The 20th Japan International MANGA Award 2026
Japan International MANGA Award Executive Committee
📌About the Event
The 20th Japan International MANGA Award 2026 is a global manga competition launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to promote manga culture overseas and encourage international cultural exchange through manga. The award recognises talented non-Japanese manga creators from around the world, and 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the award.
ℹ️ Event Details
- Mode of Conduct: Online submission through the official application form; manga work must be submitted as a PDF.
- Award Ceremony: Winners will attend an offline award ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for February or March 2027.
- Who Can Apply: Manga artists from around the world, except Japanese nationals, subject to eligibility rules.
- Submission Language: Manga works in any language are accepted; Japanese translation is preferred but not mandatory.
- Application Format: Applicants must submit the Microsoft Forms application and one electronic copy of their manga work in PDF format
📅 Important Dates
- Application Start Date: April 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2026
- Submission Deadline: Entries must be submitted through the official application form by the end of the application period.
- Award Ceremony: February or March 2027 in Tokyo, Japan.
- Result Announcement: Selection results will be posted on the Japan International MANGA Award and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan websites.
🎯 Eligibility & Rules
- Nationality: Applicant must be a non-Japanese national. In case of a collaborative work, at least the artist must be a non-Japanese national.
- Work Length: The submitted manga must be at least 16 pages long.
- Published/Unpublished: Both published and unpublished manga works are eligible, except works that have previously won this award.
- Creation Period: The manga must have been created within the last three years, i.e. 2023–2026.
- Originality Rule: The work must be the applicant’s original creation and must not violate third-party intellectual property rights.
- AI Rule: Manga works primarily generated by AI, including plot, composition, or artwork, will not be accepted. Limited AI-generated material may be used only as supplemental material and must be declared.
- Entry Limit: Only one entry per manga artist is accepted. If multiple entries are submitted, only the first one will be considered.
- Submission Format: Entries must be submitted as PDF files; paper works must be scanned or photographed and converted into PDF.
- Evaluation Process: The first round of screening will be conducted by the Association of Japanese Manga Publishers, after which the 20th Japan International MANGA Award Selection Committee will select the winners.
🏆 Benefits for the Participants
- Gold Award: Given to the best manga work. Winner receives a certificate and trophy.
- Silver Awards: Given to three excellent works. Winners receive certificates and trophies.
- Bronze Awards: Given to approximately 11 other works. Winners receive certificates.
- Special Encouragement Award: May be given to a work that is highly rated but does not qualify for the Silver Award. Winner receives a certificate.
- Japan Invitation: One representative from each Gold and Silver Award-winning work will be invited to Japan for around 7 days to attend the award ceremony.
- Industry Exposure: Gold and Silver winners may get opportunities to exchange ideas with Japanese manga creators and visit publishing companies during their Japan visit.