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Taiwanese manga artists awarded top awards of 14th Japan International Manga Award

  • Date:2021-02-25
Taiwanese manga artists awarded top awards of 14th Japan International Manga Award

Three Taiwanese manga artists won the top awards of the 14th Japan International Manga Award. Artist Rimui (韋蘺若明) took the Gold Award, while Ruan Guang-min (阮光民) and D.S. were awarded the silver and bronze respectively. This is the first time a Taiwanese artist has won the top prize at the competition. The award ceremony was held in Tokyo on Feb. 25.

Rimui received gold prize for her work "Funeral Director (送葬協奏曲)," while Ruan took the silver for a graphic novel adaptation of "The Illusionist on the Skywalk (天橋上的魔術師) and Other Stories," and D.S.'s winning entry is titled "Blossom (百花百色)."


Representing Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayai Suzuki stated that "Funeral Director" portrays the life development of the main character through the eyes of a mortician, and it is a work of high accomplishment. He added that Ruan has presented a unique drawing style in his work "The Illusionist on the Skywalk" and the characters are full of charisma.


Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Taiwanese comic artists participated the award ceremony through a video call. Rimui said she has been reading Japanese manga ever since childhood and it has motivated her and given her courage and inspirations. She remarked that she is honored to receive this recognition, and she will work harder to create more interesting comics. On the other hand, Ruan thanked the judging panel for their affirmation, giving him the honor and strength to move forward.


Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan founded the International Manga Award in 2007 for the purpose of expanding international exchange and mutual understanding through the manga culture. This year, a total of 383 manga works were submitted to the competition by artists from 61 countries and regions, with one gold, three silvers and 11 bronzes handed out.