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The 17th Japan International MANGA Award seeks entries from manga artists across the globe

By John Freeman on April 21, 2023

The 17th Japan International MANGA Award, organised by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is seeking the very best of international manga creating talent, and is currently accepting submissions from across the world, including creators from the UK.

The prestigious competition was established in 2007 by the then Foreign Minister of Japan ASO Taro, as a means of encouraging those with manga creating talent outside of Japan.

The competition is often very competitive, with professional artists and comic creators entering published work. Unpublished comics and work created especially for the competition are also encouraged, and have been successful in previous years.

Two creators from the UK have had prize winning entries recognised by the competition. Seàn Michael Wilson was the writer behind Secrets of the Ninja featuring art by Akiko Shimojima, in the 10th edition of the competition.

Secrets Of Ninja: Shinobi Teachings Of Hattori Hanzo Graphic Novel — *Seàn Michael Wilson was the writer behind Secrets of the Ninja in the 10th edition of the Japan International MANGA Award competition*

Art from the 2018 Manga Silver Award-winning story "Miseyieki" by and © Shangomola Edunjobi — *Art from the 2018 Manga Silver Award-winning story “Miseyieki” by and © Shangomola Edunjobi*

Shangomola Edunjobi took silver prize in the 12th edition, with his entry, MISEYIEKI. The prize winners are flown to Japan to receive their award, meet manga creators and publishers, and visit some of Japan’s most famous sights.

• The deadline for entries is 7th July 2023 and you can f i nd out how to enter here on UK Embassy of Japan web site

John Freeman

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.