On May 30, the Embassy of Japan and the Society of Young Publishers co-organised a panel discussion, exhibition and reception focusing on the growing impact of Japanese Manga within the UK publishing industry. This event was designed to foster relations between the Embassy and those involved in Manga industry, and to reach out to the younger generation.
British readers, artists and publishers are increasingly coming to appreciate English translations of Manga. They in turn are creating their own Manga and disseminating them in various publications, from small specialist magazines to professional books.
The panel discussion, chaired by Paul Gravett, a Manga historian, author and journalist, featured leading figures involved in Manga from the British publishing world. Participants explored how Japanese comics are being received and translated in this country and how they are inspiring local creators to develop homegrown versions.
Several Manga publishers commented on how Manga had inspired interest in Japan among young people throughout the world. One initiative mentioned in this context was the ¡ÆRising Stars of Manga' competition organised by the publisher TOKYOPOP, to encourage talented young artists in the UK. The discussion concluded on the upbeat note that the UK Manga market could expect further growth in the future.
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