Japan 12th International Manga Award Nominations Open

For the past 11 years, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign affairs (MOFA) has been running an International Manga Award to celebrate manga culture and it's influence around the world.

The award is to honour the culture of storytelling in the Japanese manga style, whatever it's origin.

About the Manga award (taken from the MOFA website):

As part of the active use of pop culture in public diplomacy, it has been decided to establish the Japan International MANGA Award. The Award has been established to honor MANGA artists who contribute to the promotion of MANGA overseas. The Committee comprises the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the President of the Japan Foundation, and the members of the special committee for pop culture of the Council on the Movement of People Across Borders. The Japan Cartoonists Association is cooperating this award and send renowned manga artists to the Selection Committee of this Award.

The International MANGA Award will be given to the best cartoon from the entries and about three distinguished works will receive the International MANGA Encouragement Award with commendation certificates. Taking the opportunity of the award ceremony, the Japan Foundation will invite award recipients to Japan for about ten days. The participants will pay courtesy calls on Japanese cartoonists, publishing companies and others. 

The Award is the realization of an idea given in the policy speech on the cultural diplomacy "A New Look at Cultural Diplomacy: A Call to Japan's Cultural Practioners" given on April 28, 2006, by Foreign Minister Taro Aso. It is expected that the award will further enhance understanding of Japanese culture among overseas cartoonists.

If you're an aspiring manga-ka with confidence in your ability, you can find the instructions on how to apply on the MOFA website.