The 4th annual Magademy Awards, hosted by BookLive, were held on May 14 in Tokyo, with six standout manga titles recognized across unique and character-focused categories.

Since its launch in 2021 under the concept of "celebrating manga characters," the Magademy Awards have spotlighted not only entertaining works but also those that embody the passion and individuality of the medium. This year’s event marked a major revamp, shifting its goal toward expanding the many ways people can enjoy manga.

The winners were selected based on a combination of votes from booksellers, professional judges, and the general public. Trophies were presented by TV personality Ami Kikuchi and comedy duo Time Machine No. 3 during the ceremony.

🏆 Magademy Award 2025 – Winners List

Work of the Year:
You and I Are Polar Opposites by Kōcha Agasawa (SHUEISHA)
Energetic but self-conscious, Suzuki is hopelessly in love with the quiet and composed Tani, who always speaks his mind. But instead of treating him normally, Suzuki awkwardly teases him every time they interact—unable to shake her anxiety about how others perceive her.
One day, she gathers the courage to ask him to walk home together…!?
A deeply relatable and down-to-earth romantic comedy begins!

World-Building Award:
RuriDragon by Masaoki Shindō (SHUEISHA)
High schooler Ruri Aoki wakes up one morning to find… horns growing out of her head!
When she tells her mom, she’s casually told, “It’s probably genetic—your dad is a dragon, after all.”
Confused but curious, Ruri heads to school, where her classmates are fascinated by her strange new look. But that’s not all—another unexpected dragon trait soon emerges!
A small twist in everyday life brings a gentle, quirky start to Ruri’s dragon-girl days.

Emotional Resonance Award:
Spacewalking with You by Inuhiko Doronoda (KODANSHA)
Kobayashi, a burnout delinquent who can’t stick to studying or part-time jobs, meets a strange transfer student named Uno.
When Kobayashi is about to get dragged into a shady job by upperclassmen, Uno steps in to save him. That moment changes everything—the two begin to grow closer.
The more Kobayashi learns about Uno’s way of life, the more he feels drawn to it—and wants to change himself.
A heartwarming story of friendship between two complete opposites, each struggling to live life on their own terms.

Craftsmanship Award:
Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono (SHUEISHA)
Chihiro, a boy training to become a master swordsmith, lives a peaceful life honing his craft under his eccentric yet kind father.
Laughter filled their daily lives… until one day, tragedy strikes.
Their bond is stained in blood, and the ordinary days they shared are lost forever.
Consumed by hatred, Chihiro ignites a flame of resolve deep in his heart—this is the story of a boy forged by sorrow.

Cover Impact Award:
Shiba Inu Rooms by S Omori (SHUEISHA)
Kōri Momose, a high school student searching for a new place to live after transferring schools, stumbles upon a 1LDK apartment for just 4,800 yen($40).
The catch? The unit is haunted… by Mū-chan, the ghost of a Shiba Inu!
Kōri struggles with expressing his emotions, while Mū-chan is a bit clumsy in their own ghostly way.
Thus begins the odd but heartwarming cohabitation of a lonely boy and a lonely ghost dog—
a healing, hilarious, and absolutely adorable slice-of-life comedy starts now!

Special Jury Award:
The Long Summer of August 31st by Kakkaku Itō (KODANSHA)
Suzuki and Takagi, two high schoolers, meet on a mysterious August 31st that keeps repeating.
Only the two of them retain their memories between loops.
As they try to figure out the cause of the time loop, one possibility emerges:
It might be something Suzuki left unfinished over summer break—
a mission every boy must face…
A coming-of-age time loop comedy where love takes center stage!

Eligible titles included manga released or scheduled for release (print or digital) between January 1 and December 31, 2024, with no more than 10 volumes at the time of consideration.

With its renewed structure and character-first ethos, the Magademy Awards continue to highlight manga’s depth, diversity, and cultural relevance.

Source : ORICON NEWS