The 19th Japan International MANGA Award 2025 offers a prestigious opportunity for MANGA artists from around the world who are passionate about comic art. Established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2007, the award aims to promote international cultural exchange and global understanding through the widespread appeal of MANGA. This international art award recognizes artists who have significantly contributed to the growth and promotion of MANGA culture worldwide. Art has always been a universal language used to convey meaningful messages through drawings, sketches, and visual storytelling.
The best submitted work will receive the Gold Award from the Japan International MANGA Award. In addition, three outstanding works will be awarded the Silver Award, and approximately eleven other works will receive Bronze Awards. Gold and Silver Award winners will receive certificates and trophies, while Bronze Award winners will receive certificates. A Special Encouragement Award may be presented to a work that stands out among the Bronze entries but does not qualify for the Silver Award. The Special Encouragement Award also comes with a certificate.
In this international competition, Gold and Silver Award winners will be invited to Japan for about seven days to attend the award ceremony in Tokyo, organized by the Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee. During their visit, participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Japanese publishers, professional manga artists, and other key organizations. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore Japanese culture up close — far beyond what can be seen in documentaries or films.
19th Japan International MANGA Award Program in Japan:
Host Country:
- Japan
Host Institution:
- Japan Cartoonists Association
Program Location:
- Tokyo
Award Program Duration:
- 7 days
Award of the Japan International MANGA Award Program in Japan:
- Gold Award – Best manga work (Certificate + Trophy + Invitation to Japan)
- Silver Awards – 3 excellent works (Certificate + Trophy + Invitation to Japan)
- Bronze Awards – Approx. 11 works (Certificate only)
- Special Encouragement Award – May be awarded to one outstanding entry (Certificate only
- A chance to explore Japanese culture and sites.
Eligibility Criteria for Japan MANGA Award Program:
- The submitted work must consist of more than 16 pages in total.
- Both published and unpublished works are eligible for submission.
- Previously awarded works are not eligible for entry.
- The submitted work must have been created within the last three years (2022–2025).
- The work must not violate any third party’s intellectual property rights.
- The entry must be the original creation of the applicant.
- Works entirely generated by AI (including plot, composition, and artwork) will not be accepted.
- If AI tools are partially used, applicants must declare the extent of AI use in the submission form.
- Entries must be submitted in PDF format (printed/scanned pages are allowed if drawn by hand).
- Only one entry per applicant is allowed; additional entries will be disqualified.
- The applicant must be a non-Japanese national.
How to apply for the Japan MANGA Award Program:
- Fill in the online application form.
- Use English or Japanese Language only.
- After filling online form, send your work entries within two weeks.
- Enter your email address correctly.
- Select the category according to your work.
- Mention your experience regarding cartoon artwork.
- Name the file of your work as your first and last name.
- Mention page numbers on your files.
- You can submit MANGA work in any language.
- Submit your MANGA work in printed or PDF form.
- Send the work through the Japanese Embassy.
- A confirmation email will be sent after submitting the form.
Japan MANGA Award Program Deadline:
The last date to apply for the Japan International MANGA Award is June 30th, 2025.
