Press Releases
The 18th Japan International MANGA Award Winner Announcement
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 18th edition of the award received a record number of 716 entries from 95 countries and regions. For the first time, entries were received from 7 countries: Yemen, Dominica, Namibia, Barbados, Laos, Luxembourg and Equatorial Guinea.
- 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 as below.
- 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 2025.
- Winners
- Gold Award
Title of work: The Forest Mermaid
Artist: Hiro Kawahara (Brazil) - Silver Award
Title of work: RISE POLLY
Artist: Preecha Jai-ordthon (Thai)
Title of work: The Banana Sprout vol.2
Artist: Zuo Hsuan (Taiwan)
Title of work: Scars
Artist: Brandon Arias (Chile)
- Gold Award
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs founded the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 for the purpose of expanding international exchange and mutual understanding through world-famous manga culture.
This award aims to honor manga artists who contribute to the development of manga culture in the world.
More information: Japan International MANGA Awards Website
There were 716 entries from 95 countries and regions this year, which was record-high number of entries. Countries and regions with most entries are Taiwan (1st: 72 entries), China (2nd: 68 entries) and Thai (3rd: 39 entries).
Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, manga artist 【Chairperson】
Ms. IPPONGI Ban, manga artist
Mr. MORIKAWA George, manga artist
Mr. HORI Yasuki, former editor in chief
Mr. KISHIMOTO Kenji, former editor in chief
Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Foreign Affairs 【Chairperson】
Mr. KUROSAWA Shinya, President, Japan Foundation
Ms. SHIRAISHI Saya, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University
Mr. SUGIYAMA Kotaro, President, LIGHTPUBLICITY Co. Ltd.
Mr. Frederik L. SCHODT, translator, interpreter and writer
Mr. MARUSAWA Shigeru, Executive Managing Director, SHOGAKUKAN INC.