Kamome Maruyono’s “I Love Dokagui! Mochizuki-san” has been awarded the prestigious inaugural Nichirei Prize, marking a significant achievement in the manga community.
In the realm of Print Manga, Takeru Hokazono’s “Kagurabachi” emerged victorious, while Kuwahali and Tetsuo Ideuchi’s “Girl Meets Rock!” claimed the top spot in the Web Manga category during the Next Manga Awards 2024 (Tsugi ni Kuru Manga Taishō).
“Kagurabachi,” serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, is set to be published in English by Viz Media this upcoming fall. Both Viz Media’s Shonen Jump and Shueisha’s MANGA Plus are currently offering digital releases of this captivating series. The narrative follows young Chihiro as he trains under his renowned swordsmith father with aspirations of becoming a master sword-maker himself. However, their peaceful days are shattered by an unforeseen tragedy that plunges Chihiro into a quest for vengeance alongside his blade.
In addition to these winners, hiroja and Osamu Nishi’s “Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun if Episode of Mafia” secured second place in Print Manga, while Miyu Morishita’s “Tsumiki Ogami & the Strange Everyday Life” took third place. Notably, both titles remain unlicensed for English publication at this time.
The top ten series within the Print Manga category include:
- Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono (Licensed by Viz Media)
- Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun if Episode of Mafia by hiroja and Osamu Nishi
- Tsumiki Ogami & the Strange Everyday Life by Miyu Morishita
- DOGSRED by Satoru Noda (Licensed by Viz Media)
- Cosmos by Ryūhei Tamura
- Super Psychic Policeman Chojo by Shun Numa (Licensed by Viz Media)
- Nue’s Exorcist by Kōta Kawae (Licensed by Viz Media)
- Noa Is My Senior, and My Friend by Enma Akiyama
- Additional titles that have gained recognition but remain unlicensed.
- Emerging works that showcase new talent within manga storytelling.
This year’s awards highlight not only established creators but also rising stars who contribute richly to Japan’s vibrant manga landscape—an industry that continues to grow globally with increasing readership numbers each year.
As we look forward to more exciting releases from these talented artists and writers, it is clear that their contributions will shape future trends within both print and digital formats alike.Celebrating the Best in Web Manga: Highlights from the 2024 Awards
The world of web manga continues to flourish, showcasing a diverse array of stories and artistic styles. The recent 2024 Manga Awards have recognized outstanding contributions in this genre, with several titles standing out for their creativity and popularity.
Top Honors in Web Manga
Among the winners, “Girl Meets Rock!” by Kuwahali and Tetsuo Ideuchi claimed the prestigious top spot. This engaging series has captivated readers with its unique blend of music and storytelling. Following closely behind were “RuriDragon” by Masaoki Shindō and “Vtuber Kusamura Shigemi” by Sakamegane, both of which have garnered significant attention within the community.
Currently featured on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform, “Girl Meets Rock!” was previously accessible in English through MANGA Plus but has since been removed from that service.
Upcoming Releases to Watch For
Masaoki Shindō’s “RuriDragon,” also available on Shonen Jump+, is set to make waves as it is licensed by Viz Media for an anticipated release in spring 2025. The digital version can still be found on MANGA Plus, where it introduces readers to a whimsical tale about a young dragon girl who oscillates between bouts of laziness and unexpected determination.
Sakamegane debuted their work “Vtuber Kusamura Shigemi” via their social media account on November 26th. This title is also published on Nico Nico Seiga’s website, further expanding its reach among fans.
The Top Ten Series That Captivated Readers
The following list highlights the ten most popular web manga series as recognized at this year’s awards:
- Girl Meets Rock! by Kuwahali & Tetsuo Ideuchi
- RuriDragon by Masaoki Shindō (Licensed by Viz Media)
- Vtuber Kusamura Shigemi by Sakamegane
- Hope You’re Happy, Lemon by Mizuki Kishikawa (Available on MANGA Plus)
- Sachi’s Records: Sachi’s Book of Revelation by Chanta (Available on MANGA Plus)
- The Reason Why She Loves a Jerk by Rui Ikeda
- Centuria by Tohru Kuramori (Available on MANGA Plus)
- I Love Dokagui! Mochizuki-san by Kamome Maruyono
- ST☆R Strike it Rich! by Yabako Sandrovich & MAAM (Available on Comikey)
- Firefly Wedding (Hotaru no Yomeiri) by Oreko Tachibana (Licensed by Viz Media)
These titles reflect not only individual creativity but also resonate with broader themes that appeal to diverse audiences across different cultures.
Global Recognition
In addition to recognizing exceptional works within Japan, the Next Manga Awards 2024 introduced a new category—the “Global Special Prize.” This award honors both English and Chinese editions of popular manga series that have made significant impacts internationally.
As we look forward to future developments in web manga, it’s clear that these stories continue to inspire readers around the globe while pushing creative boundaries within this vibrant medium.Celebrating the Next Manga Awards: Highlights and Winners
The Next Manga Awards have once again showcased exceptional talent in the world of manga, with notable winners across various categories. This year, Kiyoko Iwami’s “My Girlfriend’s Not Here Today” clinched the award in the English category. The first volume of this captivating series was released by Seven Seas on May 21.
A Deep Dive into “My Girlfriend’s Not Here Today”
Described as a provocative yuri/Girls’ Love narrative, this work follows Asahina Yuni, a young woman caught in a tumultuous cycle of betrayal and blackmail. Frustrated with her indifferent girlfriend, Yuni turns to an anonymous online platform to vent her feelings. During one of her routine scrolls after class, she finds herself engrossed in conversation with Taki—a charming and extroverted individual who seems to know more about Yuni than she initially thought. As their relationship deepens amidst layers of deception and hidden desires, readers are drawn into an intricate web that challenges trust and intimacy.
Recognition for Traditional Chinese Works
In another highlight from the awards ceremony, Keigo Saitō’s “Samurai in Another World” received accolades for its Traditional Chinese Edition under the prestigious “Global Special Prize.” This recognition underscores the growing appreciation for diverse storytelling within manga.
U-NEXT Prizes: Celebrating Print and Web Manga
The U-NEXT Prizes were awarded to two remarkable titles this year: Koko Uzuki’s “Fall in Love, You False Angels” took home honors for Print Manga while Taichi Matsuura’s web series “Gals Casually Say Incredible Things – The Daily Life of Paranormal High School” won in its respective category alongside Otsuji.
Introducing the Nichirei Prize
This year’s event also marked the debut of a new accolade—the Nichirei Prize—awarded to Kamome Maruyono for her work titled “I Love Dokagui! Mochizuki-san.” Sponsored by Nichirei Foods, this prize aims to celebrate manga that pairs well with their frozen food products—an innovative approach designed to engage both artists and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Voter Engagement: A Record-Breaking Year
The selection process was highly competitive; out of 8,212 fan submissions received this year alone, an impressive total of 522,257 votes were cast across both Print Manga and Web Manga categories between June 21 and July 8.
Ongoing Promotions at BookWalker Global
Currently ongoing is Kadokawa’s BookWalker Global initiative featuring a “Next Manga Awards Hall of Fame” campaign where fans can enjoy up to 30% point-back on previous winners as well as nominees from 2024 until September 15 at 02:59 AM EDT—a fantastic opportunity for readers looking to explore acclaimed works.
Reflecting on Last Year’s Achievements
Last year’s accolades included Muchimaro’s print title “Seitokai ni mo Ana wa Aru!” (There is also a hole in the student organization!) along with Sumiko Arai’s web series “The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All.” Previous winners have included popular titles such as “Medalist,” “Kaiju No. 8,” among others—demonstrating consistent excellence within contemporary manga storytelling.
As we look forward to future editions of these awards celebrating creativity within manga culture globally, it remains clear that these narratives continue resonating deeply with audiences around the world.
Intern at SMK University
