The 18th Japan International Manga Awards have concluded, celebrating exceptional talent in the global manga community. This year’s competition saw a record-breaking 716 entries from 95 countries and regions, highlighting the worldwide reach and impact of manga as an art form. The awards, established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2007, aim to foster international cultural exchange and mutual understanding through manga. The winners were announced on January 17, 2025, on the Japan International Manga Award Facebook page.
A Celebration of International Manga
The Japan International Manga Award was created by then-Foreign Minister TarÅ AsÅ with the goal of recognizing manga artists who contribute to the promotion of manga culture overseas. The award has since become a prestigious platform for non-Japanese manga artists to showcase their work and gain international recognition. The selection process is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, with recommendations from advisors, including renowned manga artists.
This year’s awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Tokyo sometime in March. The event will bring together the winners, judges, and manga enthusiasts to celebrate the art form and its global impact. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan emphasizes that the award promotes global understanding through the widely accepted manga culture.
18th Award Winners
The 18th Japan International Manga Award presented one Gold Award, three Silver Awards, and eleven Bronze Awards. The winners represent a diverse array of countries and artistic styles.
Gold Award
- The Forest Mermaid by Hiro Kawahara from Brazil, took home the coveted Gold Award. This work stood out among the numerous entries for its exceptional storytelling and artistic merit.
Silver Awards
Three Silver Awards were presented to manga artists for their outstanding contributions:
- RISE POLLY by Preecha Jai-ordthon from Thailand
- The Banana Sprout vol. 2 by Zuo Hsuan from Taiwan
- Scars by Brandon Arias from Chile
Bronze Awards
The 11 Bronze Awards went to a range of artists, each demonstrating unique talent and creativity. The full list of Bronze Award winners has not been fully disclosed yet, but their works will be recognized for their impressive contributions to the world of manga.
Award Categories and Recognition
The Japan International Manga Award recognizes exceptional works through several tiers of recognition. The Gold Award is given to the best manga work, followed by three Silver Awards for excellent works. Approximately eleven other works receive the Bronze Award. In addition, a Special Encouragement Award may be given to a manga work that is highly regarded but does not qualify for the Silver Award.
Gold and Silver Award winners receive certificates and trophies, along with a fully funded trip to Japan for approximately seven days to attend the award ceremony. Bronze Award winners receive certificates. The Special Encouragement Award winners also receive certificates.
Eligibility and Criteria
To be eligible for the Japan International Manga Awards, the submitted work must consist of more than 16 pages. Both published and unpublished works are accepted, provided they have not won the award previously. Submitted manga must have been created within the past three years from the application date (2021-2024 for the 18th award).
All entries must be the original work of the creator and must not violate any third-party intellectual property rights. Importantly, manga works primarily generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI), including plot, composition, and drawing, are not accepted.
The Impact of the Award
The Japan International Manga Award has grown to become a significant platform for international cultural exchange. By recognizing non-Japanese manga artists, the award helps to diversify the global manga scene, showcasing different storytelling traditions and artistic styles. It also encourages the global expansion of manga, providing artists with an opportunity to reach a wider audience.
The award ceremony, which includes a seven-day trip to Japan for Gold and Silver winners, offers a unique chance for artists to experience Japanese culture firsthand. It further fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art form. The event serves as a networking opportunity for artists from various countries to connect and share their experiences.
The Global Reach of Manga
The popularity of manga continues to grow, with the art form gaining immense traction across cultures and continents. This is evident in the increasing number of entries for the Japan International Manga Award from various parts of the world. The contest has received entries from countries such as Yemen, Dominica, Namibia, Barbados, Laos, Luxembourg, and Equatorial Guinea for the first time, underscoring the global appeal of manga.
Mangaās ability to transcend cultural boundaries is one of its strengths, offering unique narratives and visual styles that resonate with diverse audiences. This global appeal is why the Japan International Manga Award is important in recognizing and celebrating artists who contribute to the international development of manga.
How the Award Benefits Artists
For manga artists around the world, the Japan International Manga Award offers significant benefits. Winning the award not only provides recognition but also opens doors to new opportunities and collaborations. The fully funded trip to Japan gives artists an immersive experience in the culture that has influenced the art form. It also allows them to connect with other artists and industry professionals.
The award also highlights the global reach of manga, inspiring artists from all corners of the world to continue creating unique stories and visuals. The international recognition that the award brings can elevate an artist’s career and expand the reach of their work.
A Look at Previous Winners
The award has a rich history of celebrating exceptional talent. Previous winners have come from various countries, showcasing the diversity and global nature of manga creation. For example, in the 17th edition of the award, a Taiwanese comic artist won the gold medal for his work “Winchester under the blue sky.” This work was praised for its historical context and unique storytelling.
By looking at past winners, one can appreciate the impact of the award on the international manga scene and the incredible talent it has brought to light.
The Future of the Japan International Manga Award
The Japan International Manga Award continues to be an important event in the global manga community. With each passing year, the award receives more entries, demonstrating the growing popularity and cultural significance of manga. It not only recognizes the contributions of manga artists but also helps foster international connections and understanding. As manga continues to evolve, the Japan International Manga Award will undoubtedly play an important role in recognizing and celebrating the artists who push the boundaries of this captivating art form.
The 18th Japan International Manga Awards have further solidified its status as a prestigious global event that celebrates the worldwide appeal of manga. By supporting international artists, the award continues to contribute to the cultural exchange and understanding that manga promotes.
