=D Exactly, there is nothing bad about being called a cartoonist or illustrator~ I'm born and raised in the US of A. I only use the term "mangaka" when addressing Japanese artists who were born and published in Japan. But, an even more respectful title for these professional Japanese artists is "sensei". This term seems to be completely disregarded by this new generation~ and I guess some might think of it as too formal or old-fashion, but I still see it as a form of respect, and use it when addressing a particular Japanese pro artist~ such as, I'm a fan of MonkeyPunch- sensei. Especially if I meet an elder Japanese pro in person, I wouldn't address them by their name, I would simply call them "sensei" out of high respect. It was Osamu Tezuka-sensei who coined this term for artists, as he was a doctor before he became a professional mangaka.
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