Manga Jiman Competition 2026
2026/9/3
We continue our search for the best comic creators in the UK and invite artists of all levels to take part for a chance to win fantastic prizes and have their work displayed in the Embassy of Japan’s exhibition space. With two formats and three categories, there are plenty of ways to show your creativity.
The term ‘manga’ in Japan refers to comics of all styles and through these competitions, our objective is to showcase true artistic and storytelling talent no matter the style or genre.
Categories:
 |
 |
 |
| Manga Jiman | Yonkoma Youth | Yonkoma 14+ |
| A short story told across 6 to 8 pages for anyone aged 14 or over | A one-page, four-panel comic strip for those aged 11, 12 or 13 by the start of 2027 | A one-page, four-panel comic strip for anyone aged 14 or over |
Explore the works of all past Manga Jiman winners here.
You can read all previous winning Yonkoma stories here.
N.B: you can enter both the Yonkoma 14+ competition AND Manga Jiman if you wish!
Those entering any category of the completion must reference this year's theme of 20, either written or visually, in their manga.
Winners of the competition will receive fantastic prizes from original hand-drawn manga, books, cameras and Japanese snacks and gifts! The winning entries will be displayed at the Embassy of Japan in London in early 2027.
| Manga Jiman | Yonkoma Youth | Yonkoma 14+ | |
| What is required? | A story created in 6 to 8 A4 pages and drawn so that the comic reads left to right. Title pages are allowed but are included in the page count. We are accepting entries both in colour and/or in black and white. |
A story told in 4 panels on one A4 portrait sheet of paper. The manga must only contain four panels and be drawn so that it reads from top to bottom. A template can be found here. We are accepting entries both in colour and/or in black and white. |
A story told in 4 panels on one A4 portrait sheet of paper. The manga must only contain four panels and be drawn so that it reads from top to bottom. A template can be found here. We are accepting entries both in colour and/or in black and white. |
| What are the prizes? | 1st Prize: A prize from the Japanese Gallery, Kensington. Runners-up will receive prizes from Minamoto Kitchoan, Ricoh UK, Japan Centre, Regents Street Cinema, Daikin, SelfMadeHero, Fanfare and and other amazing sponsors! |
1st Prize: An original manga page provided by prize sponsors Manga Originals. Runners-up will receive a selection of fantastic Japan-related prizes. |
1st Prize: A prize from the Japanese Gallery Kensington. Runners-up will receive a selection of fantastic Japan-related prizes. |
| Who can enter? | Entrants must be legal residents of the United Kingdom who are or will be 14 years and older on 1 January 2027. |
Entrants must be legal residents of the United Kingdom who are or will be, aged 11, 12 or 13 by 1 January 2027. Entrants must be born between 2 January 2013 and 1 January 2016. | Entrants must be legal residents of the United Kingdom who are or will be 14 years and older on 1 January 2027. |
| Entering digitally | Send a completed entry form along with digital files of your artwork to manga@ld.mofa.go.jp. | Send a completed entry form along with digital files of your artwork to manga@ld.mofa.go.jp. | Send a completed entry form digital files of your artwork to manga@ld.mofa.go.jp. |
| Entering by post | Send a completed entry form along with printed copies of your artwork to: Manga Jiman Competition JICC 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT |
Send a completed entry form along with printed copies of your artwork to: Yonkoma Youth Competition JICC Japan Information and Cultural Centre 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT |
Send a completed entry form along with printed copies of your artwork to: Yonkoma 14+ Competition JICC Japan Information and Cultural Centre 101-104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT |
| What are the criteria? | Full details can be found in Manga Jiman Competition 2026 Rules and Regulations. Please read the document carefully before entering. | Full details can be found in Yonkoma Manga Competition 2026 Rules and Regulations. Please read the document carefully before entering. | Full details can be found in Yonkoma Manga Competition 2026 Rules and Regulations. Please read the document carefully before entering. |
The deadline to receive entries is 5pm on Monday 4 January 2027.
If you are entering via email and your artwork is over 10 MB, please contact us in advance for instructions on how to enter. If you are entering by post, please send copies of your artwork, not the original.
Please email manga@ld.mofa.go.jp or contact us on social media with any questions.