Non-Japanese artists recognized in 7th International Manga Award

POP CULTURE DIPLOMACY | Non-Japanese artists recognized in 7th International Manga Award

Filipino manga award winner Elmer Damaso created Ravenskull. PHOTO FROM THE JAPANESE EMBASSY-MANILA

InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA - Out of 256 entries from 53 countries, 15 manga creations were recognized in the 7th International Manga Award at the Iikura House of the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on 14 February 2014, the Japanese embassy here said in a news release.

The work “Bokbig” of Prema Jatukanyaprateep of Thailand received the Gold Award while the works “Paris” by George Alexopoulus of USA, “Carrier” by Navar of China, and “The Foiles Bergère” by Francis Porcel of Spain and Zidrou of Belgium received the Silver Award.

Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi and President of the Jury Machiko Satonaka presented the commendation certificates and trophies to the winners. As part of their prize, the artists will enjoy their stay in Japan, meet with Japanese manga artists, and visit publishing companies and other manga-related establishments.

Filipino manga artists also had the honor of receiving recognition from the International Manga Award. For their works Ravenskull and Mr. Grieves, Elmer Damaso and Jhomar Soriano were in the top 19 manga artists in the 1st International Manga Award in 2007. In the following Award in 2008, Kriss Sison was ranked among the top 12 artists for his work Ninja Girl Ko and received a bronze award.

The International Manga Award was founded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in May 2007 as part of the active use of pop culture in public diplomacy. It is through this cultural exchange that will deepen the understanding of Japanese culture and manga among artists of different nations.

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81569/pop-culture-diplomacy--non-japanese-artists-recognized-in-7th-international-manga-award