The 70th annual Shogakukan Manga Awards have been announced, recognizing some of the most creative and compelling works in the manga industry. This year’s winners include a diverse range of stories, from the whimsical adventures of a cute slime to the dark depths of an artist’s psyche. Among the honorees are “Puniru is A Kawaii Slime” and “Draw This, Then Die,” titles that have captivated readers with their unique narratives and artistic styles. The awards, which have been a staple in the manga world since 1956, continue to highlight the importance of manga as a significant form of storytelling and art.
Celebrating Manga Excellence: The 70th Shogakukan Awards
The Shogakukan Manga Awards are among the most prestigious accolades a manga artist can receive. This year, the judging committee, comprised of notable figures such as film producer Genki Kawamura and manga artists like Taiyo Matsumoto, had the difficult task of selecting the winners. The award ceremony will bestow each winning title with a bronze statuette and a prize of 1 million yen (approximately $6,400 USD). This year marks a continuation of the awards not being separated into categories, such as Best Children’s Manga, Best Shōnen Manga, Best Shōjo Manga, and Best General Manga. This change, implemented last year, allows for a more holistic view of manga excellence.
The winners of the 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards are:
- Draw This, Then Die (Kore Kaite Shine) by Minoru Toyoda
- Burning Kabaddi (Shakunetsu Kabaddi) by Hajime Musashino
- Natsume Arata no Kekkon by Taro Nogizaki
- Puniru is A Kawaii Slime (Puniru wa Kawaii Slime) by Maedakun
These four titles stood out amongst a strong list of nominees that included works such as “In the Clear Moonlit Dusk,” “Kagurabachi,” and “The Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes from the Inner Palace”.
“Puniru is A Kawaii Slime”: A Rom-Com with a Slime Twist
“Puniru is A Kawaii Slime” by Maedakun has charmed readers with its unique blend of romantic comedy and fantastical elements. This manga series, serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Corocoro Comic, tells the story of Kotarou, a boy whose slime creation, Puniru, can transform into a beautiful girl. The series explores their daily life as Kotarou is often caught off guard by Puniru’s unpredictable behavior.
The manga began serialization in March 2022, after a one-shot was published in Bessatsu CoroCoro Comic in 2019. To date, six tankōbon volumes have been released. “Puniru is A Kawaii Slime” has gained significant popularity online, amassing millions of views. The first volume had a first print run of 100,000 copies and it placed fourth in the Next Manga Awards’s Web category in 2022. This blend of humor, romance, and a touch of the absurd has resonated with a broad audience, establishing its place as a standout title.
The success of “Puniru is A Kawaii Slime” extends beyond the pages of the manga, with a TV anime adaptation having recently concluded its first season and a second season now in development. The anime is directed by Yushi Ibe at TOHO animation STUDIO, with Michiko Yokote handling series composition, and Aya Tanaka as character designer. Izumi Mori composes the music for the anime. This adaptation further demonstrates the series’ appeal and its capacity to entertain audiences across different mediums.
“Draw This, Then Die”: Exploring the Dark Side of Artistic Passion
On the other end of the spectrum, “Draw This, Then Die” by Minoru Toyoda delves into a more complex and psychological realm. Serialized in Shogakukan’s Monthly Shōnen Sunday since November 2021, this manga follows the life of an artist, exploring the dark side of artistic passion and the lengths people go to for their art. The story, while dark, is a compelling exploration of the creative process. As of August 2024, six tankōbon volumes of the series have been published.
“Draw This, Then Die” has received critical acclaim, earning the 16th Manga Taishō award in 2023, as well as the 70th Shogakukan Manga Award in 2025. The manga’s unique narrative style and the deep dive into its characters psyche has garnered a dedicated following.
The Significance of the Shogakukan Manga Awards
The Shogakukan Manga Awards serve as a significant benchmark of quality in the manga industry. They highlight the diverse range of narratives and artistic styles present in manga today. These awards also contribute to the wider recognition of manga as a significant cultural and artistic force. The awards acknowledge not only the talent of the creators but also the impact their stories have on readers. The fact that the awards have been running since 1956 underscores their importance as a long-standing tradition of excellence in the world of manga.
The 70th Shogakukan Manga Awards underscore the continued vitality and innovation in the manga industry. From the light-hearted charm of “Puniru is A Kawaii Slime” to the intense narrative of “Draw This, Then Die,” the winners of this year’s awards represent the diverse and creative landscape of manga today. These awards not only honor the creators but also help introduce readers to some of the most captivating and engaging stories being told in the medium. As manga continues to evolve and gain global popularity, the Shogakukan Manga Awards remain an important institution in recognizing and celebrating its artistic merit.
