On the 27th, Shueisha announced the launch of a new manga award, the "Jump Sports Manga Award," in Weekly Shonen Jump. The judging panel includes Takehiko Inoue, the creator of SLAM DUNK; Riichiro Inagaki, the writer of Eyeshield 21; Tadatoshi Fujimaki, the creator of Kuroko's Basketball; and MLB Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani. This marks the first time a Major League Baseball player will serve as a judge for a Weekly Shonen Jump manga award. The final candidate works will be read and reviewed by the judges.

Regarding the unprecedented decision to appoint an active athlete as a judge, Shueisha explained, "Ohtani was invited because the Weekly Shonen Jump editorial team strongly wished to include the best sports manga creators along with the best sports athlete, to spread the 'power of sports' that brings courage and smiles to many people. Ohtani graciously accepted our request, leading to his participation."

The submission period is from May 27 to October 31. Mailed submissions must be postmarked by October 31, and web submissions are accepted until 23:59 on October 31.

The prize amounts are 1,000,000 yen for the Grand Prize, 500,000 yen for the Semi-Grand Prize, 300,000 yen for the Honorable Mention, 50,000 yen for the Finalist, and 10,000 yen for Promising Submissions. Both professionals and amateurs can apply. Manuscripts must be complete works of 15 to 55 pages, starting from the left page; rough drafts are not accepted.

The winners will be announced in the issue of Weekly Shonen Jump released in late December 2024.

This announcement was made on Jump's official YouTube channel "Jump Channel" on the 27th. Online reactions included surprise and excitement, with comments like, "Wait, Ohtani is judging!?", "I was shocked to see Ohtani suddenly appear!", and "It would be amazing to have Shohei Ohtani read your manga."

Source : ORICON NEWS