On March 2, the 16th Japan International MANGA Award Ceremony was held at the Iikura Guest House, with the State Minister for Foreign Affairs TAKEI Shunsuke attending on behalf of Minister for Foreign Affairs HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Chairperson of the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan launched the Japan International MANGA Award in 2007 to honor manga artists who have contributed to the promotion of manga overseas and to promote international cultural exchange through manga. Out of a record 503 entries from 77 countries and regions, 15 works were selected this year, including one Gold Award winner (Republic of Korea) and three Silver Award winners (France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan).

At the ceremony, Mr. Takei presented certificates of commendation to the creators of the Gold Award and Silver Award winning works, who were invited to Japan by The Japan Foundation, and Ms. SATONAKA Machiko, chairperson of the selection committee, presented trophies to each of them. In his remarks, Mr. Takei congratulated each of the creators and expressed his willingness to continue his efforts to realize a peaceful world where everyone can create and enjoy manga. Ms. Satonaka also commented that she was deeply moved by all the works that looked forward to the future and life while carefully dealing with death or the past and thanked all the creators for giving us the opportunity to look back on our lives.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee and the selection committee, as well as Members of the Diet, manga artists, editors including the Association of Comic Publishers which helped with the first screening.