On March 4, the 19th Japan International MANGA Award Ceremony was held at Iikura Guest House, with Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, attending.

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 738 entries from 110 countries and regions, 15 works were selected this year, including one Gold Award winner (from the Federative Republic of Brazil) and three Silver Award winners (from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and Taiwan).

At the ceremony, Minister MOTEGI 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 them with trophies.

In his remarks, Minister MOTEGI congratulated and praised each of the winners. In addition to noting that Japan can take pride in the fact that manga is enjoyed worldwide, he remarked that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a mission to promote a better global understanding of Japan, which it can do by bringing the people of the world enjoyment through the draw of original Japanese cultural properties like manga.

Chairperson SATONAKA, in her general comments, expressed her hope that many people will continue to fall in love with manga.

The Gold Award winner, Ms. Laica Chrose from the Federative Republic of Brazil, stated that manga is a universal language that allows us to share the same emotions, fears, and joys regardless of where we come from. The Silver Award winners, Ms. Meeda from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Vũ Đình Lân from Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and Ms. 南南日 from Taiwan, expressed their joy at receiving the award.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee and Selection Committee, as well as manga artists and editors from the Association of Comic Publishers who helped with the initial screening, Members of the Diet, and others.