TOKYO: “Spectrum,” a manga story authored by artist Samah Kamil of Saudi Arabia, won the Special Encouragement Award of Japan’s 17th Japan International MANGA, established in 2007 by the Foreign Ministry. The Tunisian artist Ahlem Khedri was also involved in the work.

Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko announced the awards on Tuesday.

The International MANGA Award was established to honor manga artists who have contributed to international cultural exchange by spreading manga overseas. The Minister of Foreign Affairs awards outstanding manga works that overseas artists have produced.

This year, the 17th edition of the award received 587 entries from 82 countries and regions. For the first time, entries were received from four African countries: Ethiopia, Comoros, Senegal, and Rwanda.

The Spectrum story is about a girl named Lina, who was born into a loving family and did well until she was two years old. However, a strange creature that can only be seen by her appears, misleading and isolating her. The family takes her to the examination, and she is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This story shows the importance of recognition and education on the autism spectrum.

A committee chaired by a manga artist carefully carried out a final selection of work for the award. Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, after an initial selection committee in cooperation with the Association of Manga Publishers, made their choice. 

Based on the results, the Executive Committee approved 15 winning works, including one Gold Award winner, three Silver Award winners as below, and a further two Special Encouragement Award winners.

The Gold and Silver Award winners will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend an awards ceremony in Tokyo in March 2024. 

Winners 

(1) Gold Award 

Title of work: Wind Chaser Under the Blue Sky 

Artist: Chien Jason (Taiwan) 

(2) Silver Award 

Title of work: Just Friends 

Artist: Ana Oncina (Spain) 

Title of work: The Dancing Universe 

Artist: Nachi (Vietnam) 

Title of work: Chronos Express 

Artist: Bonnie Pang (Hong Kong) 

 (3) The Special Encouragement Award 

Title of work: spectrum 

Artist: Ahlem Khedri (Tunisia) 

Original author: Samah Kamil (Saudi Arabia) 

Title of work: Blend Dark and Light 

Artist: Chiya (Hong Kong) 

Original author: Hua-Ling (Hong Kong) 

Members of the Executive Committee of the Award included KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, who acted as 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, translator, interpreter and writer 

Mr. MARUSAWA Shigeru, Executive Managing Director, SHOGAKUKAN INC.