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Manga Jiman 2016 Competition

Details of the tenth annual Manga Jiman contest, in which UK artists are encouraged to create their own original strips, have been announced by the Embassy of Japan. The closing date for entries is Monday October 24.

According to the Embassy's press release, the theme of this year's competition is Sights of Japan. 'Your story does not need to be set in Japan but must make a reference, written or visual, to a location or everyday scenes / imagery of the country.'

Entrants over 14 should create a story told across six to eight pages (full rules).

The first prize for Manga Jiman is two return tickets to Japan. The second prize is TBC, and the third prize is a Ricoh digital camera. Runners up will receive a selection of manga publications, and other prizes. The winners' work will be displayed in a special exhibition at the Embassy.

According to the website, 'The (first prize_ winner is responsible for the payment of Air Passenger Duty (U.K. Departure tax) and Passenger Service Charges, the total of which as of 27 May 2016 amounts to approximately GBP£133.35 per ticket based on a return flight from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda. (The combined amount) may change depending on airport and the exchange rate.'

There is a separate category for entrants aged between 11 and 13, who should create a yonkoma manga (a story told in 4 comic strip panels on one page). The full rules for the 11 to 13 category, separately named the 'Yonkoma Manga Competition,' are here. The first prize for this category will be a prize from the Japanese gallery; there will also be runner-up prizes.

Entries should be sent to:

MANGA JIMAN COMPETITION 2016 or YONKOMA MANGA COMPETITION 2016 Japan Information and Cultural Centre Embassy of Japan 101/104 Piccadilly London W1J 7JT

'Manga Jiman' means 'Having Pride in Manga.'