Cultural Exchange

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan established the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 to honor manga artists, who have contributed to the spread of manga culture overseas and international cultural exchange through manga, and awards outstanding overseas manga works in the name of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This year, the 17th edition of the award received a record number of 587 entries from 82 countries and regions. For the first time, entries were received from four African countries: Ethiopia, Comoros, Senegal, and Rwanda.

1. The selection for the award was made strictly by a selection committee chaired by Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, manga artist, after an initial selection committee in cooperation with the Association of Manga Publishers. Based on the judging results, the Executive Committee approved 15 winning works, including one Gold Award winner, three Silver Award winners, and one Special Encouragement Award winner, as below.
2. The Gold Award winner and Silver Award winners will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend an awards ceremony in Tokyo in March 2024.
3. Winners
   1. Gold Award
      Title of work: Wind Chaser Under the Blue Sky
      Artist: Chien Jason (Taiwan)
   2. Silver Award
      Title of work: Just Friends
      Artist: Ana Oncina (Spain)
      
      Title of work: The dancing universe
      Artist: Nachi (Vietnam)
      
      Title of work: Chronos Express
      Artist: Bonnie Pang (Hong Kong)
       
   3. The Special Encouragement Award Title of work: spectrum
      Artist: Ahlem Khedri (Tunisia)
      Original author: Samah Kamil (Saudi Arabia)