Shogakukan has launched the Rumiko Takahashi Fantasy Manga Awards, giving aspiring manga creators an opportunity to have their work evaluated by one of Japan’s most celebrated artists. The competition was announced in the combined 42nd and 43rd issue of Weekly Shonen Sunday on September 16, with submissions now open until January 11, 2027.
The new award is designed for both professional and amateur creators. Entries must be 42 pages or fewer and include at least one fantasy element, leaving considerable room for creators to interpret the genre in different ways.
Rumiko Takahashi Will Lead the Judging Panel
Takahashi will serve as the competition’s head judge alongside Weekly Shonen Sunday editor-in-chief Kazunori Ōshima and other editors from the magazine. According to Anime News Network, the winners will be announced through Weekly Shonen Sunday and the award’s official website on March 24, 2027.
The top prize comes with 1 million yen and publication in Weekly Shonen Sunday or one of its related publications, as well as on Shogakukan’s Sunday Webry manga platform. The second-place winner will receive 500,000 yen and publication opportunities, while an honorable mention comes with 300,000 yen and publication on Sunday Webry.
Additional awards include an effort prize worth 100,000 yen and an encouragement prize worth 30,000 yen. The publication opportunities could make the competition particularly significant for emerging creators hoping to gain exposure within the Japanese manga industry.
Takahashi is an especially notable choice to lead the judging process because fantasy has played a major role throughout her career. Since making her professional debut in 1978, she has created internationally recognized series including Urusei Yatsura, Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku, and Inuyasha.
Her manga have collectively surpassed 230 million copies in circulation worldwide, according to figures reported by Anime News Network in 2024. Her influence also continues through current adaptations, with MAO receiving a television anime and the latest Ranma 1/2 anime preparing for its third season.
With entries open until January 11, 2027, the new awards could introduce Shogakukan and Weekly Shonen Sunday to the next generation of fantasy manga creators.