Doujinshi

Doujinshi (同人誌) is a term for self-published manga and other self-published works like novels or magazines. Often, it's made by fans and amateurs, but some professional artists do it as well. There are known mangaka who started out as doujinshi artists.

Origin
The term derives from the Japanese word dōjin. In Japan, that word can have two meanings, one of them is for amateur self-published works in general, and the other one is for a circle or clique.

Contemporary Usage
The otaku tend to use doujinshi to describe fanfiction manga or novels about characters from popular series. Such fanfiction is often posted online. It's not unusual to create hentai or parody doujinshi.

However, the term can be used in the "amateur manga" context as well, when an otaku creates their own work they don't share or share with friends and online communities. The otaku also know the original meaning and do use it when discussing known Japanese artists who perform it. Some self-publishing artists, including those who have professional skills, publish their manga like webcomics.

Notable Examples

 * Bleedman publishes doujinshi online
 * Fred Gallagher publishes doujinshi online
 * Minami Ozaki used to make doujinshi before debuting as a professional
 * Yoshitoshi ABe used to make doujinshi before debuting as a professional
 * Kazuhiko Katō used to make doujinshi before debuting as a professional

Related Items

 * Manga