Japanese Government to Establish International Manga Award

Japanese Foreign Minister, and renowned manga fan, Taro Aso yesterday announced the establishment of an “International Manga Award” to recognize foreign (non-Japanese) “manga” artists. “We want to make this award the ‘Nobel Prize’ of manga,” said Aso, who also mentioned that one purpose of the award is to “increase the popularity of Japanese pop culture and subcultures.”

Funding for the award will come from the Japan Foundation, Japan’s endowment to support international relations.

Nominations for the award will come from the public and recommendations submitted by Japanese and international publishing companies. Famous manga authors Michiko Satonaka (Tenjou no Niji), Takashi Yanase (Anpan Man), Tetsuya Chiba (Ashita no Joe) and a group of former chief editors from some of Japan’s largest manga magazines will select a winner on June 22. The award will be presented at a ceremony in Tokyo on July 2.

Source: Anime News Network