The American Manga Awards 2024 are upon us! Hosted by the Japan Society in New York City, this event on August 22, 2024, heralds a new era for manga enthusiasts and professionals.
Why Now?
Manga sales in the U.S. have surged, making it the fourth largest category in the American book market according to Circana BookScan. This rising popularity underscores the perfect timing to honor manga’s impact on American culture.
Celebrating Excellence
The American Manga Awards will spotlight talent within the manga community. M.K. Goodwin of LeftField Media, producers of Anime NYC, expressed excitement about bringing this vision to life. The awards will recognize the work of manga creators, translators, and other professionals, ensuring this beloved art form remains accessible to North American fans.
Joshua Walker, president of the Japan Society, emphasized that the awards reflect the significance of manga and its creators. He looks forward to welcoming professionals from the manga industry to the Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium at the Japan Society, celebrating both the history and future of manga.
Award Categories
The awards will feature multiple categories, ensuring a comprehensive celebration of the medium:
- Best New Manga Series
- Best Ongoing Manga
- Best New Edition of a Classic Manga
- Best Manga Translation
- Best Manga Lettering
- Best Publication Design
Additionally, there will be a Mangaka Hall of Fame and a Manga Publishing Hall of Fame. Frederik L. Schodt, a renowned author and translator, will be the first inductee into the Manga Publishing Hall of Fame for his instrumental work in bringing manga to English-speaking audiences.
Meet the Judges
Nominees will be announced in July, and winners will be revealed at the invitation-only ceremony on August 22. The judging panel includes:
- Author and translator Matt Alt
- Comics lettering professionals Tom Orzechowski and Nate Piekos
- New York Public Library senior librarian for young adult services, Renee Scott
- Manga industry veteran Brigid Alverson
- Anime News Network executive editor Lynzee Loveridge
- Translator Hiroko Yoda
- Kinokuniya Bookstores regional manager, Shigekazu Watanabe
The Impact
The American Manga Awards are more than just an event; they symbolize the growing influence of manga in North America. These awards recognize the achievements of those who create and bring manga to readers, promoting and celebrating the medium’s importance.
This event highlights the collaborative efforts between Anime NYC and Japan Society, showcasing their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. The partnership underscores the significance of bringing together diverse communities to celebrate a shared passion for manga.
The 2024 American Manga Awards mark a new chapter for manga in North America. By celebrating the achievements of manga creators and professionals, these awards will elevate the medium’s status and ensure its continued growth and popularity. The future of manga in the U.S. is brighter than ever, thanks to events like these that honor and promote this beloved art form.
Jennifer B.