New Yonkoma 14+ category for this year's Manga Jiman Competition
2021/9/9
The Embassy’s annual comic-creating competition, Manga Jiman, continues to evolve even in its 15th year of existence. Since 2007, the best young comic artists in the country have crafted fascinating stories within the limited format of 6, 7 or 8 pages. A new category for yonkoma, 4-panel manga arranged vertically on a single page, was introduced for 11-13 year olds in 2014 and this year we have decided to expand the age limit by introducing a new category ‘Yonkoma 14+’ and allow anyone aged 11 or over to enter. So what exactly is yonkoma?
To ensure that all stories are original creations, we stipulate that entrants must include a reference, either visual or written, in their manga to this year's theme of light. Diverse interpretations of this theme will help your story stand out.
As you will have seen, yonkoma is set in specific structure. A template sheet can be downloaded from the ‘Related Links’ section on this page. Winners of both yonkoma categories will have prizes personally chosen for them. The 1st prize for the 14 year old and over category will receive a prize from anime cel and memorabilia specialists Cel-ga.com. The best entrant chosen from those aged 11-13 will receive an original manga page from sponsors Manga Originals. Runners-up will also be awarded prizes.
Are you looking for a deeper dive into the world of yonkoma? If so, have a look at this presentation by Dr Simon Grennan of the University of Chester at the 14th Manga Jiman Awards Ceremony earlier this year.
As you will have seen, yonkoma is set in specific structure. A template sheet can be downloaded from the ‘Related Links’ section on this page. Winners of both yonkoma categories will have prizes personally chosen for them. The 1st prize for the 14 year old and over category will receive a prize from anime cel and memorabilia specialists Cel-ga.com. The best entrant chosen from those aged 11-13 will receive an original manga page from sponsors Manga Originals. Runners-up will also be awarded prizes.
Are you looking for a deeper dive into the world of yonkoma? If so, have a look at this presentation by Dr Simon Grennan of the University of Chester at the 14th Manga Jiman Awards Ceremony earlier this year.
The winning artists from the 6 to 8 page category will be awarded stunning prizes from the Japanese Gallery Kensington, PFU ltd (Fujitsu), RICOH UK Ltd, Minamoto Kitchoan, Japan Centre, SelfMade Hero and Fanfare amongst others!
The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, 15 November, 5pm (GMT).
If you are entering via email and your artwork is over 10mb, please contact us in advance for instructions on how to enter. If you are entering by post, please send copies of your artwork as we are unable to return originals. Full details can be found in the documents outlining the rules and regulations below.
Please email manga@ld.mofa.go.jp or contact us on social media with any questions.
The deadline for receipt of entries is Monday, 15 November, 5pm (GMT).
If you are entering via email and your artwork is over 10mb, please contact us in advance for instructions on how to enter. If you are entering by post, please send copies of your artwork as we are unable to return originals. Full details can be found in the documents outlining the rules and regulations below.
Please email manga@ld.mofa.go.jp or contact us on social media with any questions.