The 30th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize Winners Announced: Grand Prize Goes to Hon Nara Uru Hodo by Ao Kojima

The Asahi Shimbun Company revealed the winners of the 30th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. The Grand Prize, awarded to the most outstanding manga work of the year, was given to Hon Nara Uru Hodo (JP:本なら売るほど) by Ao Kojima, published by KADOKAWA. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 11 at Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Tokyo.

Other Award Winners

The New Creator Prize, which recognizes emerging talent with innovative expression or groundbreaking themes, was awarded to Mado Saito for Kaiju wo Kaibou Suru (怪獣を解剖する) published by KADOKAWA.

The Short Work Prize, honoring excellence in short manga formats such as short stories and four panel comics, went to Kawajiro for Atarashii Tomodachi Kawajiro Short Story Collection (JP: あたらしいともだち　かわじろう短編集) published by Magazine House.

The Special Prize, awarded to individuals or groups who have contributed significantly to the development of manga culture, was presented to Kazuyoshi Takeda for Peleliu Guernica of Paradise published by Hakusensha.

About the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize

Established in 1997 by The Asahi Shimbun Company with the cooperation of Tezuka Productions, the award commemorates the achievements of Osamu Tezuka and aims to support the healthy development of manga culture. In addition to the Grand Prize, the awards include the New Creator Prize, Short Work Prize, and Special Prize. Winners receive a bronze statue of Astro Boy, created by Hiroshi Yokoyama, along with prize money.

Selection Committee

The selection committee for the 30th awards includes:

Osamu Akimoto, manga artist
Machiko Satonaka, manga artist
Minami Takahashi, entertainer and visiting professor at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music
Shohei Chujo, French literature scholar and professor emeritus at Gakushuin University
Yukiko Tomiyama, manga researcher and associate professor at Shirayuri University
Nobunaga Minami, manga critic
Taro Yabe, comedian and manga artist

From The Asahi Shimbun Company, Kengo Sakajiri, Executive Officer and Head of Content, and Kaoru Watanabe, General Manager of the Cultural Affairs Department at the time of final selection, also served on the committee.

Source : ORICON NEWS