The prestigious 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards have unveiled their winners, recognizing four outstanding manga series for their excellence in storytelling and artistry. This year’s recipients include “Kore Kaite Shine,” “Burning Kabaddi,” “Puniru wa Kawaii Slime,” and “Natsume Arata no Kekkon,” marking a significant achievement for each of these captivating works. The awards, sponsored by Shogakukan Publishing, are among Japan’s most esteemed accolades for manga, highlighting the best works from various publishers.
The Winners
The judging committee of the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards made their final decision, celebrating diverse stories and artistic styles. Each winning title will receive a bronze statuette, a certificate, and a prize of 1 million yen (approximately US$6,400).
Kore Kaite Shine
“Kore Kaite Shine” (roughly translated as “Draw This and Die”), written and illustrated by Minoru Toyoda, is a coming-of-age drama that follows the journey of Yasumi Ai, a high school student who discovers her passion for creating manga. Serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Shonen Sunday since November 2021, the series has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and relatable characters. This isn’t the first award for “Kore Kaite Shine,” as it also won the 16th Manga Taisho Awards in 2023. The series has also been nominated for the Next Manga Awards and was featured on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga for male readers.
Burning Kabaddi
“Burning Kabaddi,” created by Hajime Musashino, is a dynamic sports manga that revolves around the intense world of kabaddi. The series is serialized in Shogakukan’s Manga ONE app. This is not the first time “Burning Kabaddi” has been nominated for the Shogakukan Manga Award, having been nominated for the 66th edition in 2020 in the shonen category. The series brings a unique and engaging take on the sport of kabaddi, capturing both the physical and emotional aspects of competition.
Puniru wa Kawaii Slime
“Puniru wa Kawaii Slime” (translated as “Puniru is a Cute Slime”), by Maedakun, is a charming romantic comedy that centers on the titular character Puniru, a slime girl created by a boy named Kotaro Kawaii. The manga started serialization in Weekly Coro Coro Comics online in March 2022. The series’s endearing characters and lighthearted storytelling have made it a hit among readers and has even spawned an anime television series adaptation by Toho Animation Studio which aired in late 2024, with a second season already announced. The manga was previously nominated for the Next Manga Awards and has seen significant viewership online, with millions of views and a large first-print run for its tankobon volumes.
Natsume Arata no Kekkon
“Natsume Arata no Kekkon” (translated as “Natsume Arata’s Marriage”), authored by Taro Nogizaka, is a unique series serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior. This series delves into a compelling narrative that has captivated readers. The manga is known for its mature themes and complex character dynamics, which have earned it a dedicated fanbase and critical praise.
The Shogakukan Manga Awards: A Legacy of Excellence
The Shogakukan Manga Awards are one of Japan’s most prestigious accolades for manga. The awards were first established in 1955, making them the oldest manga award in Japan. The awards have been presented annually since 1956 by Shogakukan Publishing, one of the country’s leading manga publishers. The awards celebrate serialized manga and accept entries from various publishers, not just those under Shogakukan.
Award Categories and Selection Process
Traditionally, the Shogakukan Manga Awards were divided into categories such as Children’s, Boys’, Girls’, and General. However, since 2022, the awards have moved away from these specific categories, instead recognizing the overall merit of each work.
The selection process involves gathering recommendations from judges, manga artists, critics, editors, bookstore personnel, and general readers. The nominated works are then evaluated through collective discussions before the winners are ultimately selected. This thorough process ensures that the most deserving manga receive recognition.
Historical Significance
The Shogakukan Manga Awards have a long and rich history of recognizing some of the most influential manga series and creators. Over the years, numerous celebrated mangaka have received this prestigious award, solidifying its place as a benchmark of quality in the industry. The award not only celebrates individual works but also recognizes the artists and writers who contribute to Japan’s vibrant manga culture.
Past Winners
Many popular and critically acclaimed manga have been recognized by the Shogakukan Manga Awards in the past. Some notable past winners include:
- “Frieren”
- “The Elusive Samurai”
- “Trillion Game”
- “Chainsaw Man”
- “Komi Can’t Communicate”
- “Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction”
- “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War”
- “Dr. Stone”
- “The Promised Neverland”
- “Haikyu!!”
The list of past winners represents a diverse collection of genres and artistic styles, illustrating the awards’ commitment to celebrating the full spectrum of manga creativity.
Impact on the Manga Industry
The Shogakukan Manga Awards play a crucial role in shaping the manga landscape. The award often brings greater recognition to the winners, leading to increased readership and potentially adaptations such as anime and live-action productions. Furthermore, the awards serve as an important platform for emerging talents and innovative stories, continuously pushing the boundaries of manga.
Conclusion
The 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards represent another successful year of honoring exceptional manga works. “Kore Kaite Shine,” “Burning Kabaddi,” “Puniru wa Kawaii Slime,” and “Natsume Arata no Kekkon” are the well-deserving recipients of this prestigious award. The long-standing history and evolving nature of the awards highlight their importance to the manga industry and its future. As the industry continues to grow, the Shogakukan Manga Awards will continue to shine a spotlight on the creative genius of manga authors and artists.
