“Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou” Kicks Off: Japan’s Largest Publisher-Collaboration Manga Award Begins Recruitment!
The esteemed “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou” (The 3rd MANGANO Grand Prize), a manga award proudly presented in collaboration with twelve different companies and editorial departments, officially opened its submissions on November 6, 2025. This massive, nation-wide contest is hosted on MANGANO, the innovative manga submission platform jointly operated by the “Shounen Janpu Purasu” (Shounen Jump+) editorial department and Hatena. With a track record of numerous successes, including eight works published in commercial magazines and media from its previous two iterations, and an impressive 76 applicants receiving scouting offers, this grand prize offers immense opportunities for aspiring manga artists.
Introducing MANGANO: A Platform for Creators
Launched on April 21, 2021, MANGANO is a revolutionary manga submission and publication platform and tool, jointly developed by the “Shounen Janpu Purasu” editorial department and Hatena. Designed to support the diverse activities of manga artists, MANGANO empowers creators to freely publish their works, offers paid sales functionalities, and features a dedicated portfolio tool called “Mangafolio” to showcase their art.
Beyond publishing, MANGANO prioritizes a supportive environment for artists. It includes a unique feature that allows artists to receive only positive comments, fostering constructive feedback. Furthermore, starting in October 2025, MANGANO began offering “MANGANO Analytics,” a specialized data analysis tool for manga artists. An open beta version has been available since October 28, providing this powerful tool free of charge to everyone, from novice creators to seasoned professionals.
The Grand Prize: Unprecedented Scale and Opportunities
The “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou” hosted on MANGANO stands as Japan’s largest-scale manga award, bringing together a staggering 12 editorial departments from 12 leading publishers, including industry giants like KADOKAWA, Koudansha, Shougakukan, and Shuueisha, for a simultaneous judging process. The grand prize winner will be honored with a substantial cash prize of 2,000,000 yen, a significant boost for any aspiring artist.
With a diverse array of editorial departments participating, spanning genres from shounen and shoujo to seinen, the judging panel will evaluate submissions from various perspectives and angles. This unique approach is expected to unearth a wide spectrum of diverse and untapped talents, ensuring every work has a fair chance to shine.
The “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou” builds upon a remarkable history of success from its previous two installments. To date, eight impressive works have been published in major commercial magazines and platforms, including “Shounen Janpu Purasu.” Moreover, a remarkable total of 76 applicants have received direct offers from editors interested in working with them, demonstrating the tangible career-advancing opportunities this award provides. Echoing its catchphrase, “Spread your story,” all submitted works, regardless of whether they win an award, are eligible for direct scouting by any of the 12 participating editorial departments. This means every submission offers a potential pathway to connect with various editors and propel your manga career forward.
To celebrate the launch of the “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou,” a special talk event titled “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou Kaisa Kinen! Manga Henshuusha Zadankai ~Donna Sakuhin Sakka-san o Motometeiru ka~” (Commemorating the 3rd MANGANO Grand Prize! Manga Editor Roundtable ~What Kind of Works and Artists Are We Looking For?~) will be held on November 24 at the MANGANO booth within “COMITIA154,” a doujinshi event exclusively for original works.
Editors participating in the judging of this manga award will take the stage, engaging in a lively discussion that transcends the boundaries of different manga magazines. They will delve into what kind of stories and artists they are actively seeking, offering invaluable insights for creators. The event is scheduled to start at 13:30, and attendance is free on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s an unmissable opportunity for anyone passionate about manga.
The panel will feature editors from four prominent magazines: “Gekkan Komikku Gaaden” (Monthly Comic Garden), “Zenon Henshuubu” (Zenon Editorial Department), “Chanpion Kurosu” (Champion Cross), and “FEEL YOUNG.” The event will be moderated by Momiyama Yuuta from the “Shounen Janpu Purasu” editorial department and Mayumi Ken from Hatena. Whether you’re a devoted manga fan or considering applying for the “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou,” this event promises to be an enlightening experience.
The submission period for the publisher-collaboration manga award, “Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou,” hosted on the manga submission platform MANGANO, will close on February 24, 2026, at 23:59 JST. For detailed information, please refer to the official recruitment website.
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From MANGANO Management
“The MANGANO Taishou is a manga award brimming with opportunities, designed to broaden your potential. With a single submission, your work will reach the judging panel of 12 editorial departments, each with its own unique flavor. Through diverse perspectives in the judging process, you might discover previously unnoticed charms in your work or unveil unexpected talents within yourself.
This award offers a wealth of chances, including the publication of winning works in commercial magazines and websites, allowing them to reach a wide readership, as well as new encounters with editorial departments eager to work with your talent.
This manga award welcomes all genres and types of works. We wholeheartedly encourage you to challenge yourself with a masterpiece that fully showcases your strengths. We eagerly await your submissions!”
“Dai 3-kai MANGANO Taishou” Application Details
- Application is complete simply by posting your work on MANGANO with the manga award tag “#Dai3kaiMANGANO Taishou”.
- User registration is required to post on MANGANO.
- Both professional and amateur artists are welcome to apply.
- The deadline for submissions is February 24, 2026 (Tuesday) at 23:59 JST.
Participating (Judging) Editorial Departments (Publishers)
Continuing Participants from Previous Editions
- Gekkan Komikku Gaaden (Mag Garden)
- Gekkan Komikku Dengeki Daioh (KADOKAWA)
- Gekkan Shounen Magajin (Koudansha)
- Sandee Weburi (Shougakukan)
- Shounen Janpu Purasu (Shuueisha)
- Zenon Henshuubu (Coamix)
- Chanpion Kurosu (Akita Shoten)
- Hana to Yume (Hakusensha)
- Toochi (Riido-sha)
- Fiiru Yangu (Shuu Kuriimu / Issued by Shoudensha)
New and Rejoining Participants
- web Akushon (Futabasha) [New Participant]
- Kurage Banchi (Shinchousha) [Rejoining Participant]
Written by Nakase Koutarou
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