The Manga Taisho Awards, known in English as the “Cartoon Grand Prize,” has announced its nominees for the 18th annual award. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional manga series with eight or fewer collected volumes, aiming to spotlight new and relatively unestablished works. This year, ten diverse titles have been selected from a pool of 238 by a committee of 97 judges, primarily bookstore staff.
Celebrating Emerging Manga
Established in 2008, the Manga Taisho Awards were created to promote fresh talent in the manga industry, similar to the Japan Booksellers’ Award for literature. Unlike many other manga awards, which are often influenced by publishing companies, Manga Taisho is unique. It’s judged by a group of volunteer manga enthusiasts, mainly bookstore employees who manage manga sections. This ensures a focus on works that committee members would genuinely recommend to friends. This approach differentiates it from awards that might prioritize artistic merit alone.
The award’s eligibility criteria also plays a crucial role in its mission. Only manga series with eight or fewer collected volumes published in the previous calendar year are considered. This focus on newer series helps these works gain recognition and boost popularity. The Manga Taisho has previously recognized titles that have gone on to become major players in the anime world.
The 2025 Nominees
The 18th Manga Taisho Awards has nominated the following ten titles for 2025:
- Alice, Doko Made mo by Kiko Urino (Shogakukan)
- Onna no Sono no Hoshi by Yama Wayama (Shodensha) – Notably, this is the fourth nomination for this manga, having been previously nominated in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
- Cosmos by Ryūhei Tamura (Shogakukan)
- Kono Yo wa Tatakau Kachi ga Aru by Hatsumi Kodama (Shogakukan)
- Re-Living My Life with a Boyfriend Who Doesn’t Remember Me by Gin Shirakawa, Eiko Mutsuhana, and Yugiri Aika
- Magus of the Library by Mitsu Izumi (Kodansha)
- Dokagui Daisuki! Mochizuki-san by Kamome Maruyono (Hakusensha)
- Dokudami no Hana Saku Koro by Shiho Kido (Kodansha)
- Girl Meets Rock! by Kuwahali (Story) and Tetsuo Ideuchi (Art) (Shueisha)
- Robō no Fujii by Nabekurao (Shogakukan)
These nominees showcase the wide variety of stories and artistic styles that make up the current manga landscape. The selection process involved 97 committee members choosing from 238 eligible titles.
A Closer Look at the Nominees
While all of the nominated manga demonstrate high quality, here is a deeper look at some of the titles:
Onna no Sono no Hoshi: This title by Yama Wayama has received its fourth nomination, signaling its consistent appeal and quality. Its recurring nomination is a testament to its strong narrative and artistic execution.
Girl Meets Rock!: This manga stands out for its unique combination of story by Kuwahali and art by Tetsuo Ideuchi. The title has garnered attention among the manga community.
The other nominees are also notable for their creativity and appeal.
The Selection Process
The Manga Taisho selection process is rigorous and thoughtfully designed. In the first round, each committee member nominates five titles. The top ten titles with the most votes are then shortlisted for the prize. If a tie occurs, all tied titles are nominated, potentially lengthening the list. The second round of voting determines the ultimate winner. This two-round voting system, inspired by the Japan Booksellers’ Award, ensures a well-rounded selection of the best new manga.
The eligibility requirement of eight or fewer volumes is key to the award’s purpose. It gives a platform to new series, increasing their chances of discovery and popularity, and promotes up and coming manga rather than already established long running manga.
The Impact of the Award
Winning the Manga Taisho Award can significantly boost a manga’s popularity and recognition. Past winners have often experienced a surge in readership and adaptation into other media, such as anime. Some previous winners, like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Golden Kamuy, Beastars, and Chihayafuru, have gone on to achieve major success in the anime and manga world. The award has proven to be a reliable indicator of quality and potential in new manga series.
Looking Ahead
The winner of the 18th Manga Taisho Award will be announced on March 27, 2025. The manga community eagerly anticipates this announcement, as it will shine a spotlight on one of the year’s best new manga series. In the meantime, the nomination of ten diverse titles offers manga readers a perfect opportunity to explore new and exciting stories. This year’s nominee list promises to introduce readers to unique narratives and artistic approaches within the manga medium, highlighting the award’s importance in championing fresh talent.
The Manga Taisho Award continues to be an important event in the manga calendar, recognizing and promoting new and emerging talent in the industry. It’s a celebration of creativity and a testament to the enduring appeal of manga worldwide. As the anticipation builds for the final announcement, the 2025 nominees stand as a compelling collection of works that are sure to captivate readers.
