Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Press Secretary OHTAKA Masato
Wednesday, April 1, 2020, 4:42 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Opening Remarks
Start of Solicitation of Works for the 14th Japan International MANGA Award
Mr. OHTAKA Masato, Press Secretary: I would firstly like to speak about one matter. Amidst the disheartening situation of the novel coronavirus, I would like to provide an explanation about the Japan International MANGA Award that is implemented every year, as has been stated. The Japan International MANGA Award has been implemented 13 times thus far. Solicitation of works for the 14th Japan International MANGA Award will be held from April 6 to June 19.
Among the entries, the Gold Award of the Japan International MANGA Award is annually given to the top work and the Silver Awards are given to three other excellent works. If circumstances permit, the award winners will visit Japan for the award ceremony at the invitation of the Japan Foundation, and will hold exchanges of views with Japanese manga artists and others, visit publishing companies and others, visit local regions of Japan, and participate in other activities.
As shown in the material distributed to you, the winner of the Gold Award of the 13th Japan International MANGA Award was a work by an Israeli artist.
In any event, as I stated at the beginning, I believe that during times like these, we must continue such events so that the light of culture does not die out. Furthermore, we will hold such events to show that we are doing what we can do.
Novel Coronavirus (MOFA Entrance Ceremony for New Personnel)
TBS, HASHIGUCHI: In relation to the novel coronavirus, entrance ceremonies for new personnel and other events will be held for government ministries today, April 1. Some of the ceremonies have been postponed or changed. How was MOFA’s ceremony held, and were there changes? Also, I believe that training for new personnel and other activities will be held going forward. Can you please tell us how you intend to conduct this training?
Press Secretary OHTAKA: Of course because of this situation, we must carry everything out while carefully considering various matters. However, I do not have the detailed information on hand now. I would like to notify you about the matter in your question later in a suitable way.