19th Japan International MANGA Award 2025 | Eligibility, Application, Deadline

19th Japan International MANGA Award 2025: A Golden Opportunity for MANGA Artists

Applications are now officially open for the 19th Japan International MANGA Award 2025! This prestigious, fully funded award invites talented artists from around the world who have a passion for MANGA and comic art to showcase their creativity on a global platform. Winners will be rewarded with an unforgettable, fully funded trip to Japan to celebrate their achievements.

Launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2007, the Japan International MANGA Award was created to strengthen international ties and promote deeper understanding through the universally beloved art form of MANGA. It honors artists whose work has significantly contributed to expanding the influence of MANGA culture worldwide.

If you dream of seeing Japan not just in anime or documentaries, but with your own eyes, this competition could be your ticket!

What Makes the Japan International MANGA Award So Special?

Art has always been a universal language, capable of telling stories and evoking emotions across cultures. Through drawings, sketches, and comic strips, artists share powerful messages—and MANGA is one of the most dynamic forms of this expression.

The Japan International MANGA Award celebrates this artistic diversity by recognizing outstanding MANGA creators from around the globe. It provides them a unique platform to not only showcase their talent but also experience the rich heritage and contemporary culture of Japan firsthand.

Award Details and Recognition

The 19th edition of the Japan International MANGA Award will honor artists across different categories:

Gold Award: Presented to the top MANGA submission, recognizing the best overall entry.
Silver Awards: Three exceptional works will be selected for Silver Awards.
Bronze Awards: Approximately eleven outstanding entries will be awarded Bronze Certificates.
Special Encouragement Award: For a MANGA work that stands out among Bronze entries but doesn’t make it to the Silver category, offering additional recognition and a certificate.

Gold and Silver Award winners will receive trophies and certificates, while Bronze and Special Encouragement Award winners will be honored with certificates.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Gold and Silver Award winners will also enjoy a fully funded 7-day trip to Japan, participating in the award ceremony and cultural exchange activities.

Program Highlights

Award Ceremony Location: Tokyo, Japan — a city where futuristic architecture blends seamlessly with historic temples.
Duration: 7 days of exploration, learning, and networking.
Cultural Experiences: Winners will visit Japanese publishing houses, meet professional Japanese cartoonists, and engage with various cultural institutions.

This isn't just an award—it's an immersive experience that promises artistic inspiration, cultural enrichment, and international exposure.

Benefits of Participating in the Japan International MANGA Award

Full coverage of travel, accommodation, and participation expenses for Gold and Silver Award winners.
International recognition for your MANGA work.
Trophies and certificates awarded to winners.
Exclusive access to top Japanese publishers and artists.
First-hand experience of Japanese culture, art, and architecture.

Eligibility Criteria

Your MANGA submission must consist of at least 16 pages.
Both published and unpublished works are eligible for entry.
Submissions that have already won awards elsewhere are not eligible.
All works must have been created between 2022 and 2025; older works will not be accepted.
Your MANGA must be an original creation and must not infringe upon any third-party intellectual property rights.
Only the applicant’s own work is permitted; submissions created by others will not be considered.
Works created using AI tools are not allowed unless you clearly specify the extent to which AI was used.
Submissions must be sent in either printed form or as a PDF file.
Each artist is allowed to submit only one work.
Applicants must not be Japanese nationals.

Application Process

Start by clicking the Apply Now button to access the application form.
Fill out the online application form using either English or Japanese.
After completing the form, you must submit your MANGA work within two weeks.
Ensure you enter your email address accurately.
Choose the correct category that matches your MANGA entry.
Save and name your file using your first and last name and include page numbers on each page.
You may submit your MANGA work in any language, but it must be in printed or PDF format.
Send your completed application and work through the Japanese Embassy in your country (find the embassy address through their official link).

Deadline for Submission

Final Date to Apply: 30th June 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply