The Japan Media Arts Festival is a comprehensive festival of Media Arts (Japanese: Media Geijutsu) that honors outstanding works from a diverse range of media—from animation and comics to media art and games. The festival gives awards in each of its four divisions: Art, Entertainment, Animation and Manga. It also provides a platform for appreciation of the award-winning and other notable works. Since its inception in 1997, the festival has recognized significant works of high artistry and creativity, and in addition to a yearly Exhibition of Award-winning Works has held other events, such as talks, screenings, and showcases. Last year, the 20th Festival received 4,034 entries from 88 countries and regions around the world, demonstrating its continuing evolution as an established annual international festival. Award-winning Works are exhibited both within Japan and abroad through various projects and events organized by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, which aims to promote the creation, development, understanding, awareness and appreciation of Media Arts.  |
virtual_coreJun 5, 2020 4:41 PM
1997 - 1st Edition February, 1998 Grand Prize  The Manga Classics of Japan / group of artists #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason It is not only the quality of each of the 32 works but just the fact the series was planned and completed that is most impressive. These works take the classic works of Japan and recreate them in Manga form. The accessibility and quality of these works is commendable and gives us a glimpse of the future of Manga. Excellence Award  Shouryou Tsukai Elementalors / Takeshi Okazaki #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 4 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Fantasy #Translation: none #Synopsis: In ancient times, minds and spirits dwelled in all the materials on earth. At the end of a battle these minds dwelling in matter conquered the hostile matter of the enemy and mutiplied. Sacred wars gave birth to the elementalors. Fierce battles between the elementalors raged continuously in the struggle to create a new utopia. Kagura is an elementalor reincarnated in the present. After a billion nights, the battles of the elementalors have returned... but only one can rule. Kagura's long, fiery trial is about to begin. Now! #Award Reason The "young" look of the pictures is fresh and well executed. This is an incredible story of a regular high school student's maturation into a strong and caring supreme ruler. This is a powerful work that connects intensely with the reader.  Azumi / Yuu Koyama #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 48 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Action, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts, Samurai #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: Azumi focuses upon the life of the female assassin Azumi. The manga begins an indeterminate number of years after the Battle of Sekigahara, but as the Azumi begins her assassination missions, the manga introduces the characters into mainstream history. Many of the early assassination missions that Azumi undertakes are the assassinations of the prominent supporters and generals of the Toyotomi Clan, against whom the Toyotomi Clan expected to again go to war. #Award Reason This work is an "action" period piece that tells the story of a young girl's heart growing up. Getting beyond the violent aspects of this piece, each character's philosophy of life is carefully portrayed. Watching the tragedy of this pure heart falling victim to mind control and her eventual breaking free is an extraordinary moving story.  Blade of the Immortal / Hiroaki Samura #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 30 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Martial Arts, Samurai, Supernatural #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Manji is an immortal swordsman, who has been cursed with eternal life. He has grown tired of living with all the death he has created. He has no skills other than those of killing, thus he forms a plan to regain his mortality: he shall kill one hundred evil men for each good one he has killed. The old witch who afflicted Manji with immortality agrees to Manji's proposition and Manji is set on his path to kill one thousand evil men. On his journey he meets a young girl, Rin, who has her own vengeance to seek against the sword school whose members slaughtered Rin's family. Rin and Manji journey together, each hoping to find some kind of peace. In their way are many varied enemies. Rin and Manji are almost constantly under attack and must learn to live their lives, avoiding being consumed by revenge. #Award Reason The intricate touch of this work seems too transcend the limitations of print. The artists unique technique, utilizes the best of traditional comicstrip techniques while adding a strong sense of power and depth. This is amature, accomplished and enterprising work.  Monster / Naoki Urasawa #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 18 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Mystery, Drama, Psychological #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Dr. Kenzou Tenma is a renowned brain surgeon of Japanese descent working in Europe. Highly lauded by his peers as one of the great young minds that will revolutionize the field, he is blessed with a beautiful fiancée and is on the cusp of a big promotion in the hospital he works at. But all of that is about to change with a grave dilemma that Kenzou faces one night—whether to save the life of a small boy or that of the town's mayor. Despite being pressured by his superiors to perform surgery on the mayor, his morals force him to perform the surgery on the other critical patient, saving his life and forfeiting the mayor's. A doctor is taught to believe that all life is equal; however, when a series of murders occur in the surgeon's vicinity, all of the evidence pointing to the boy he saved, Kenzou's beliefs are shaken. Along his journey to unravel the true identity of his little patient, Kenzou discovers that the fate of the world may be intertwined with the mysterious child. #Award Reason This is a story about a genius doctor named Tenma and a twin named Yohan whose life he saved. There is always a sense of lurking danger which turns into suspense as Tenma turns into a murderer in his search for Yohan. The clever plot development and the accuracy of the art work make this a hard Manga to put down once you start. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:37 PM
1998 - 2nd Edition February, 1999 Grand Prize  Ryoma Sakamoto / Hiroshi Kurogane #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason The idea of using manga to explore history is certainly not new, but this work is completely different from what has come before. One suspects the artist did an incredible amount of research for this project, and the result is a powerful message about how the artist views history, a message that could only be expressed in the medium of manga, and one that is also convincing to the reader. This work marks a new step in the broadening of the expressive range and possibilities of manga. Excellence Award  Gon / Masashi Tanaka #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 7 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Gon, a tiny dinosaur with a huge attitude, has adventures as he travels through forests and rivers, swims with fish and even flies with birds. Gon and his animal friends communicate without speaking, with Gon giving the occasional bite to teach a bully a lesson. #Award Reason The artist intentionally removes all the "balloons" from this work, and in doing so, he brings his precisely drawn illustrations to life, to the point that one can almost feel him breathing in the details. Though ostensibly about animals, the story does not attempt to depict their lives with any sort of scientific accuracy, and that is precisely what gives the artist the freedom to let his imagination run wild. This is a work that will delight everyone who reads it.  Shindou / Akira Sasou #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 4 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Romance #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Boy meets Girl!! Kazuo, a ronin aiming to get into a distinguished college of music, meets a girl who loves baseball. Her name is Uta Naruse, the piano prodigy who can play Debussy as if it were nothing! Manga may be a soundless way of storytelling, but your heart will be filled with beautiful music!! #Award Reason This work is a music manga. You can almost hear the sound of the piano coming from the pages as you read. It is a convincing demonstration of how even "silent" manga can be used to express music. The delicate illustrations express the tempestuous emotions of the young girl and boy, while also creating a rhythm for the piano music. This work shows the new things that are possible with manga.  Ryuu - Ron / Motoka Murakami #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 42 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Historical #Translation: none #Synopsis: Kyouto, April 1928. Oshikouji Ryu (Ryu means dragon in Japanese, the title Ron is the Chinese pronunciation of dragon (Long)) is 17 years old, and is called 'Genius swordman, Dragon of Kyouto'. He will inherit the property of the noble Oshikouji family, but prefers practising Kendou. He enters a school for training Kendou swordman, but the seniors of school are very harsh and intolerable. But Ryu doesn't surrender and overcomes the problems, later on he impresses his seniors and they begin to like him. Kosuzu, a geisha in Gion (famous red-light district in Kyouto), is Ryu's childhood friend. Ryu and Kosuzu love each other, but Ryu's uncle Takuma came in between and made Kosuzu his second wife. But their lives were still tied together, through Kyouto and the Japanese Imperialism. Tatsuru Tei, sent to Toukyou because of her family's debt, meets Ryu by accident. Ryu and his friends save her from a drunken mob, and Ryu teaches her never to give up even when the situation seems hopeless. She later becomes housemaid of an Oshikouji resident. When Ryu becomes a senior in school, he and Tatsuru fall in love. He tells his father he wants to marry Tei, but Kazuma (Ryu's father) will only allow him to marry her and return home after he earns 100 Yen (present value being about 2,500$). So Ryu searches for a job, but that's not easy as the Great Depression makes life very hard... This manga tells a great story against the richly textured background of historical Japan and China, it has a refined and excellent artwork. Murakami's views on Chinese and Korean people is very warm, and not those of the previous invader and governor such as the extreme right party in Japan. Another interesting part of the manga is its rich depiction of Japanese colorful life (Gion, Geisha's dance, etc.). A typical example of the realistic style and a manga of high reputation in Korea and Japan. #Award Reason This is a youthful romance full of ideals and passion, set against the backdrop of the turbulent Showa era. The illustrations are powerful, placing the young entrepreneur and the movie actress he loves within the context of an enormous cast of characters and the artist's impressive command of historical detail. The result is a splendid amalgamation of narrative structure, characterization, and historical insight.  Megumi no Daigo / Masahito Soda #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 20 (complete) #Demographic: Shounen #Genres: Action, Drama #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: Fire, smoke, adrenaline, and fear—when everyone is running to escape from a fire, a few courageous people are running to jump right into the thick of it. Firefighters put their own lives on the line to protect others and Daigo Asahina has always dreamed of becoming one. He's fresh out of the training academy and has been newly assigned to Medaka-Ga-Hama fire station. Cocky and overconfident, Daigo responds to a few calls and is quickly humbled and put in his place—he's still got a lot to learn before he can call himself a true firefighter. #Award Reason This work follows the life of a young fire fighter named Daigo, and is enthralling from beginning to end. The story is dramatic, but even more impressive is the depiction of the feelings of Daigo as he risks his life doing his job as a fire fighter. The backgrounds are completely realistic and draw the reader in as if they were watching a movie. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:39 PM
1999 - 3rd Edition February, 2000 Grand Prize  I'm Home / Kei Ishizaka #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 2 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Psychological #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason The hero, nearly killed by carbon monoxide poisoning while on a solo assignment in another city, loses his memory and can no longer recognize his own family. Unconsciously, his feet carry him to the homes of his former lover, his parents, old friends. As he journeys, he follows the threads of their memories to find out what kind of person he used to be. The clear story line and design draw readers into this powerful work. Excellence Award  All Nude / Shinichi Sugimura #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi, Psychological #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: Collection of oneshots: All Nude; Snow Blind; Carnaval 1999; Kobayashi-kun; OLDK Chiku 25-sai; Bun Bun Bun; Taxi Driver; Shoujo Camera. #Award Reason A gag manga with an earthy, provocative style. The most representative sample is the seventh story in the series,the tale of a high school girl who goes to class in the nude. The final gag evokes the fate of all women;in other words,it has the whiff of true literature. This is a kind of artistic expression that can onlybe allowed because its "just" manga, or perhaps is only possible because its manga. The leaps of imagination and carefully calculated flow of the panels reveal this artist's extraordinary talents.  Onaji Tsuki o Mite Iru / Seiki Tsuchida #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 7 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama #Translation: none #Synopsis: One night, young Gen Minahiro escapes from a reformatory with only one witness: the moon. Years earlier Gen, now nicknamed Don-chan, spends his days with Tetsuya. The two are inseparable and enjoy themselves playing with Don-chan's ability to guess people's thoughts and portray them through drawings. Then comes the day when they meet their mysterious foreign neighbour Mr Coldman, and his sickly daughter Emi. They quickly become friends and, beneath a benevolent moon, Don-chan promises to portray her every year for her birthday. Years later, a terrible event radically changes their lives... #Award Reason An at first glance average, on deeper reading far from average drama. Characters who seem normal, but in fact are truly abnormal.A final destination to this thrilling human drama that seems at once transparent,and totally obscure,only adds to the mystery. At very least,kudos to the most solid story telling in recent years.  Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan Monogatari / Jiro Okazaki #MAL entry: - #Volumes: 3 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason This work would seem to belong to that special genre,the educational manga. Yet it has none of the clunky awkwardness of most such works. Instead it strives to fuse the entertainment value of manga with educational content,and succeeds brilliantly on both counts. The creator's vast knowledge is condensed into this one work;it should be in every library reading room.  Haruka na Machi e / Jiro Taniguchi #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 2 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Slice of Life #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Middle-aged salaryman Hiroshi Nakahara accidentally takes a train ride back to his old hometown to visit his mother’s grave. Then for reasons he can’t explain, Hiroshi is transported back in time, and discovers that he’s an 8th grader again, but with all of his adult memories intact. Can he, or should he try to change the decisions he made before? But more importantly, can he find his way back to the present day, or is he stuck in the past? #Award Reason On his way back from a business trip,the protagonist decides on a whim to take atrain back to his old hometown. The moment he pays respects to his mother's gravein the transformed town,he is transported back to a summer when he was still in junior high school,only with all his middle-age consciousness,knowledge and abilities intact.On this journey across time,he understands for the first time the burdens born by his father, and his mother's tears. This is the kind of fantasy manga were made for,executed by an artist of great talent. This is a serious,delicate,and ultimately moving time travel variation. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:40 PM
2000 - 4th Edition March, 2001 Grand Prize  Vagabond / Takehiko Inoue (Story & Art), Eiji Yoshikawa(Original story) #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 37 (hiatus) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Samurai #Translation: up to date #Synopsis: In 16th century Japan, Shinmen Takezou is a wild, rough young man, in both his appearance and his actions. His aggressive nature has won him the collective reproach and fear of his village, leading him and his best friend, Matahachi Honiden, to run away in search of something grander than provincial life. The pair enlist in the Toyotomi army, yearning for glory—but when the Toyotomi suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of the Tokugawa Clan at the Battle of Sekigahara, the friends barely make it out alive. After the two are separated, Shinmen returns home on a self-appointed mission to notify the Hon'iden family of Matahachi's survival. He instead finds himself a wanted criminal, framed for his friend's supposed murder based on his history of violence. Upon being captured, he is strung up on a tree and left to die. An itinerant monk, the distinguished Takuan Soho, takes pity on the "devil child," secretly freeing Shinmen and christening him with a new name to avoid pursuit by the authorities: Musashi Miyamoto. Vagabond is the fictitious retelling of the life of one of Japan's most renowned swordsmen, the "Sword Saint" Musashi Miyamoto—his rise from a swordsman with no desire other than to become "Invincible Under the Heavens" to an enlightened warrior who slowly learns of the importance of close friends, self-reflection, and life itself. #Award Reason From Toyotomi to Tokugawa. Musashi Miyamoto grew up amidst the turn of two great eras. Mr. Inoue has taken the powerful Musashi who was sometimes called a "beast" and drawn him as a vagabond. The artist brags about boldly challenging the national literary work of Eiji Yoshikawa, even so, the sense of speed that he creates is impressive. I send my applause to the artist for creating a new image of Musashi. Excellence Award  Oudou no Inu / Yoshikazu Yasuhiko #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 6 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Historical, Martial Arts #Translation: none #Synopsis: In a tale set in the middle of the Meiji era, Shusuke Kano is doing hard labor in Hokkaido, imprisoned for demonstrating against the government for freedom and democracy. He escapes from prison with another government opponent and pretends to be an Ainu, to hide his true identity. Later, Kano meets Sokaku Takeda, a martial arts master, and becomes his disciple. Adept in martial arts, Kano works as a bodyguard for the Korean revolutionist, Kim Okyon. Kano is angry that leading members of the Liberal Party were freed from jail quickly and now live comfortably, while more unfortunate participants of the liberal democratic movement are still in prison. He soon becomes a faithful follower of Kim, a serious revolutionary. Disheartened when Kim is assassinated in a plot between the Chinese and Korean governments, Kano goes into the trading business with a ship that Katsukaishu gives him. Meeting the Young Sunwen changes everything. He decides to put his energy and passion into the Chinese revolution; something he could not do with the liberal movement in Japan. #Award Reason This work is set in Meiji Era Japan, Korea and China. A young Japanese revolutionary Masato Kan, is the main character of this historical tale. With skillful composition and beautifully drawn lines, the way the rapid unfolding of the story grabs the reader and draws them in is fascinating. There are limits to comic drawing technique, but the spirit of the Meiji Era, where one could be adventurous and greedy, is clearly expressed in this powerful work.  Paji / Takashi Murakami #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 9 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: Momo is a 4 year old girl who lost both her parents. She now lives with her grandfather, who she calls "Paji." (Papa + Ojii-chan = Paji). The story is about their simple, but warm life together in their friendly neighborhood. #Award Reason This four-frame Manga with a strange rhythm is about the daily lives of "Momo Chan", who lost both of her parents, and "Paji", Momo Chan's grandfather, who lost his wife. The final frame is not a "fall" but a "slice of wisdom". This style cannot be classified as a "gag four-frame" or a "nonsense four-frame", it is a new type that should be called a "subtle four-frame". The artist's outlook on life and his wealth knowledge can be enjoyed through this work.  Massugu ni Ikou. / Kira #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 26 (complete) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: Mametarou is a crossbreed male dog kept by Wakatsuki family. He loves his owner Iku (Ikuko Wakatsuki), and considers her boyfriend, Junichi Akiyoshi, as his rival. The manga depicts different incidents happening with Mametarou, Iku and Akiyoshi, their friends Nao and Takeshi, Mametarou’s sweetheart Hanako, as well as other dogs in the neighborhood. #Award Reason "Massuguni-ikou (Let's Go Straight)", this title is enticing. There are two worlds drawn in this work. It is drawn from the point of view of a dog's master and from the point of view of the dog. The two coexist but they do not work in collusion. The story progresses smoothly without any violently dramatic scenes. However, after reading this Manga, a quiet but burning emotion will be left deep in your chest. The true feeling of going straight down the road will begin to gush forth.  Tasogare Ryuuseigun / Kenshi Hirokane #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 57 (ongoing) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: How about this, a manga for adults—and not young adults either. This is a series of stories about love and romance amongst the older generations. As the manga itself says, "In the later years of their lives, men and women sometimes find themselves in the glow of love. Their love stories are shining like shooting stars in the twilight." #Award Reason As Japanese society continues to age, how will the people facing the twilight of their lives continue to live? A new drug, Paraiso, that let's you see wonderful dreams as it kills you, husband and wife swapping clubs...the artist makes liberal use of realistic settings while lightly expressing depressing themes. You can sense the artist's experience and skill in this work that pioneers a new Manga style. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:42 PM
2001 - 5th Edition February, 2002 Grand Prize  Efushi teki Nichijo / Yoji Fukuyama #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason Taro Okamoto's father Ippei was a greatly popular cartoonist of the Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) eras who created both panel cartoons and comics. "Mr. F" is an outstanding panel cartoon series from Yoji Fukuyama, another cartoonist in the same tradition one that unfortunately has become somewhat dated in modern day Japan. Mr. F makes use of short comics and panel cartoons to present thought-provoking, sharp satiric commentary on the complexities and bizarreness of contemporary society. It brilliantly supplies what today's comics lack. Excellence Award  Real / Takehiko Inoue #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 14 (hiatus) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Sports, Psychological #Translation: up to date #Synopsis: Tomomi Nomiya, former captain of his high school's basketball team turned delinquent, decides to drop out of school after he is crushed by the guilt of ruining a young girl's life in a traffic accident. As he dedicates his free time to helping her, he stumbles upon Kiyoharu Togawa, a former sprinter who has lost the use of his right leg and now plays wheelchair basketball as an alternate outlet. After challenging Kiyoharu to a one-on-one game, Tomomi is completely defeated. Inspired by this encounter, he realizes that he can't let his love for basketball die so easily and decides that he will do what he can to help others while striving to become a professional player. Meanwhile, Hisanobu Takahashi, Tomomi's replacement as the high school's team captain, gets into an accident and finds himself permanently paralyzed below the waist. Real tells the touching tale of these three young men as they struggle to overcome their disabilities and inner conflicts in order to achieve their dreams while igniting a passion that will bring them together. #Award Reason Takehiko Inoue is well-known for "Slam Dunk," a serial comic on the subject of basketball. "Real" is another sports comic, but one whose story revolves around the novel theme of tough guys and wheelchair basketball. All of the Adjudication Committee members could hardly wait to read the next installments and had to content themselves with awarding "Real" the Excellence Prize. It would have been no surprise if Inoue had followed his success with "Vagabond" by winning the Grand Prize for the second year in a row with this terrific comic.  Kamigami no Itadaki / Baku Yumemakura (Story), Jiro Taniguchi (Art) #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 5 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Sports #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: In a small Nepalese shop, Fukamachi stumbles across a camera which may well be that of George Mallory, the celebrated mountain climber who was the first to attempt to conquer Everest. Mallory disappeared along with Andrew Irvine, during the course of their ascent in 1924, without leaving any indication of whether they reached the summit or not. So what if it was only on their return trip that they had their fatal accident. #Award Reason Mt. Tanigawa, the European Alps, Everest, K2. What impels people to challenge the world's highest mountain peaks? What beasts prowl on the dark side of human nature? Is it fame and distinction we crave, or the satisfaction of great achievement? These compelling human dramas of the men who challenge the summits of the gods, places divorced from the mundane world, will grip readers until they have finished the last page. The powerful illustrations seem to transport the reader right up into the mountains.  Kurosawa / Masahiro Sonomura, Mariko Nakamura #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason Sonomura and Nakamura portray a unique portrait of the famous Japanese film director. This is just one among many representations of Akira Kurosawa, but many readers say it enabled them to identify with the hardships and worries experienced by Kurosawa as a creative artist. This courageous experiment has turned out to be a resounding success and is sure to generate many more Kurosawa fans. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:43 PM
2002 - 6th Edition February, 2003 Grand Prize  Sexy Voice and Robo / Iou Kuroda #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 2 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Drama, Slice of Life #Translation: complete #Synopsis: The story is about the adventures of a 14-year-old girl named Nico Hayashi who uses her talents of changing and altering her voice to manipulate men over the phone who want to participate in Enjo kōsai. Through this she learns a lot about human nature, and gains a keen understanding of peoples through their voices. An aging gangster notices her talents and decides to hire her to solve various cases. While Nico is on her first case, she meets with a geeky man named Iichiro Sudo, who has an obsession with robot toy models. This obsession that leads Nico to call him "Robo," and the two become an unlikely team. After completing her first case Nico proclaims herself "Sexy Voice" and a variety of short loosely linked character-driven adventures ensue. #Award Reason This author's "Nasu" series has been highly appraised, but the lively writing of the SEXY VOICE AND ROBO creates a whole new world. This work is set in the present Japanese city and is about the many people living in the unexpected setting and interacting with the main characters. The dynamic city fantasy story unfolds and develops as the young attractive fourteen-year old girl involves her male partner into her life. The descriptive style of the writing is very unique to the author, and the brushstrokes are excellent and we can thoroughly enjoy the work to the four corners of the screen. Excellence Award  Black Jack ni Yoroshiku / Shuho Sato #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 13 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Psychological #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Saitou Eijirou is a newly established intern doctor, who is forced to take on a second night job at another, much smaller hospital because of the extremely low pay he receives. As he bounces between the two different hospitals, he is forced to dig deeper and deeper into Japan's largely corrupted medical society and starts to question even his own initial beliefs, as he asks himself just what being a doctor means. #Award Reason An intensive investigation of the behind-the-scenes of the medical scene has had a huge reaction. This work has been successful in broadening its readership because it does not take up social issues as bad, but rather, as part of the ordinary environment in which humans live. Using the thought and behavior patterns of the characters, the social issues are presented as entertainment. This work is compelling and the adjective "realistic" is very appropriate. The power and the out-of-the-ordinary story telling skills can be observed in this work.  20th Century Boys / Naoki Urasawa #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 22 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Mystery, Drama, Historical, Sci-Fi, Psychological #Translation: complete #Synopsis: As the 20th century approaches its end, people all over the world are anxious that the world is changing. And probably not for the better. Kenji Endo is a normal convenience store manager who's just trying to get by. But when he learns that one of his old friends going by the name "Donkey" has suddenly committed suicide, and that a new cult led by a figure known as "Friend" is becoming more notorious, Kenji starts to feel that something isn't right. With a few key clues left behind by his deceased friend, Kenji realizes that this cult is much more than he ever thought it would be—not only is this mysterious organization directly targeting him and his childhood friends, but the whole world also faces a grave danger that only the friends have the key to stop. Kenji's simple life of barely making ends meet is flipped upside down when he reunites with his childhood friends, and together they must figure out the truth of how their past is connected to the cult, as the turn of the century could mean the possible end of the world. #Award Reason "Friends" control Japan from behind the scenes. On "Bloody New Year's Eve" in 2000, Uncle Kenji lost his life after a deadly battle with a "friend". The story evolves around high school student Kanna, who follows after "friend" to fulfill the desire of her late Uncle Kenji. The story is set in the near future in 2014, in Neo-Tokyo. Even though many characters appear and have complicated relationships the reader is not confused, because the storyteller Gowan pulls us into the story very skillfully and we are captivated by the skills of the Urazawa world.  Taishi Kakka no Ryourinin / Mitsuru Nishimura (Story), Hiroshi Kawasumi (Art) #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 25 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason The "Cooking" genre itself is not very uncommon these days. However, the stage in which this story is set is very special. As a chef working at the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, cooking in a sense, is a weapon that moves the hearts of the people. The setting is wonderful, and makes us feel the fundamentals of humans. It is a long and very honest work, and the excellence of the book is beginning to spark. This works looks far removed from a very splashy topic, but it was good that we were able to appraise it and bring it into the spotlight with this award. We look forward to future developments.  Oodsukami Genji Monogatari Maro, n? / Yoshihiro Koizumi #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason This work makes one realize "oh, ,Tales of Genji' was this sort of story" and be awakened to the true story of "Genji" in a pleasant shock. It is a singular gem in the comic world that is both intellectual and humorous. "Tales of Genji" has been adopted in comics before, but in this work, the main characters intentionally were not handsome or beautiful. Rather, by making them a symbol in a way, this work succeeds in fully illustrating the social and political background and the customs of that era and also serving as a historical investigation, and simultaneously, exemplifying the deepness of the Genji's world very naturally. The unique style and arrangement of the drawing creates a subtle distance to the subject but unexpectedly results in humanizing the characters, overcoming the fact that they are from a different era. This work has a deepness which exceeds that of a simple digest and once one starts reading, the reader would immediately be attracted to its allure. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:45 PM
2003 - 7th Edition February, 2004 Grand Prize  Kajimunugatai / Susumu Higa #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Historical, Psychological #Translation: none #Synopsis: The disastrous experience of the people at the war of Okinawa just before the end of WWII. This manga was serialized on the magazine, "Morning" which sometimes adopts utter/absolute new mangaka who do not have any career as a professional, like Yuuji Aoki of "Naniwa Kinyuudou". Higa is not so young and his art is simple/naive as Aoki, but the power/impact of his works is very strong, too. He was born in Okinawa and has gathered a lot of historical facts, and describes them matter-of-factly, without one-sided interpretation (So his manga is not too bitter because people are tough and brave persons who can offer hopes to people will appear even under the war). In his manga, both a japanese soldier and american one can become an enemy of the people. Higa tries to insist that the war can easily make an ordinary guy into a devil who can mercilessly kill a child or woman (and lynch good soldiers). For the helpless people of Okinawa, the japanese army often became an enemy (Soldiers deprived the people of their civilian shelter, food,,etc) because they were used as a shield for the people of mainland of Japan. Even after the war, they were often raped by US soldiers (and even japanese officers stood by the US army). In any war, weak people (children, women and old people) always become victims. #Award Reason Once you start reading this episode on Battle of Okinawa, a carefully drawn piece of work based on close research, it captures your attention and leaves an unforgettable impression on you. This is not a simple reproduction of a past event, but is a story about the most fundamental matters handed down to the present Japanese. This well-defined series of short stories wastes no space for verbosity. The quiet and subdued description has strong power, persuasiveness, and profound meaning, which makes readers want to come back and read it again and again. The fact that such a work has appeared is of great significance. Excellence Award  Helter Skelter / Kyoko Okazaki #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Horror, Psychological #Translation: complete #Synopsis: If you are aware of fashion in Japan, you must have seen Liliko's face. For the last few years, she has been at the top of the modeling world, with her face and body promoting the biggest brands. But as everyone who is in this world admits, staying on top is a constant and never ending battle. There are always new faces introduced to the public. Younger models and new looks are brought into the fold every season. And keeping that position means learning to adapt and learning to cope with change. To maintain her position Liliko has decided to go under the knife. This is not her first go with this service. It is yet another round of plastic surgery, all done to keep herself looking young and vibrant. However, in this case just a little nip and tuck was not enough. Liliko is bent on undergoing a full body makeover. From head-to-toe, every inch of her will undergo cosmetic surgery, and thus begins her madness. #Award Reason This work gives an impression that this is a summarization of activities of a group of artists who displayed striking expressions in the girls' comics at the time of the author's debut, particularly in the field of ladies comics. This work gradually makes readers shudder by thoroughly describing the values shared only by those who live this age and the social reasons that destined the main character's life. This strong power, as well as high popularity, qualifies this work as a prizewinner.  Tenzin-san / Naomi Kimura #MAL entry: - #Volumes: - #Demographic: - #Genres: - #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason The story of "Tenjin-san" is set in the Meiji period when Western medicine was lionized as the medicine of the modern age and where a genius acupuncturist named "Tenjin" played an active role. While there are many works with medical themes these days, this work goes beyond simple medical manga and skillfully depicts the way of life of the common people living in the troubled Meiji period, as well as their distrust and expectations of medical care. While the work gives the impression of being out-of-dated at first sight because it is about a world of low-key acupuncture, this is actually a thoughtful medical manga that was put together at a good round pace despite little data for drawing.  Mushishi / Yuki Urushibara #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 10 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Historical, Supernatural #Translation: complete #Synopsis: "Mushi": the most basic forms of life in the world. They exist without any goals or purposes aside from simply "being." They are beyond the shackles of the words "good" and "evil." Mushi can exist in countless forms and are capable of mimicking things from the natural world such as plants, diseases, and even phenomena like rainbows. This is, however, just a vague definition of these entities that inhabit the vibrant world of Mushishi, as to even call them a form of life would be an oversimplification. Detailed information on mushi is scarce because the majority of humans are unaware of their existence. So what are mushi and why do they exist? This is the question that a "Mushishi," Ginko, ponders constantly. Mushishi are those who research mushi in hopes of understanding their place in the world's hierarchy of life. Ginko relentlessly chases rumors of occurrences that could be tied to mushi, all for the sake of finding an answer. It could, after all, lead to the meaning of life itself. #Award Reason This comic book depicts with fine feeling the world of good old Japan where nature was thriving everywhere. Rain and snow falling over a village located deep in the mountains, people and animals living quietly veiled with a drifting fog and morning haze, and strange insects half-hidden among them. The author's accurate description and expression irresistibly engage readers into her unreal, fantastic world.  Baka Kyoudai / Tetsu Adachi #MAL entry: - #Volumes: 5 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Comedy, Drama #Translation: none #Synopsis: The story is about small twin sister and brother. Their parents are working abroad, so the twin kids are raised by the neighbors. It's a heartwarming drama about the communications between the twins and the elderly people. #Award Reason Baka Shitei (Stupid Sister And Brother) is a strange title, and so is characters' behavior. They behave in an erratic way and the story often comes to an unexpected ending. But, that's what kids are all about. This author closely observes and has a deep understanding of the "ecology" of kids, and quietly observes and laughs at adults who are twisted around kids' little finger and thrown into total confusion.  Jun Kissa Nokoribi / Tai Itou #MAL entry: - #Volumes: 3 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason At the present time when caricatures such as political one-frame cartoons have lost their momentum, Tai Ito skillfully combined current themes and gags and produced a new form of caricature that is easy for present readers to accept. Many of her works are full of vitality and invite explosive laughter. We can't take our eyes off her activities. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:47 PM
2004 - 8th Edition February, 2005 Grand Prize  Yunagi no Machi Sakura no Kuni / Fumiyo Kouno #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: - #Genres: Drama, Historical, Slice of Life #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Part 1: Hiroshima, 1955. Ten years after the city was consumed by a scorching flash of light, a woman's soul is still deeply shaken by the earth-shattering explosion that devastated her home and changed her life forever... A family from Hiroshima struggles to come to terms with their survival of the atomic bombing of their city. The protagonist is Minami Hirano, about 20 years of age. Part 2: Set some decades later, the niece of Minami Hirano is bewildered by her father's mysterious disappearances. She and a friend follow him to discover what he is doing. #Award Reason This work takes as its subject "Hiroshima". The manga artist who produced it belongs to the post-war generation and though the story is only 10 pages long, its depiction of "the dark shadow of war" is excellent and clearly draws on experience. This is why this work was highly regarded from the early stages and won this prize ahead of other longer works. The extension of hope from the older generation to the younger is clearly drawn, as are the subtle differences in the values received to those conveyed. I was impressed by the method of expression which, whilst conveying a powerful message, never imposes upon the reader, but rather serves to evoke understanding and acceptance. Excellence Award  Hikari to Tomo ni...: Jiheishouji wo Kakaete / Keiko Tobe #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 15 (complete) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Psychological #Translation: none #Synopsis: Born during the sunrise—an auspicious beginning—the Azumas' newborn son is named Hikaru, which means "light." But during one play date, his mother notices that her son is slightly different from the other children. In this alternately heartwarming and bittersweet tale, a young mother tries to cope with both the overwhelming discovery of her child's autism and the trials of raising him while keeping her family together. This is a story that resonates not only for those whose families have been affected by autism, but also for all past, present, and future parents. #Award Reason It has long been felt that the subject of disability was not suited to the medium of manga, the potential for discrimination that might hurt and disgust the readership was supposed to be too great. However, this work, which tells the story of a family struggling to raise an autistic child, has avoided all such possible problems. It is cheerfully and sturdily told and might well encourage not only families with autistic children, but also families living with a disability of any sort. It also gives the rest of us something to think about.  Mainichi Kaasan: Kanihaha-hen / Rieko Saibara #MAL entry: - #Volumes: 12 (ongoing) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: - #Award Reason This work presents scenes of daily life in a family, in a simple rounded style and almost as though a diary. The mother of the family drinks too much and works as a manga writer, whilst taking care of her ignorant children and hopeless husband. There is a laugh to be had on every page and through laughter the heart is warmed, yet the work somehow retains the power to sadden. This work is unique in the way it allows us to think both about what families are, and what humans are.  Majo / Daisuke Igarashi #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 2 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Fantasy, Supernatural #Translation: complete #Synopsis: A wildly imaginitive trek into the deepest realms of human beliefs and the mysteries of the universe. Daisuke Igarashi's amazing pen can recreate anything he can imagine on paper, resulting in beautifully chaotic, maddeningly detailed scrawls of pure wonder. A true celebration of the human imagination. When deep emotions come to the head, the witch that dwells in the heart awakens—the gorgeous and literary illusory tales begin. #Award Reason Deep resentment and curse of a girl who was trampled down her sheer devotion by a man at a bazaar in a capital some time ago change the girl into a "witch" with strong mighty, and she comes back quietly to the bazaar where the man lives thirtieth year after. Old street, people live there, from infants to old women or animals, each of them has a presence and each frame is excellent as a picture. Other sort story series create fantastic world of IGARASHI with skillful and delicate style. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:48 PM
2005 - 9th Edition February, 2006 Grand Prize  Shissou Nikki / Hideo Azuma #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: - #Genres: Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: A nonfiction work which depicts the roller-coaster daily affairs of the artist himself from his sudden disappearance to a suicidal attempt, life on the streets, physical labor, habitual intemperance, and forced hospitalization. Through the writer's capability of creating a manga, the reader is enabled to read a work which has a heavy theme in a detached manner. #Award Reason This work belongs to the already quite popular genre of "personal manga". Although much of the work produced for this genre takes the form of "essay manga", this award-winning work has its own style, which is worthy of appreciation. The writer observes his own severe situation from a sober viewpoint but, by excluding his personal feelings and opinions, is able to present it as a comedy. It is a great surprise, and a great pleasure, that this artist, who once quitted manga writing, has come back in this way and is exercising his talent. Excellence Award  Pluto / Naoki Urasawa (Story & Art), Osamu Tezuka (Original story) #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 8 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Action, Mystery, Mecha, Sci-Fi, Psychological #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Based off of a story arc from Osamu Tezuka's Tesuwan Atom, Pluto follows the Europol detective Gesicht as he tries to uncover the mystery behind a string of robot and human deaths. The case becomes much more puzzling when evidence leans toward the murders being the work of a robot, which is something that hasn't happened for 8 years. #Award Reason Astro Boy was one of the great, horizon expanding, manga masterpieces of its time. For the ordinary observer, it is almost all we can do just to be impressed by Astro Boy, but here, the maestro, URASAWA Naoki, has turned his attention to multiple structural universes, perhaps even beyond the horizon of manga's potential. It leaves one speechless; it is an exciting, forward looking and much appreciated work; hats off to Mr. URASAWA, who always gives his fans such joyful surprises. The concept of this work itself is impressive, and we really appreciate the effort and passion of all the people involved. Finally, we would like to point out that it was suggested this work should be awarded the Grand Prize when it ended.  Emma / Kaoru Mori #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 10 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Historical, Romance, Slice of Life #Translation: complete #Synopsis: It's the turn of the 20th century, and Victorian era England plays host to a poignant and emotional saga of love between two individuals of thoroughly different societal standing. Working class maid Emma and wealthy aristocrat William Jones find themselves falling for one another despite their allotted positions in life, and it is their persistent efforts to traverse the dangerous minefields of wealth, power, and staunch tradition, that provides the gripping emotional drama of Kaoru Mori's Emma. The rigid social structures of the time and the disapproving elite, including but not limited to William's own family, seek to keep the lovestruck pair apart due to their heavy condemnation of this breach of proper conduct. But despite their best attempts to resist one another, William and Emma's relationship deepens, and their feelings for one another prove to be stronger than the harshest of judgments. #Award Reason This is the story of the love between a maid and the son of an upper class family, in late 19th century England. The diligent investigation of the historical background has been done for the story, which helps with the realistic and dramatic depiction of Emma, the heroine, and the people around her. The frames are drawn with techniques that give us the illusion of film, and we can see the passion and empathy of the artist in the psychological description of Emma, as she develops from girl to woman. This is not only a love story; it addresses the social conflict between the aristocracy and working classes, as well as the emotional conflict between parents and their children. This epic drama can be enjoyed by any age group and we hope that it will be a long lasting series.  Dragon Zakura / Norifusa Mita #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 21 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, School, Slice of Life #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: Kenji Sakuragi is a poor lawyer and ex-motorcycle gang member looking for an opportunity to boost his career. His chance finally comes with the nearly bankrupt and notorious Ryuuzan High School, referred to as "baka gakkou" (stupid school) by some. There, he sets up a special class that aims to prepare five students to take and pass the entrance exam of Toudai. #Award Reason This manga has also been dramatized on television. It is an entrance examination version of the "Spokon (sports grit) Manga" genre. It is the story of a teacher who takes on an unsuccessful student and, using Spartan methods, tutors him to pass the entrance exam for Tokyo University. The theme is not new, the composition is somewhat orthodox and it is true that there was criticism of the drawing skill. However, the story is told with such great conviction and pathos that these weaknesses are easily overlooked. It is a very entertaining manga, which is probably the most important thing. |
virtual_coreMar 11, 2019 4:50 PM
2006 - 10th Edition February, 2007 Grand Prize  Taiyou no Mokushiroku / Kaiji Kawaguchi #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 17 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: August 10th, 2002. A massive earthquake strikes and Mt. Fuji erupts. Natural disasters hit the Japanese Islands one after the other. How do people live in extreme conditions, and how do they get their futures back? KAWAGUCHI Kaiji depicts Japan in the year 2017 through the eyes of a young boy, RYU Genichiro. #Award Reason There is only one sky! The cry of the hero, should be heard by everyone in the world. Japan is divided by 3 major earthquakes and ravaged by an inferno. Our current anxieties and fears are represented as if this were an actual event, and one feels as if the evil noise is almost cracking out from the pages. Powerful pictures, precise presentations, the dignity of human beings, corners are never cut in all the details even the work has gone through many volumes, and it makes one feel like bowing to him as the reader senses the author's great effort. This is a masterpiece which will remain in manga history forever. None of the members of the Jury have any objection to award the Grand Prize to this work. Excellence Award  Oooku / Fumi Yoshinaga #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 16 (ongoing) #Demographic: Shoujo #Genres: Drama, Historical, Samurai, Military #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: In an alternative timeline of feudal Japan, a strange disease that only affects men caused a massive reduction of male population, thus females have to pick up men's jobs, changing the social structure. Now, after 80 years of the initial outbreak and current man:woman ratio of 1:4, Japan has become completely matriarchal, with women holding important political positions and men being their consort. Only the most powerful woman—head of Tokugawa shogunate—can keep a harem of handsome yet unproductive men, known as "Oooku." #Award Reason This is a history drama of the reversal of the position of men and women, where “the SHOGUN are a woman and there are 3,000 beautiful men in OHOKU (inner palace)." The scene where, at sound of a voice which says “UESAMA NO!! ONA-----RI-------!!" (Here the Lady is appearing)," all the beautiful men fling themselves down on the ground, is a sight to see, but this story goes beyond that. It lets the reader feel that there are many layers ahead which have not been revealed and makes the readers expect a story full of complications. What is depicted here is “a world where a man is assessed according to his sexual value". Why has such a world been established then? One opinion held is that it might have been better to hold off nominating this piece for the Grand Prize as it will be more interesting the more the story progresses. However, other voices supported the high estimation of the present work and it was decided to make the award. We cannot take our eyes off from the development of the story in the future.  Osaka Hamlet / Hiromi Morishita #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 4 (ongoing) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Comedy #Translation: none #Synopsis: The omnibus manga collects a variety of stories about Osaka dwellers and the problems they face. #Award Reason This is a unique piece of work which makes readers feel they will never forget about it. This story has an amazingly fine balance which convinces us there is no other way of presenting this story. The combination of each character is strange as well as laughable, and this is a new way of presentation of a short story manga. The style of drawing may be not acceptable for everyone but it convinces us, which is in keeping with the story, with this character. Also it has persuasive power. This work proved that even while presenting life realistically, the work can be well-established as a significant manga work.  Hyakki Yakoushou / Ichiko Ima #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 26 (ongoing) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Mystery, Historical, Horror, Romance, Supernatural #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: Ritsu inherited his sixth sense from his grandfather, along with a demon guardian named Blue Storm. Strange things just seem to happen around these two, and it's left to them to get to the bottom of all these mysterious events. Each story is independent but features recurring characters you'll come to know and appreciate as they, each in their own way, try to deal with things 'not of this world'. #Award Reason Beautiful and scary. The story proceeds in a quiet and delicate manner but it produces anxiety in its readers as if they had looked into the abyss of horror as soon as they begin to read. The carefully calculated dialogue and frame layout create a unique time-space. What creates an elegant atmosphere is the ability to structure an attractive story and the skillful drawing of the author who is very laid back. It is good that the innocent charm of specters comes and goes over time. This work is fascinating and makes us aware that death and life exist very close to each other in this way, perhaps just as they exist in our daily life.  Yotsuba to! / Kiyohiko Azuma #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 14 (ongoing) #Demographic: Shounen #Genres: Comedy, Slice of Life #Translation: up to date #Synopsis: Yotsuba's daily life is full of adventure. She is energetic, curious, and a bit odd—odd enough to be called strange by her father as well as ignorant of many things that even a five-year-old should know. Because of this, the most ordinary experience can become an adventure for her. As the days progress, she makes new friends and shows those around her that every day can be enjoyable. #Award Reason This work should be read by every generation. It does not have a new concept or make full use of elaborate drawing and structural technique, but all the characters are vividly depicted, which gives exhilaration to the work and the whole atmosphere has a gentleness. The way of presentation of ordinary, decent people is nothing new, but this work does not feel old. I greatly value the fresh feeling of its preserved cross-section which makes us feel “there was such a way of presentation.” This is a work which convinces us there are no limits in the presentation of the manga.  Shiritori / Kazuko Chikuhama #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: - #Genres: Comedy #Translation: complete #Synopsis: Nana has lost all the crayons to her store along with Monkichi! Each chapter title is based on the game Shiritori and the theme of the chapter is based on the title which helps Nana find her crayons and Monkichi. #Award Reason Best of all, the vividly drawn lines, and wonderful sense of color are outstanding. “Gee, it's super!" “I would make the pictures into posters as they are." The judges were all very impressed. On the other hand, however, I would like to note that there were opposing opinions among judges such as: “The amusing aspects of panel comic are rather weak." “Using the format of panel comic loses the charm of the picture." “The creators should express themselves more in a world of pictures." At any rate, as they have such a wonderful charming appeal as pictures, I would like to think that they can create a work which maximizes their attractiveness. |
2007 - 11th Edition February, 2008 Grand Prize  Mori no Asagao: Shinjin Keimukan to Aru Shikeishuu no Monogatari / Mamora Gouda #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 7 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Police, Psychological #Translation: none #Synopsis: A work which highlights the "present" of the capital punishment system through OIKAWA Naoki, a newly recruited prison officer, who faces condemned criminals everyday and agonizes. Based on close and careful research, the author tackles with the serious theme of the "capital punishment system" head-on. #Award Reason This work earnestly and stoically depicts the life of those who are imprisoned and condemned for committing serious crimes, facing their own death every morning and every day, and the prison guard who takes care of them, but will one day have to execute them with his own hands. The human mind is very unstable; people can be kind and honest citizens or violent and reckless criminals, and with but a little cause. Is capital punishment, therefore, right or wrong? This is a project that Mr. GOUDA Mamora has been working on and agonizing over for a long time, dealing with a difficult theme and seeking to answer his own question; he kept working on it, even though he wandered in a deep, dark, forest. The jury members felt that the attitude of the artist was laudable, being unswayed by popularity or the opinions of the readers, and that, although his manga was rather inconspicuous, the character presentation and story, which are based on sincere interviews and research, combined with the characteristic drawing skill of the artist, has resulted in a very serious work that provokes questions about important issues. Excellence Award  Umimachi Diary / Akimi Yoshida #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 9 (complete) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Slice of Life #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: A letter comes to the three Kohda sisters in Kamakura, bringing the news of their father's death. A father they hadn't seen since he divorced and left home 15 years ago. Despite feeling indifferent about their father, Yoshino, the middle of the three, and Chika, the youngest, go to Yamagata to attend his funeral on oldest sister Sachi's request. There, they meet Suzu, their young and reliable half sister. #Award Reason This work was selected without any objection for its high standard of perfection. This is a sequence of stories about a “family” in Kamakura. Three sisters receive news of the death of their father, who had left home when they were little. They go to his funeral and there meet their younger half sister, who they take into their care. They each have different histories and reactions. This manga skillfully and accurately depicts the nature of a multilayered and complex “family,” the dialogue is especially excellent. There are lines that strike at our heart, but have a subtle sharpness that leads directly to the underlying subject. The three sisters begin to try to give the child (their younger sister) back her childhood, which she has lost on account of her circumstances. This work shows us the true potential of girl’s manga.  Suzuki-sensei / Kenzi Taketomi #MAL entry: - #Volumes: 11 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Drama, Slice of Life #Translation: none #Synopsis: Suzuki Sensei, a young teacher at a junior-high school who is entirely distressed at problems caused by students. The work realistically portrays a person who is a typical ordinary teacher and tries to solve problems which can possibly happen anywhere even suffering distress too much. #Award Reason As a parent of elementary school children, my first impression on reading Suzuki Sensei was “Oh, no! Is this the reality of junior high school these days? I don’t want to send my children there.” That’s how nervous the classroom depicted in Suzuki Sensei can make the reader. There is no growth or reconciliation between the characters, who are clichés of usual TV “classroom dramas;” instead, the students are lost and the teachers are distressed, being sometimes depicted as even more feeble and ugly than their students. We don’t know how far this manga distorts reality in telling its story, but the state of the education system is an important contemporary issue and we are much in need of a drama that exposes the deeper machinations of the classroom. I feel sorry for Mr. Suzuki, but I hope that he will not find any easy conclusions and keep struggling in his fictional classroom.  Takemitsuzamurai / Taiyou Matsumoto(Art), Issei Eifuku(Story) #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 8 (complete) #Demographic: Seinen #Genres: Historical, Martial Arts, Slice of Life #Translation: complete #Synopsis: A mysterious masterless samurai, SENOU Soichiro, turned up in a tenemen in the city of Edo one day. Deliberately wearing only a bamboo sword, he lived his days in idleness, however, his sword and background invited evil spirits. #Award Reason First of all, the reader will be fascinated by the cover picture, then he will be drawn to turn the pages, allured by the flowing frame work and absorbed in reading beside himself. Admittedly, I have fallen in love with this manga, but it is my opinion that it is a work produced by a manga artist who is well-versed in the medium and skilled at producing work for a knowledgeable audience. Manga is the “art of frame works.” I am not sure how much care the artist took in calculating the frames for this work, but the result is that the montage of frames fully illustrates the vivacious lives and lifestyles of each character. It is also excellent that this work is taking on the nature of entertainment, one of the essential factors of manga, in such a casual way. It reminds me of FUJISAWA Shuhei’s famous historical novels and it leaves us anticipating the possibility that the artist could adapt those novels to manga.  Pride / Yukari Ichijo #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 12 (complete) #Demographic: Josei #Genres: Drama, Romance #Translation: incomplete #Synopsis: ASAMI Shio, brought up in a wealthy family whose mother is a prominent opera singer. However, the bankruptcy of her father's business forced her to give up becoming an opera singer. MIDORIKAWA Moe entrapped Shio and claimed a victory in an opera contest. Depicts a competition of two heroines putting their pride on the line. #Award Reason A dramatic and elegantly drawn story; ICHIJO Yukari is truly a queen of women’s manga. When she started this series, I was surprised by the title, Pride. Pride is an English word that means ‘high regard, vanity, or self-esteem’. I was already interested in how she would be dealing with this complicated subject. In the story, the cause of the heroine, Shio’s growth as a vocalist and as a person is wonderfully told; she overcomes the difficulties that befall her without breaking down, confronting them directly, retaining her dignity and pride. We can easily perceive the extraordinary passion of the writer towards this work. The opera travels across the world and so the story takes place in diverse locales; the writer has traveled to the USA, Germany, or Italy to collect information for her story. Although she is suffering from inflammation of a tendon in her left arm and hand, which is her dominant hand, she never compromises her work or her pride as a manga artist! Her graceful and precise expression is so impressive that it makes turning each page a new pleasure.  Tenken / Yumiko Shirai #MAL entry: link #Volumes: 1 (complete) #Demographic: #Genres: Sci-Fi, Supernatural #Translation: none #Synopsis: An independent manga set in a certain time which depicts an exchange between a lieutenant of steeplejacks and a girl. Lieutenant MANAKA employed a girl, KIJIMA Saki, who has no family she can depend on. After having learned a trade, some change occurred to her. What is the reality concealed in a festival? And the fate of the two? #Award Reason One day, the nation was stricken by a “dirty war;” a toxic agent called “Fukashi” was scattered all over the country and remained even after the war ended. This is a story about people who try to cleanse the toxin through the use of young bamboo sprouts, which absorb it. They have an indigenous traditional festival based on a myth, where a girl has to be sacrificed as “Kushinada-hime” (whom “Yamatano-orochi,” the mythical eight headed serpent, fell in love with at first sight). The short-lived, but intense, love story between a girl who has been chosen as a sacrifice and a young steeplejack master, who tries to prevent the girl from being sacrificed, has a good old black and white film like atmosphere, which was a thrill for me after such a long time. We can see the artist’s keen talent in his depiction of the serpent slowly emerging from the midst of an assembled bamboo structure, or from a cleft in the earth; we can see it in the presentation of each character, their original composition, and the calm expressions in their eyes. As this work was created by a minor self-publisher, I hope that awarding it this prize will encourage other young manga artists who are in a similar situation. |