Exciting news! The historical manga "Plinivs" by Mari Yamazaki and Miki Tori has won the prestigious Manga Grand Prix at the 28th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. This manga dives into the fascinating life of Pliny the Elder, a naturalist and Roman admiral. Sponsored by The Asahi Shimbun Co., this competition celebrates the legacy of Osamu Tezuka, the creator of "Astro Boy," and his impact on manga culture in Japan.
In addition to the Manga Grand Prix, other talented individuals were recognized for their outstanding work. Akihito Sakaue received the Originality Prize for his innovative storytelling in "Kanda Gokuracho Shokunin Banashi," while Miri Masuda won the Short Story Prize for "Tsuyukusa Natsuko no Issho." The Asahi Special Prize was awarded to the executive committee of Comitia for their contributions to the world of original manga and fanzines.
The awards ceremony will take place at The Asahi Shimbun's Tokyo head office on June 6, where each winner will receive a bronze statuette and a cash prize. The winner of the Manga Grand Prix will take home 2 million yen, with the other winners receiving 1 million yen each.
"Plinivs" stood out for its thought-provoking exploration of life, reminiscent of Tezuka's work, and its depiction of Utopian and alien worlds, akin to Shigeru Mizuki's style. Sakaue's exceptional artistic talent in "Kanda Gokuracho Shokunin Banashi" and Masuda's captivating storytelling in "Tsuyukusa Natsuko no Issho" were also praised by the judges.
Yamazaki and Tori dedicated years to crafting the epic tale of Pliny the Elder, showcasing his passion for nature and his tragic end during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Their collaboration resulted in a manga that delves deep into philosophical questions about life and the natural world.
As we celebrate these talented creators and their remarkable works, let's continue to support and appreciate the diverse and inspiring world of manga. Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to many more captivating stories to come!
About Sora
Head of Japan Travel News @ Japanblossom.travel
My motto: Let's go with the flow, but let's stop the flow if it's not going where you want to be