The shortlist for the 17th Manga Jiman and Yonkoma competitions run by the Embassy of Japan in the UK was revealed earlier this month, after much deliberation by the Manga Jiman competition judges.
The selected creators and strips are: Cornelius Brandreth, for “The Forward Strike“; Aya Burbanks, for “Rivers of Time”; Luis Emmanuel De Vera, for “All Systems Go“; Louis Hey, for “My Mom“; Hayley Jennings, for “Free Time“; Riyad Meddour, for “Healed Wounds“; Emmanuel Nnanna, for “CHICHI!!!“; Emmanuel Ojo & Camex Udeh, for “Forward I go to a peaceful new world“; Tami Richards, for “Summer Holiday“; Edward Taylor, for “St. Jerome 2.0“; Damian Trigo, for “The Weight of a Purpose“; and Rachel Yelding, for “Stay Forward“.
“We would like to thank all entrants for the time and enthusiasm spent on their entries,” the Embassy commented. “The judges were once again impressed by the high standard and look forward to receiving entries in future Manga Jiman competitions.”
The winners will be announced in March 2024 and these winning stories will go on display at the Embassy of Japan in the UK.
The Embassy of Japan has searched for the best comic creators in the UK since 2007. The search now continues with three competitions – Manga Jiman, Yonkoma Youth and Yonkoma 14+ – across two formats with the aim of providing a platform for aspiring comic artists.
To keep up-do-date with Manga Jiman, check the official website, and follow the official social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Beyond the Cold
The Embassy’s latest exhibition, Beyond the Cold – Seasonal Woodblock Prints by Kitaoka Fumio, opened last month and runs until 15th March (with a temporary break from Friday 23 February until Monday 4 March). The exhibition features woodblock prints by Kitaoka Fumio (1918 – 2007) which serve as a gateway for viewers to delve into the rich tapestry of winter in Japanese culture.
• For more details about “Beyond the Cold” and to book your free ticket, click here
Japan Society’s Spring MiniFest includes manga postcard workshop with Chie Kutsuwada
Are you aged 11-18 and interested in Japan? Join The Japan Society for their free Spring MiniFest on Saturday 2nd March at St Mary’s West Kensington church, Hammersmith Road London W14 0QL. Young people and friends are invited to come along to experience and afternoon of Japanese Culture, including live music performances of shamisen; Spring-themed calligraphy; the opportunity to create a manga postcard with professional Manga artist Chie Kutsuwada; and decorate a kokeshi doll – traditional design or anime character, it’s up to you!
• Tickets for the Japan Society Spring MiniFest are available here on EventBrite
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, Comics Competitions, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions
Latest annual Manga Jiman competition launched by the Embassy of Japan