Do you wish you could get manga published in Japan, but aren’t confident in your Japanese skills? Kodansha is looking for you! Their latest manga contest is offering cash prizes, editorial support and publication for projects that transcend language barriers.
Kodansha’s Wordless Manga Contest is open to illustrators around the world, inviting artists to send manga ranging from 8-60 pages. The only rule? No text.
Entries are open across two categories: Themed and Original. Original entries are just that: any genre, any concept, any story. The “Themed” category is seeking entries based on the story of Don Quixote—in part or in whole, reset to any setting or genre the artist prefers.
Serving as judges for the contest are:
Ranmaru Kotone: Artist, your name. manga
Minoji Kurata: Artist, The Apothecary Diaries manga (Shogakukan ver.)
Isuna Hasekura: Author, Spice and Wolf
Each category offers a 10,000 USD grand prize, with 5,000 USD going to the second place winner and 3,000 to third place. Winners will also be invited to an award ceremony and a tour of the editorial department, and their work will be published on the KADOCOMI web site.
Entries are now open to artists around the world regardless of nationality or age (though minors will be required to receive consent from a parent or guardian). Artists whose work is currently being serialized by KADOKAWA may not apply. Entries close February 28, 2025 at 11:59 PM JST.
Source: WordlessManga.com
