Japanese
narrative excellence has new champions. Shogakukan announced
the winners of the 71st edition of the Shogakukan Manga Awards, one
of the oldest and most respected awards in the comic book industry, awarded
uninterruptedly since 1956.
Each winning work was selected for its creativity and impact, and its authors will receive a bronze statuette along with a cash prize of 1 million yen (approximately 6,300 USD). Here are the five titles that defined the year in detail:
Dandadan
Author: Yukinobu Tatsu | Magazine: Shonen
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The
unstoppable phenomenon of supernatural action and comedy. The series, which
mixes ghosts, aliens and teen romance, has reached its 22nd volume this
January. Its success is not limited to the role: it has two anime seasons
produced by Science SARU (fall 2024 and summer 2025) and
already has a third season confirmed for 2027.
Hirayasumi
Author: Keigo Shinzo - España | Magazine: Weekly
Big Comic Spirits
A pure and
moving slice-of-life that has captivated critics. The story
follows the daily life of a carefree young man and his cousin in a one-story
house. In addition to winning this award, the work has an anime in production
by the Production +h studio and already inspired a live-action drama
aired in the fall of 2025.
Unmei no
Makimodoshi (Fate Rewinder)
Author: Fuuta Kimura | Magazine: Monthly
CoroCoro Comic
An action
manga that introduces us to a secret team of "Rewinders" who use a
special eye to rewind time and save lives from tragic fates. The adrenaline of
its time loops will soon hit the screen, as studio Bones Film is
preparing its anime adaptation.
Cosmos
Author: Ryuhei Tamura - España | Magazine: Sunday
Gene-X
From the
creator of Beelzebub, this sci-fi and action gem debuted in 2023
and quickly climbed the rankings, reaching ninth place in the Kono
Manga ga Sugoi! 2025 guide. The series is revolutionizing the genre
with its intense battles and cosmic touches.
Dekin no
Mogura
Author: Natsumi Eguchi - España
| Magazine: Morning
A unique
proposal that explores supernatural themes with humor and drama. The series has
maintained a strong fan base since 2021 and received a 12-episode anime
adaptation produced by the Brain's Base studio in the summer
of 2025.
Special
Jury Prize
In addition
to the current series, the jury gave special recognition to the legendary
mangaka Moto Hagio. Known for shojo genre-defining
masterpieces such as The Poe Clan and Heart of Thomas,
Hagio was honored for her iconic career and incalculable contribution to the
medium.
Honorable
Mentions
The
competition was fierce. Among the final nominees that demonstrated the great
diversity of today's manga were titles such as Hotaru no Yomeiri (whose
anime was recently announced), Jumbo Max, and Koiseyo
Mayakashi Tenshi-dome.
