RIYADH — An awarding ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan here for Ms. Amani Badran, a Jordanian national, the bronze award winner of the 8th International MANGA Award. On her behalf, her brother Ayman Badran attended the ceremony. Ambassador Norihiro Okuda conferred a testimonial on Badran in honor of Ms. Amani's award winning work '13:05' and offered the congratulations on his sister's accomplishment. Ayman expressed his delight as this is a great honor for both him and her and appreciated the embassy's support for this achievement. Muhammad Tamimi, the Editor in Chief of Eesar Magazine, publishing the award-winning work of Ms. Amani, also visited the ambassador from Madinah and presented a commemorative shield for appreciating the ambassador's support for the opportunity and contribution to the cultural exchange through MANGA between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The International MANGA Award is hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to honor MANGA artists who have contributed to the promotion of MANGA overseas. There were 317 entries from 46 countries and regions last year. Following the first selection carried out with the assistance of the Association of MANGA Publishers, the Jury of the Award led by Ms. Machiko Satonaka (Manga artist) made strict and fair judgment, and the Executive Committee of the Award chose a total of 15 winners, one Gold Award work, three Silver Award works and 11 Bronze Award works including ‘Another World, It Exists', written by Sukinah Al-Sadah (SaKoos SHS), a Saudi female Manga writer. Concerning the 9th International Manga Award for which the Embassy accepted entries this year. — SG
