Press Releases

The Award Ceremony of the 16th Japan International MANGA Award

March 2, 2023
Japanese
State Minister Takei who makes a speech standing behind the lectern
State Minister Takei who makes a speech standing behind the lectern and creators who listen to his speech on the stage
A group photo of State Minister Takei and creators

On March 2, the 16th Japan International MANGA Award Ceremony was held at the Iikura Guest House, with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs TAKEI Shunsuke attending on behalf of Minister for Foreign Affairs HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Chairperson of the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee.

  1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 to honor manga artists who have contributed to the promotion of manga overseas and to promote international cultural exchange through manga. Out of a record 503 entries from 77 countries and regions, 15 works were selected this year, including one Gold Award winner (Republic of Korea) and three Silver Award winners (France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan).　
  2. At the ceremony, Mr. Takei presented certificates of commendation to the creators of the Gold Award and Silver Award winning works, who were invited to Japan by The Japan Foundation, and Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, chairperson of the selection committee, presented trophies to each of them. In his remarks, Mr. Takei congratulated each of the creators and expressed his willingness to continue his efforts to realize a peaceful world where everyone can create and enjoy manga. Ms. Satonaka also commented that she was deeply moved by all the works that looked forward to the future and life while carefully dealing with death or the past and thanked all the creators for giving us the opportunity to look back on our lives.
  3. The ceremony was attended by members of the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee and the selection committee, as well as Members of the Diet, manga artists, editors including the Association of Comic Publishers which helped with the first screening.

【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: JAPAN INTERNATIONAL MANGA AWARDOpen a New Window

【Reference 2：Entries】
There were 503 entries from 77 countries and regions this year, which was record-high number of entries. Countries and regions with most entries are Taiwan (1st: 83 entries), China (2nd: 65 entries), Indonesia (3rd: 22 entries).

【Reference 3：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. MARUSAWA Shigeru, Executive managing director, SHOGAKUKAN Co. Ltd.,

【Reference 4：Members of the Selection Committee 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

Related Links

Back to Press Releases