The 15th Japan International MANGA Award Online Ceremony

March 8, 2022

• State Minister for Foreign Affairs SUZUKI Takako
• Award Winners and Other Guests
• Chairperson of the Selection Committee of the Award, SATONAKA Machiko

On March 4th, the 15th Japan International MANGA Award Online Ceremony was held at the Tokyo Convention Hall.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 with the aim of honoring Manga artists who have contributed to the promotion of Manga overseas as well as international cultural exchange through Manga. Among the record-high 483 entries from 76 countries and regions, 14 works were selected this year, including one for Gold Award (Netherlands) and three for Silver Awards (Taiwan, Ukraine, Spain). The Silver Award winner from Ukraine gave up attending the ceremony.

At the Award Ceremony, Ms. SUZUKI Takako, the State Minister for Foreign Affairs, presented certificates of commendation, and Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, Chairperson of the Selection Committee, presented trophies to the Gold Award and Silver Award winners who attended online from abroad. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms.SUZUKI also stated that "Japanese manga blossomed greatly in the peaceful life after WWII, driven by the desire for free expression activities, and now once again, we will awaken the heart of peace and encourage new creation at this memorial 15th Japan International MANGA Award." At the review session held after the ceremony, Chairperson SATONAKA told that Manga is borderless, with its magnificent story, touching words, drawings that help us understand, and the characters which present them, she believes we can unite the world into one, strongly praying that the world will be tied together with the bond of empathy.

The Award Ceremony was attended by the Executive Committee members, Mr. UMEMOTO Kazuyoshi, Ms. SHIRAISHI Saya, Mr. SUGIYAMA Kotaro, Mr. Frederik L. Schodt (online), Mr. YOKOTA Kiyoshi and the Selection Committee members, Mr. AKAMATSU Ken, Mr.OSHIMA Makoto, Ms. NAGANO Noriko, and Mr. YOSHITOME Hiroyuki. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan, attended the Award Ceremony as a guest.