Seventh International MANGA Award opens

A trip to Japan and a meet-up with Japanese Manga artists await the winners of the Seventh International MANGA Award, which honors the best works of non-Japanese Manga artists. 

 

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs administers the award and will begin accepting entries on  April 15. Manga artists can continue to submit their entries until May 31. 

 

According to the award’s official website, one winning entry will receive the Gold Award, while three other winners will receive the Silver Award. 

 

The awardees will be flown to Japan for official ceremonies to be held in Tokyo in January 2014. 

 

“During the stay in Japan, [the winners] will also have exchanges of opinions with Japanese MANGA creators and to visit publishing companies and other places,” the Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), 

 

The winners will also be given a trophy in the shape of a speech bubble, designed by esteemed Japanese graphic desinger, Taku Satoh.

 

Filipino artists who wish to enter their works can do so by sending their applications to the JICC at the Japanese Embassy, or directly to the International MANGA Award committee in Japan. Application forms and guidelines can be found on the website.

 

The International MANGA Award started in May 2007, spearheaded by then-Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso, according to the JICC. The award was set up in an effort to bring the Manga culture beyond Japan.

 

Past winners include Li Zhi Ching from China for the work “The Art of war (Sun Zi’s Tactics),” Lau Wan Kit of China for “Feel 100%,” Jakraphan Huaypetch of Thailand for “Super Dunker,” Xiao Bai of Belgium for “Si loin et si proche,” JM Ken Niimura of Spain and Joe Kelly of the United States for “I Kill Giants,” and Kosin Jeenseekong of Thailand for “Listening to the Bell.”   — Amanda Lago/ELR, GMA News