Mangabento was founded in 2003 by Ayumi Sugimoto. It started as a "how to" workshop focusing on skills used by mangaka to like drawing, inking, and toning. 

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In 2004 we started doing art and cosplay contests.

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In 2008 we had our first exhibit, "Okonomi". Since then exhibits have been the culmination of our year. We have exhibited at: The Honolulu Museum of Art; The Contemporary Museum (Spalding House); Honolulu Hale with Comic Jam Hawaii; Kaimuki High School; Duty Free Shoppers and Louis Pohl Gallery with the Honolulu Printmakers; Aiea Library; and the 100th Battalion Clubhouse.

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We continue to do workshops and other events:

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Murals for Fire Prevention Week with the Honolulu Fire Department

Workshops with: Japanese Culture Center, Kawaiikon, Honolulu Festival, Bishop Museum, The Honolulu Museum of Art, Barnes and Noble, Aiea Library, and other community events.

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We have regular meetings, usually at the Honolulu Museum of Art and often have a table at Manga and comic oriented conventions.