The Embassy of Japan first launched Manga Jiman, a manga-writing competition open to UK residents, with great success in 2007. Now in its second year, the competition adopted a special theme to mark the 150th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UK. Entrants aged fourteen or over, were required to make some reference to ‘150’ within six to eight pages of original manga. All entries were judged on storytelling, layout and design, artistic ability and style. Manga Jiman can be roughly translated as ‘having pride in manga’.

The judging panel consisted of Paul Gravett, manga historian, author and journalist; Ilya, manga creator, tutor and author; Kiriko Kubo, manga artist and Minister Mami Mizutori, former Director of the Japan Information and Cultural Centre. The panel found it difficult to choose the top ten prize-winners from the high volume of outstanding entries received. During the selection process, it was decided to create an additional prize for the most impressive manga by an entrant aged between fourteen and sixteen.

Loren’s prize-winning manga ‘Dog’

The first prize of 2 return air tickets to Japan, courtesy of ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, was awarded to Ms Loren Lam with her entry ‘Dog’. Chair of the judging panel, Paul Gravett said: “All the judges were struck by Loren Lam's sensitive, graphically inventive animal fable about the perils of discontentment and longing for the unattainable.”

Loren and Mrs Nobue Taillefer-Minato from All Nippon Airways.

In second place was a collaborative entry from Ms Susan Golton and Mr Steve Cook. They described that they were inspired “to create a story about the modern fears of people living in London.”

Susan and Steve received a TOSHIBA Satellite Pro laptop computer
from Mr Koshi Noguchi, Toshiba of Europe Ltd.

Third place went to Ms Aya Kawamura with ‘Creating a Superhero in 150 Days’, a story involving characters she based on her pets. She said “when I have characters in mind, often THEY lead me into stories, not the other way round.” Aya was presented with a RICOH R10 Digital Camera.

Chair of the judging panel, Paul Gravett presents Aya with her prize.

In addition to the top three winners the runners-up were:

4th             Ms Donna Pesani  ‘Stars’

Joint 5th    Mr John Blake/Mr Michael Reid  ‘Shadows of a Changing Face (Prologue)’
Joint 5th    Ms Pamela Lokhun ‘Dilemma’

Joint 7th    Mr Andy Smith/Ms Karen Rubins ‘Tales by Ghost Light’
Joint 7th    Ms Stephanie Taylor ‘Raku Ninja: Part 1 - Legend of the Raku Ninja’

Joint 9th    Ms Sammy Borras & Ms Laura McNulty ‘Money Money’
Joint 9th    Ms Lucy Baker ‘Dirty Rachel’

Most Impressive Manga by an Entrant Aged 14-16
Mr Samuel Barker ‘Photus’

The runners-up received a selection of manga publications from various UK publishers.

The exhibition runs until 3rd April 2009, Monday to Friday 0930 - 1730, at the Embassy of Japan, 101 -104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT. Admission is free but photographic identification is needed in order to enter the exhibition.

Manga Jiman would not have been possible without the support of so many people. In particular, the Embassy of Japan would like to thank those who have provided the competition with such generous prizes.

All Nippon Airways
Toshiba of Europe
RICOH
Constable & Robinson
FANFARE
Japan Centre
Manga Entertainment
Metromedia
Tanoshimi
TOKYOPOP
VIZ Media