🏆 What is the Japan International MANGA Award?
The Japan International MANGA Award was established in 2007 to recognize non-Japanese manga artists who contribute to the spread of manga culture internationally. The award celebrates creativity, originality, and excellence in storytelling throughts.
Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Host Institution: Japan Cartoonists Association
- Location: Tokyo
- Program Duration: 7 days
- Deadline: 30 June 2025
📌 Key Features of the 2025 Award
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🎨 Eligibility: Open to non-Japanese manga artists. Works must be published (digitally or in print) or unpublished but complete.
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🥇 Award Categories:
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Gold Award—1 winner (invited to Japan for the award ceremony + cultural exchange)
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Silver Award—3 winners (also invited to Japan)
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Bronze Award—Multiple winners (certificate and recognition)
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✈️ Fully Funded Trip: Gold and Silver winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to attend the award ceremony and network with manga industry professionals.
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📅 Submission Period: Typically from April to July 2025 (exact dates to be confirmed on the official website).
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🌍 Global Reach: Open to artists worldwide, excluding Japan.
🗂️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Your Manga
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Your work must be over 16 pages and fit the manga format.
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It can be previously published or unpublished.
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Translations into English or Japanese are highly recommended if your original work is in another language.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
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Download the form from the official Japan International MANGA Award website.
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Provide personal details, a synopsis of your manga, and relevant publication history if applicable.
Step 3: Submit Your Entry
You can submit your entry in one of two ways:
📨 A) Physical Submission
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Print and mail two copies of your manga and the completed form to your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
💻 B) Digital Submission
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Some embassies accept online submissions. Check with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Step 4: Wait for the Results
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Finalists will be contacted around late 2025.
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Winners will be announced on the official website and via email.
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Gold and Silver Award winners will be invited to Japan for the award ceremony and cultural program.
✍️ Tips for a Successful Submission
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Focus on clear storytelling and strong visual narrative.
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Keep your artwork consistent and expressive.
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Even if your story is in your native language, consider adding English or Japanese translations to increase your chances.
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Don’t miss the submission deadline—check with your local embassy!
🔗 Useful Links
🎉 Final Thoughts
The Japan International MANGA Award 2025 is more]
than just a competition—it’s a gateway to international recognition, professional networking, and cultural immersion in the homeland of manga. Whether you’re an indie artist or an emerging creator, this could be your moment.
So sharpen your pencils (or tablets), prepare your best story, and take that step toward manga stardom!
If you’d like a downloadable or printable version of this article (PDF or Word) or want it localized in another language, let me know!
Apply on the official website