Manga Competitions!

So, you want to be a mangaka? That’s amazing! Creating manga is a thrilling journey, and one of the best ways to get noticed is by entering manga competitions. Not only do these contests give you a chance to showcase your talent, but they can also open doors to publishers, fans, and even cash prizes (cha-ching!).

Whether you’re dreaming of breaking into the Japanese manga scene or making waves internationally, there’s a competition out there for you. Let’s dive into some of the coolest manga contests around the world and in Japan. Grab your pens, your Wacom tablets, or whatever you use to create, and let’s get started!

International Manga Competitions

These contests are open to artists from all over the globe. Perfect if you’re not based in Japan but still want to make your mark!

  1. Silent Manga Audition (SMA)

    • What’s the deal? This unique competition challenges you to tell a story without words. Yep, no dialogue allowed! It’s all about your art and storytelling skills.

    • Why enter? Winners get their work published, and top artists are invited to Japan to work with pros. How cool is that?

    • Website: Silent Manga Audition

  2. International Manga Award

    • What’s the deal? Organized by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this contest is all about celebrating manga creators outside of Japan.

    • Why enter? Winners get a trip to Japan, meet industry pros, and have their work showcased. Plus, it’s a huge honor!

    • Website: International Manga Award

  3. Manga Jiman

    • What’s the deal? Hosted by the Embassy of Japan in the UK, this competition is open to UK residents. The theme changes every year, so it’s always fresh and exciting.

    • Why enter? Prizes include cool manga goodies, and your work might be displayed at the Embassy. Fancy!

    • Website: Manga Jiman

  4. Shonen Jump’s “Tezuka Award” and “Shonen Jump World Cup”

    • What’s the deal? Shonen Jump, the legendary manga magazine, hosts contests for international artists. The Tezuka Award is for one-shots, while the World Cup is for short manga series.

    • Why enter? Winning could land you a spot in Shonen Jump, the holy grail of manga magazines!

    • Website: Shonen Jump

Manga Competitions in Japan

If you’re ready to dive into the heart of manga, these Japanese competitions are where it’s at. Many famous mangaka got their start here!

  1. Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize (Manga Taisho)

    • What’s the deal? Named after the God of Manga himself, Osamu Tezuka, this prestigious award celebrates the best manga of the year.

    • Why enter? Winning this is like getting a golden ticket to manga stardom.

    • Website: Tezuka Cultural Prize

  2. Kodansha Manga Award

    • What’s the deal? Hosted by Kodansha, one of Japan’s biggest publishers, this award covers multiple categories like shonen, shojo, and general manga.

    • Why enter? Winning can lead to serialization and a huge boost in your career.

    • Website: Kodansha Manga Award

  3. Shogakukan Manga Award

    • What’s the deal? Another major award from a top publisher, Shogakukan. It’s open to various genres and age groups.

    • Why enter? Past winners include legends like Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha) and Gosho Aoyama (Detective Conan). Need we say more?

    • Website: Shogakukan Manga Award

  4. Jump’s “Newcomer Awards” (Akatsuka Award, Rookie Award, etc.)

    • What’s the deal? Weekly Shonen Jump hosts several contests for new artists. These are your gateway to becoming the next Eiichiro Oda (One Piece) or Tite Kubo (Bleach).

    • Why enter? Winning can lead to serialization in one of the most popular manga magazines in the world.

    • Website: Weekly Shonen Jump

Tips for Entering Manga Competitions

  1. Read the Rules Carefully: Every contest has its own guidelines. Make sure your entry fits the theme, format, and length requirements.

  2. Polish Your Work: Your manga should be the best it can be. Edit, redraw, and refine until it shines.

  3. Be Original: Judges love fresh ideas and unique art styles. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity run wild!

  4. Don’t Give Up: Even if you don’t win, every competition is a chance to learn and improve. Keep drawing, keep entering, and keep dreaming!

Final Thoughts

Manga competitions are more than just contests—they’re stepping stones to your dream career. Whether you’re aiming for international fame or want to conquer the Japanese manga scene, these contests are your chance to shine. So, what are you waiting for? Pick a competition, start drawing, and show the world what you’ve got!

And remember, every great mangaka started somewhere. Maybe your winning entry is just a sketch away. Good luck, and happy drawing!