worked as a cartoon editor for a Guangdong-based newspaper. Last May, after the disastrous earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Xiao decided to resign and move there to pursue his interest in drawing.
"Before coming to Japan, I had planned to record my life here with comic pictures," said Xiao. "I took a notebook with me every day and recorded things that happened. Then I would spend two to three hours drawing pictures at night."
Next year, Xiao plans to publish his comic books in Japanese. When he finishes his studies in Japan, Xiao hopes to publish a comic book set against the backdrop of ancient Chinese society.
