Japan International MANGA Award 2026 in Tokyo – Prizes & Trip to Japan

Country: Japan
Category: Award / Competition
Host Institution: Japan Cartoonists Association
Location: Tokyo
Duration: 7 days
Deadline: June 30, 2026

The Japan International MANGA Award 2026 is open to MANGA artists from around the world who want to take part in an international comic art award. It was established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in 2007 and aims to promote international cultural exchange and global understanding through MANGA. The award also recognizes artists who have contributed to the growth and promotion of MANGA culture worldwide.

Japan International MANGA Award 2026: What Winners Receive

The best submitted work will receive the Gold Award. In addition, three outstanding works will receive Silver Awards, and approximately eleven other works will receive Bronze Awards. A Special Encouragement Award may also be given to a work that stands out among the Bronze entries but does not qualify for Silver.

✓ Gold Award: certificate, trophy, and invitation to Japan.
✓ Silver Awards: certificate, trophy, and invitation to Japan.
✓ Bronze Awards: certificate only.
✓ Special Encouragement Award: certificate only.
✓ Gold and Silver Award winners will be invited to Japan for about seven days to attend the award ceremony in Tokyo and meet Japanese publishers, professional manga artists, and other key organizations.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• The submitted work must have more than 16 pages.
• Both published and unpublished works are eligible.
• Previously awarded works are not eligible.
• The work must have been created within the last three years, from 2023 to 2026.
• 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, and printed or scanned pages are allowed if drawn by hand.
• Only one entry per applicant is allowed.
• The applicant must be a non-Japanese national.

How to Apply for the Japan International MANGA Award 2026

The application process is clearly outlined on the source page. Applicants must fill in the online application form first. The form should be completed in English or Japanese, and the email address must be entered correctly. After that, work entries must be sent within two weeks. Applicants must also select the correct category, mention their cartoon artwork experience, name the file with their first and last name, and include page numbers on the files. The source also states that MANGA work can be submitted in any language, in printed or PDF form, and it must be sent through the Japanese Embassy. A confirmation email will be sent after the form is submitted.

Deadline

The last date to apply for the Japan International MANGA Award 2026 is June 30, 2026.

Apply Here
➤ Japan International MANGA Award