In their continuing efforts to use manga and anime as ambassadors, the Japanese government once again hosted their International Manga Award ceremonies this week. The awards feature and celebrate the works of manga artists outside of Japan.

Manga artists from Hong Kong, France, Russia and mainland China received awards from the Japanese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday for their outstanding works, which ranged from an unpublished piece by an art student to a veteran’s popular serial that has been released in seven languages.

The Gold Award for best work went to Hong Kong veteran artist Lau Wan-kit, 42, who said as a young child he was encouraged by a Japanese manga story depicting a “kendo” fencer boy with a fighting spirit and that the attitude of never giving up has also helped him, now as an adult, to overcome difficulties as an artist.

Last year the Foreign Minister created what he affectionately called the “Nobel Prize of Anime”. It’s good to see they’re keeping the program, and so far all signs point to success and acceptance from fans.

Read more on the latest International Manga Award winners

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