Press Releases
Application for the 20th Japan International Manga Award
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will launch the 20th Japan International MANGA Award and accept entries by non-Japanese manga creators from 15 April to 30 June 2026.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 with the aim of promoting manga culture and international cultural exchanges through manga by awarding overseas artists for their excellent manga works. The Award has been presented every year since then. 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the Award.
- Among the entries, the Gold Award will be given to the best work and Silver Awards to three other excellent works. The winners of these four Awards will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend an award ceremony. During their stay in Japan, they will also have opportunities to exchange ideas with Japanese manga creators and to visit publishing companies.
- The Japan International MANGA Award official website contains more information about the application process.
(Reference1) Japan International MANGA Award
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 for the purpose of expanding international exchange and mutual understanding through world-famous manga culture as an initiative of then-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. ASO Taro.
- More information: The 20th Japan International MANGA Award
(Reference2) Application
The 19th Japan International MANGA Award in 2025 received a record-breaking 738 entries from 110 countries and regions. Breakdown of application numbers:
East Asia: 164 entries; Southeast Asia: 149 entries; Europe: 140 entries; Latin America: 87 entries; Middle East: 55 entries; North America: 51 entries; Africa: 51 entries; South Asia: 29 entries; Oceania: 12 entries.
(Reference3) Committees
The selection process is carried out by the Selection Committee and approved by the Executive Committee.
- Members of the 2026 Executive Committee
- Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs [Chairperson]
- Mr. KUROSAWA Shinya, President, Japan Foundation
- Mr. SAGAMI Yasuyuki, Managing Director, SHOGAKUKAN Co.Ltd.
- Dr. SHIRAISHI Saya, Professor Emeritus, Tokyo University
- Mr. SUGIYAMA Kotaro, President, LIGHTPUBLICITY Co. Ltd.
- Mr. Frederik L. SCHODT, Translator, Interpreter and Writer
- Members of the 2026 Selection Committee
- Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, Manga Artist [Chairperson]
- Mr. SUZUKI Shigeki, Former Editor-in-Chief of a manga magazine
- Ms. HAGIO Moto, Manga Artist
- Mr. HORI Yasuki, Former Editor-in-Chief of a manga magazine
- Mr. MITA Norifusa, Manga Artist