Cultural Exchange

On February 23, the 11th Japan International MANGA Award Ceremony was held at the Iikura Guest House.

The Japan International MANGA Award was launched by then Foreign Minister Mr. Taro Aso in 2007 with the aim of honoring MANGA artists who have contributed to the promotion of Manga overseas and international cultural exchange through Manga. Among 326 entries from 60 countries and regions, 15 works were selected this year, including one for Gold Award and three for Silver Award.

At the Award Ceremony, one Gold Award and three Silver Awards were presented with certificates of commendation by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mitsunari Okamoto and trophies by Ms. Machiko Satonaka, Chairperson of the Selection Committee. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Mr. Okamoto stated that this year saw a variety of brilliant works and asked for continuous cooperation for further development of manga culture and enhanced international mutual understanding through manga. Chairperson of the Selection Committee, Ms. Satonaka gave a review of the works, in which she stated that this year was highly competitive and “life” or “existence” was seen as a common theme in the prize-winning works, and she also expected further development of manga culture.

The Award Ceremony was attended by the Selection Committee members, Ms. Ban Ippongi, Mr. Mitsuru Miura, Mr. Masafumi Kumata, Mr. Kouichi Yuri, and the Executive Committee members, Ms. Saya Shiraishi, Mr. Kotaro Sugiyama, Mr. Frederik L. Schodt and Mr. Hiroyasu Ando, President of the Japan Foundation. Among the guests were famous Manga artists, publishers and people in the cultural circle and they interacted with the Award winners at the reception which followed the Ceremony.

The Award winners were invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation, and they will be visiting publishing companies, animation studios, manga-related museums besides attending the Ceremony.