Press Releases

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 with the aim of honoring Manga artists who have contributed to the promotion of Manga overseas as well as promoting international cultural exchange through Manga. Among the record-high 483 entries from 76 countries and regions, 14 works were selected this year, including one for Gold Award (Netherlands) and three for Silver Awards (Ukraine, Spain, Taiwan).　The Silver Award winner from Ukraine gave up attending the ceremony.
2. At the Award Ceremony, Ms. SUZUKI Takako, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, presented certificates of commendation, and Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, Chairperson of the Selection Committee, presented trophies to the Gold Award and Silver Award winners who attended online from abroad. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms. SUZUKI stated that “Japanese manga blossomed greatly in the peaceful life after WWII, driven by the desire for free expression activities, and now once again, we will awaken the heart of peace and encourage new creation at this memorial 15th Japan International MANGA Award. At the review session held after the ceremony, Chairperson SATONAKA told that Manga is borderless, with its magnificent story, touching words, drawings that help us understand, and the characters which present them, she believes we can unite the world into one, strongly praying that the world will be tied together with the bond of empathy.
3. The Award Ceremony was attended by the Executive Committee members, Mr. UMEMOTO Kazuyoshi, Ms. SHIRAISHI Saya, Mr. SUGIYAMA Kotaro, Mr. Frederik L. Schodt (online), Mr. YOKOTA Kiyoshi and the Selection Committee members, Mr. AKAMATSU Ken, Mr.OSHIMA Makoto, Ms. NAGANO Noriko, and Mr. YOSHITOME Hiroyuki at the venue. H.E. Mr. Sergiy KORSUNSKY, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan, attended the Award Ceremony as a guest.

【Reference 1：Japan International MANGA 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 

【Reference 2：Application】
There were 483 entries from 76 countries and regions this year, which was record-high number of entries. Countries and regions with most entries are China (1st: 88 entries), Taiwan (2nd: 49 entries), Thailand (3rd: 30 entries).

【Reference 3：Members of the Jury of the Award】
Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, Manga artist 【chairperson】
Ms. AKAMATSU Ken, Manga artist
Mr. OSHIMA Makoto, former Publisher
Ms. NAGANO Noriko, Manga artist
Mr. YOSHITOME Hiroyuki, former Publisher

【Reference 4：Members of the Executive Committee of the Award】
Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs【chairperson】
Mr. UMEMOTO Kazuyoshi, President, Japan Foundation
Ms. SHIRAISHI Saya, Professor emeritus, Tokyo University
Mr. SUGIYAMA Kotaro, President, LIGHTPUBLICITY Co. Ltd.,
Mr. Frederik L. SCHODT, American translator, interpreter and writer
Mr. YOKOTA Kiyoshi, Auditor, SHOGAKUKAN Co. Ltd.,