The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Foundation are seeking entries for the Eleventh Japan International Manga Award competition. 

The purpose of the competition is to spread Manga culture overseas and promote international cultural exchanges through Manga. This award honors the Manga artists who are contributing to the development of Manga culture in the world.

Submissions will be accepted from March 17, 2017 to June 16, 2017 and need to be sent to Japanese diplomatic missions abroad (excluding permanent missions) or the P.O. Box of the Eleventh Japan International MANGA Award.

Among entries, the Gold Award will be given to the best work and the Silver Awards to three other excellent works. The awardees will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend the award ceremony. During their stay in Japan (generally for 10 days), they will also have the opportunity to exchange ideas with Japanese Manga creators, visit publishing companies, and make an excursion to local sites.

The Japan International Manga Award was established in May 2007 upon the initiative of then Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Taro Aso, with the aim of awarding Manga creators who contribute to the spread of Manga culture overseas and international cultural exchanges through Manga. The Award has been  presented every year since then.

For more information, visit http://www.manga-award.mofa.go.jp/index_e.html or contact the Cultural Affairs and Overseas Public Relations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Tel. 5501-8000 (ext.3453).