The Asahi Shimbun recently revealed the 10 nominees for the 30th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize — a prestigious award that honors manga works continuing the creative spirit of Osamu Tezuka. This year’s slate spans intimate autobiographical stories, surreal science-fiction, and sharp social satire, offering readers a rich cross-section of contemporary manga to watch. Below we break down the full nominee list, highlight standout reads, explain what the prize represents, and point to sources for further reading.
Full list of nominees for the 30th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize
Iemori Kitan by Kaho Nashiki & Yōko Kondō — Shinchosha
Spacewalking With You by Inuhiko Doronoda — Kodansha
Draw This, Then Die! by Minoru Toyoda — Shogakukan
Shuto!! by Akira Yamaguchi — Kodansha
Sukima by Yan Gao
Solaris by Stanisław Lem & Takehito Moriizumi — Hayakawa Publishing
Half Is More by Yoico Fujimi — LEED Publishing
Ball and Chain by Q-ta Minami — Magazine House
Hon Nara Uru Hodo by Ao Kojima
ROCA Complete by Hisaichi Ishii — Tokuma Shoten
What the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize stands for
Established to honor the legacy of Osamu Tezuka — the “God of Manga” — the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize recognizes manga that carry forward Tezuka’s inventive spirit, emotional depth, and broad cultural impact. Winners are typically selected for artistic ambition, narrative originality, and the ability to push the medium forward. The winners for this 30th edition are scheduled to be announced in late April, with an awards ceremony planned in Tokyo on June 11.
Prizes and recognition: what's at stake
The Grand Prize winner receives a bronze statue and a monetary award, while the other winners also receive a bronze statue and a smaller cash prize. These awards not only bring prestige but also boost visibility and readership for both established creators and breakthrough talents.
Standout titles to watch from this year’s nominees
Iemori Kitan — intimate storytelling with a steady hand
Written and illustrated by Kaho Nashiki with collaboration from Yōko Kondō, Iemori Kitan has drawn attention for its nuanced character work and understated emotional beats. If you appreciate character-driven slice-of-life manga with a literary feel, this one is likely to resonate.
Spacewalking With You — a tender, speculative romance
Inuhiko Doronoda’s Spacewalking With You blends science-fiction backdrop with intimate interpersonal drama. The juxtaposition of vast, lonely space settings and small human moments gives this manga a quiet scope that stands out among contemporary works.
Draw This, Then Die! — biting industry satire
Minoru Toyoda’s Draw This, Then Die! is a sharp, often hilarious take on the creative process and the pressures of the comics industry. Toyoda’s satirical edge and kinetic artwork make this a compelling read for creators and fans alike.
Solaris — classic science-fiction reimagined
This adaptation of Stanisław Lem’s Solaris by Takehito Moriizumi brings a literary science-fiction classic into the manga form with thoughtful visuals and careful pacing. It’s an example of how manga can reinterpret and expand the reach of established works.
Why these nominations matter for readers and creators
Being nominated for the Tezuka Prize signals that a work is not just popular, but culturally significant. For creators, it’s recognition of creative risk-taking; for readers, the nominations are a curated list of high-quality titles worth exploring. This year’s nominees cover a wide stylistic range, offering multiple entry points whether you prefer introspective drama, speculative fiction, or pointed satire.
Where to follow updates and read more
For the official nominee announcement and later winner updates, see coverage by major Japanese outlets. The Asahi Shimbun’s announcement provides the formal list of nominees, and Comic Natalie offers additional reporting and context. (Both links are provided as external references.)
Asahi Shimbun — Tezuka Prize nominees announcement
Comic Natalie — coverage of the nominations
Tips for readers: how to pick what to read first
- Prefer strong character work? Start with Iemori Kitan or Half Is More.
- Want something with genre flair? Spacewalking With You and Solaris deliver speculative settings.
- Looking for satire or industry commentary? Draw This, Then Die! and Ball and Chain offer sharp perspectives.
Final thoughts
The 30th Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize nominees highlight how diverse and adventurous manga remains in 2026. From introspective, human-scale stories to reimagined classics and biting satires, this year’s slate is a reminder that manga continues to innovate both thematically and artistically. Whether you follow the winners announcement in late April or dive into the nominees now, there’s plenty here to enrich your reading list and spark conversation about the future of the medium.
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