Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday announced the launch of the 18th Japan International MANGA Award and will accept entries by non-Japanese MANGA creators from April 12 to July 5.

The Gold Award will be given to the best work, with Silver Awards for the next three best works. The winners will be invited by the Japan Foundation to attend the award ceremony in Japan. During their stay in Japan, they will have opportunities to exchange ideas with Japanese MANGA creators and to visit publishing companies.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry established the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 upon the initiative of then Minister for Foreign Affairs ASO Taro. The aim was to promote manga culture and international cultural exchanges through manga by awarding overseas artists for their manga works. The Award has been presented every year since then.

The last competition, the 17th, received 587 entries – a record-high number – from 82 countries and regions. Those interested in participating should visit the website at: https://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/en/application/18/index.html

The selection process is carried out by the Selection Committee of the Award and approved by the Executive Committee.

The Executive Committee includes Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko and KUROSAWA Shinya, President of the Japan Foundation. The Selection Committee Chairperson will be manga artist SATONAKA Machiko.