In 2007, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan undertook a laudable initiative by establishing the Japan International MANGA Award, a prestigious accolade designed to recognize and honor manga artists who have played a pivotal role in disseminating manga culture beyond Japan’s borders. The primary objective of this commendable effort is to foster international cultural exchange through the art form of manga. This year marked the 17th edition of the award, and it witnessed an unprecedented participation with a staggering 587 entries pouring in from 82 countries and regions.
What makes this edition particularly noteworthy is the inclusion of entries from four African countries, namely Ethiopia, Comoros, Senegal, and Rwanda. This marks a significant milestone, showcasing the global appeal and reach of manga culture, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
The meticulous process of selecting the award recipients involved a two-tiered approach. An initial selection committee, working in collaboration with the Association of Manga Publishers, carefully assessed the multitude of entries. Subsequently, the final selection was made by a distinguished committee chaired by Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, a renowned manga artist. The stringent evaluation criteria ensured that only the most outstanding and impactful works were recognized for their contribution to the global manga landscape.
The fruits of this meticulous selection process culminated in the approval of 15 winning works, each deserving of acclaim and recognition. Among these, the highest honor, the Gold Award, was bestowed upon “Wind Chaser Under the Blue Sky” by Chien Jason from Taiwan. Additionally, three Silver Awards were granted to “Just Friends” by Ana Oncina from Spain, “The dancing universe” by Nachi from Vietnam, and “Chronos Express” by Bonnie Pang from Hong Kong.
Acknowledging the diverse talent across the globe, the Japan International MANGA Award also featured Special Encouragement Awards. These were presented to “spectrum” by Ahlem Khedri from Tunisia (with the original author being Samah Kamil from Saudi Arabia) and “Blend Dark and Light” by Chiya from Hong Kong (with the original author being Hua-Ling from Hong Kong). These works were recognized for their unique contributions to the evolving narrative of manga.
Japan
Looking ahead, the Gold and Silver Award winners are set to be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation, where they will partake in an exclusive awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Tokyo in March 2024. This not only acknowledges their artistic prowess but also emphasizes the significance of international collaboration and exchange in fostering a vibrant and diverse manga culture on a global scale.
