The American Manga Awards 2024 are here! The Japan Society in New York City will host the event on August 22, 2024. It marks a new era for manga fans and professionals alike.
The Japan Society and Anime NYC have joined forces. They aim to celebrate the incredible achievements in the world of manga.
Why Now?
Manga sales in the U.S. have soared in recent years. With more people turning to manga and anime, the demand has never been higher. According to Circana BookScan, manga has become the fourth largest category in the U.S. book market.
This growth shows how much manga has resonated with American audiences. It makes now the perfect time to honor its impact.
Celebrating Excellence
The American Manga Awards aim to highlight the talent within the manga community. M.K. Goodwin of LeftField Media, the producers of Anime NYC, shared his excitement about making this vision a reality. These awards will spotlight the work of manga creators, translators, and other professionals. They ensure this beloved art form is accessible to fans in North America.
Japan Society president Joshua Walker shared that the awards reflect the importance of manga and its creators. He looks forward to welcoming professionals from across the manga world. They will gather at the Lila Acheson Wallace Auditorium at the Japan Society. This venue will celebrate both the past and the future of manga.
Award Categories
The American Manga Awards will feature several 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 is a renowned author and translator. He will be the first inductee into the Manga Publishing Hall of Fame. His work has been instrumental in bringing manga to English-speaking audiences.
Meet the Judges
They will announce the nominees in July. They will reveal the winners during the invitation-only ceremony on August 22. The judging panel includes experts such as:
- 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. They will help promote and celebrate 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 represent a new era for manga in North America. These awards celebrate the achievements of manga creators and professionals. They 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.
