MANGAKA DISCOVERY MANGAKA DISCOVERY
AN INVITATIONTO THE JAPANESE MANGA INDUSTRY
Kodansha is opening its doors to the world.
This is our first unified global scouting
project—not just another manga award,
but
a search for the raw, the bold, and the yet-to-be-discovered
talent across borders. We're not looking for perfection. We're looking for potential.
//DEADLINE
22 July 2026,23:59(JST)
//BENEFITS
-
Grand Prize＆
Encouragement Prize YOUR HENSHUSHA
A dedicated Kodansha editor.
Your creative partner. Free. -
Grand Prize Only CASH PRIZE
¥300,000 JPY
to the Grand Prize winner. -
Grand Prize Only INVITATION TO THE AWARD CEREMONY
You're invited to Tokyo.
Kodansha covers your travel
and accommodation. -
Grand Prize Only GET FEATURED ON
K MANGA & COMIC DAYS
Bring your work to
the world stage. -
First Round Qualifiers: The Top 100 GET DIRECT INSIGHTS FROM HENSHUSHA.
Authentic guidance from a real pro.
WHAT HAPPENS
AFTER YOU WIN
If you win, you'll be paired with a dedicated Kodansha HENSHUSHA (editor) who becomes your creative partner. Together, you'll develop new projects and work toward professional serialization. Your winning submission is proof of your talent—but it's also just the beginning. The real work starts here.
We work primarily in English and Japanese—though some HENSHUSHA speak other languages too. Fluency isn't required.We welcome the use of translation tools. What matters is that you can collaborate, share ideas, and build something great together.
Let's be clear: winning this award doesn't guarantee serialization. Whether you debut as a professional MANGAKA (manga artist) depends on the quality of the work you create with your HENSHUSHA after you win.
If you're ready to give it everything, Kodansha will match that energy every step of the way.
MEET YOUR HENSHUSHA
Top athletes never compete alone. Why should you?
Think of a HENSHUSHA like a sports coach.
They don't
just edit your work—they train alongside you, helping you
develop your skills and reach your goals as a MANGAKA.
It's
a partnership unique to Japanese publishing, and there's
no direct English equivalent.
Your HENSHUSHA is there to ask: What kind of MANGAKA do you want to be? Where do you want to go?
Then they work
with you to make it happen—brainstorming stories,
sharpening your craft, and supporting your creative vision
every step of the way.
THE PATHTO SERIALIZATION
Meet Your HENSHUSHA
Winners are paired with a dedicated HENSHUSHA.
This is a full commitment from our
side—you pay nothing.
The collaboration begins here.
Build the Vision
Work together to refine your concept,
deepen your characters,
and strengthen your storytelling.
This is your time to grow.
Your goal is simple:
Create a story that demands to be published.
The Green Light
Your project is presented at the serialization meeting.
This is the big moment.
Your HENSHUSHA fights for your work, and the
Editor-in-Chief decides if it's a "GO."
Professional Debut
Serialization begins. You start receiving manuscript fees and royalties. You are no longer just an aspiring artist—you are a professional MANGAKA.
FIND YOUR TEAM
Kodansha is home to seven distinct editorial departments, each with its own style, readership, and philosophy toward manga.
Before you explore, a quick guide to manga genres:
-
- is manga that traditionally speaks to younger readers—fueled by action, friendship, and the thrill of chasing dreams.
-
- is manga that tends to resonate with older readers—exploring the deeper, grittier sides of life and human nature.
-
- is manga that tends to connect with women readers—delivering emotional depth, relatability, and the complexities of life and love.
These are the teams that will judge your work. They are looking for the next voice to define their magazines. Explore the profiles below—and look for the genre tag on each team. One of them might see your potential and become your HENSHUSHA.
SCROLL & CHECK TEAM
Weekly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Monthly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Sirius MagazineTEAM
Women's ComicsTEAM
Young MagazineTEAM
Morning Magazine TEAM
Afternoon Magazine TEAM
KODANSHA MANGA ACADEMY
Weekly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Monthly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Sirius MagazineTEAM
Women's ComicsTEAM
Young MagazineTEAM
Morning Magazine TEAM
Afternoon Magazine TEAM
KODANSHA MANGA ACADEMY
Young MagazineTEAM
Morning Magazine TEAM
Afternoon Magazine TEAM
KODANSHA MANGA ACADEMY
Weekly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Monthly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Sirius MagazineTEAM
Women's ComicsTEAM
Young MagazineTEAM
Morning Magazine TEAM
Afternoon Magazine TEAM
KODANSHA MANGA ACADEMY
Weekly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Monthly ShonenMagazine TEAM
Sirius MagazineTEAM
Women's ComicsTEAM
SUBMISSION
OVERVIEW
Application Benefits
Seven editorial departments, seven Grand Prizes (maximum).
The biggest chance for your future.
Each of the seven editorial departments participating in the KMA AWARD - MANGAKA DISCOVERY will screen applications and select the Grand Prize winners from works that meet their respective criteria. Some editorial departments may choose not to select a Grand Prize winner if there are not any works that meet their selection criteria. This is precisely why the Grand Prize has real value.
- Grand Prize Benefits — Four life-changing benefits
-
- 300,000 yen prize money, plus an editor!
- The Grand Prize winners will receive a cash prize of 300,000 yen, and will be assigned an editor from the editorial departments of Kodansha. This service is provided at no cost to you. As your creative partner assisting you in becoming a professional manga creator, the editor will provide comprehensive support for the creation of your manga. This will be the first step toward building your new career in the Japanese manga market!
- A giveaway of CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX (the 2-year plan for 2 devices)!
- We are giving away a two-year license of CLIP STUDIO PAINT EX, professional digital illustration software loved by manga creators and illustrators around the world.
- Your work can reach a global audience
- The award-winning works will be published on K MANGA,COMIC DAYS, and any other Kodansha’s manga platforms.
- You’ll be invited to the award ceremony!
- The Grand Prize winners will be invited to the award ceremony that is scheduled to be held at Kodansha’s headquarters in Tokyo. Join us for this special occasion to acknowledge the winners’ talents and efforts and celebrate a new beginning.
- Encouragement Prize — To the next generation of creators with promise
- In addition to the Grand Prize, each editorial department may award an Encouragement Prize to a creator who has demonstrated exceptional talent.
Encouragement Prize Benefits: You will be assigned an editor from Kodansha. They will help you develop your creative work as well as your potential.
- Individual feedback — To the top 100 works
- It is our promise to read each and every submission carefully.
The top 100 works that pass the initial screening will receive personalized feedback from Kodansha’s editors. This will not be boilerplate text. It will be genuine feedback from professionals who have an intimate knowledge of manga.
Whether you win or not, this feedback might change everything for you.
With a single submission, you have the chance to be discovered by up to seven editorial departments.
Application Terms and Conditions
- Application Requirements
-
- Total Number of Pages
- 8 pages (minimum) to 60 pages (maximum)
- About the Content of the Work
-
- ・Scripts, storyboards, and illustration only works are not accepted. Only completed manga works are accepted.
- ・We primarily seek complete, stand-alone stories. That said, submissions of the first chapter of a series are also accepted, as long as the chapter can be read and enjoyed independently.
- ・Only English or Japanese dialogue is accepted.
- Manuscript Specifications
-
- ・Manuscript page size: Approximately B5 size (H257mm × W182mm / H3541 pixels × W2508 pixels)
- ・Resolution: 350 dpi or higher
- ・Maximum image size: Within 30,000 pixels
- Color Settings
- Both black-and-white and color formats are accepted.
- ーIn case of black-and-white format: Save as a binary image (grayscale and progressive JPEGs are not allowed).
- ーIn case of color format：Save with an sRGB color profile embedded.
- File Format and Saving Method
-
- ・Text format: Do not handwrite dialogue and text but type it out using a font as handwritten text may reduce the accuracy of character recognition.
- ・Merge the layers of each page and convert them to JPG format or PNG format (supported file extensions: JPG, PNG).
- ・Make sure to include the page number on each page.
- ・Number the file names so that the order of the manuscript is clear.
- ・Each File must be 100MB or less.
- Compression and Submission
-
- ・Compress the manuscript file into a ZIP file before submitting.
- ・The file name should be “(the title of the work in half-width lowercase letters and numbers).zip.”
- ・Each ZIP file must be 200MB or less.
- Qualification Requirements
-
- About Qualification Requirements
-
- ・Submissions from both professionals and amateurs―regardless of nationality, gender, or age―are accepted.
- ・Submissions by minors are also allowed. However, ensure that your parent or legal guardian has also read the terms and conditions and agreed to them before submitting your application. By completing your application, you will be deemed to have obtained parental consent.
- ・In the case of team submissions, it is required that the team appropriately hold the copyright or administrative rights related to the submitted work.
- Requirements for Submitted Works
- Only works meeting all of the following conditions are eligible for submission:
- ・The work must not have already won other awards or contests, or be currently under review for other awards.
- ・The work must not have been commercially published (however, self-published works, doujinshi, or works posted only on personal social media accounts are allowed).
- ・The work must be legal and consistent with public order and morals.
- Notes
-
- ・We are not liable for any trouble resulting from violation of the above conditions.
- ・In the event that the following facts come to light, we reserve the right to void your application and award at our discretion:
- ーIf you do not meet the application requirements.
- ーIf you violate these terms and conditions.
- ーIf the rights or obligations arising from the application or award are assigned to a third party, or used as collateral.
- Application Process
-
Please apply through the link on our website.
TO FORM
- Timeframe
-
Application period: April 20, 2026 (Mon) 12:00 - July 22, 2026 (Wed) 23:59 *JST
First screening results announcement: The end of August 2026 (TBC)
Final screening results announcement: October 2026 (TBC)
- ・The results of the screenings are scheduled to be announced on this website and social media.
- ・The timeframe is subject to change.
- ・We cannot respond to individual inquiries about the selection results.
- Judges
-
- ・Weekly Shonen Magazine Team
- ・Monthly Shonen Magazine Team
- ・Sirius Magazine Team
- ・Women's Comics Team
- ・Young Magazine Team
- ・Morning Magazine Team
- ・Afternoon Magazine Team
- Handling of the Award-Winning Works
-
- Copyright Ownership
- The copyright of submitted works (including award-winning works) shall belong to the author of the submitted work (as defined in Article 2, Paragraph 1, Item 2 of the Copyright Act of Japan), unless otherwise agreed upon.
- Use of the Award-winning Works
-
- ・The author of the award-winning works hereby grants Kodansha an exclusive right to use the award-winning works in the following ways. The prize money awarded by us includes compensation for such use.
- ・For the purpose of promoting and publicizing this contest, some or all parts of the award-winning works may be used in media such as television, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet (including, but not limited to, methods under Articles 27 and 28 of the Copyright Act).
- ・The award-winning works may be published in manga magazines and web media issued or operated by us (Magazine Pocket, COMIC DAYS, Palcy, K MANGA, etc.).
- ・We may translate the award-winning works into other languages and use, publish and distribute such translated version for the purposes stipulated in this Clause 6.
- ・We may entrust or authorize the use of the above to a third party.
- First Negotiation Rights
- The author(s) of the award-winning work(s) hereby grants Kodansha the right of first negotiation and last refusal to publish and distribute the award-winning work and/or the translation of such award-winning work worldwide in any language. The terms and conditions regarding the publication and distribution of the award-winning work and/or the translation of such award-winning work shall be agreed between the author(s) of the award-winning work(s) and Kodansha.
- Other Notes
-
- About the Submitted Works
-
- ・Works that have been published on non-commercial websites, personal websites, or in doujinshi are regarded as unpublished works, and are therefore eligible for submission.
- ・Works that have already been published on commercial websites will only be accepted if it can be guaranteed that all rights related to the submission and serialization belong to the applicant.
- ・Applicants may submit two or more works. However, each work must be submitted independently.
- ・The following works will not be considered for selection: Works that contain excessive sexual or violent depictions, works that infringe or are highly likely to infringe on the copyrights or other rights and interests of third parties (including parodies and imitations), works that defame or libel specific individuals or groups, works that are against public policy, works that violate these terms and conditions, and any other works that the judges deem inappropriate.
- About the Selection
-
- ・The selection will be conducted strictly and fairly, but if there are no works that meet the criteria, no winners may be selected for the awards. However, even if a submitted work does not win an award, Kodansha’s editors may still reach out individually to applicants whose talent has been recognized.
- ・We cannot respond to inquiries regarding the selection process.
- About the Prize Money
- Prize Money Payment
The prize money will be paid in Japanese yen (JPY) and deposited into the bank account designated by the winner after the award has been determined. If the winner wishes to receive the prize money in a currency other than Japanese yen (JPY), or if they wish to have it transferred to an overseas account, the amount will be converted to the desired currency based on the exchange rate at the time of transfer. In such cases, certain expenses, such as foreign exchange fees and correspondent bank fees, may be deducted from the prize money. We will cover any transfer fees incurred by Japanese banks. Furthermore, transaction fees or other associated fees incurred by the bank designated by the winner upon receipt of payment shall be borne by the winner.
- About Taxes
-
Depending on the winner’s place of residence, taxes will be handled as follows:
【Those who live in Japan】 This transaction is a taxable transaction (excluding consumption tax). The prize money is 300,000 yen excluding tax, and we will pay the winner the amount after deducting Japanese withholding income tax (10.21%) from the prize money.
【Those who live outside of Japan】 This transaction is classified as an international transaction and is therefore exempt from Japanese consumption tax (a non-taxable transaction). We will pay the winner the remaining amount of the prize money after remitting Japanese withholding tax (20.42%) to the relevant Japanese authorities. However, if the winner wishes to claim the benefits of a bilateral tax treaty and completes the necessary procedures (such as submission of a certificate of residence) by the deadline, the tax rate specified in the treaty will be applied. We will cooperate with this process. If you do not wish to claim treaty benefits, or if you reside in a country that does not have a tax treaty with Japan, the 20.42% withholding tax rate will apply.
- Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
-
- ・Personal information provided during the application process will be handled strictly in accordance with our privacy policy.
- ・By completing the application form, applicants will be deemed to have agreed to these terms and conditions.
- ・We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions without the applicants’ consent if we deem it necessary. In the event of such changes, we will post the date and details of the changes on this website or notify the applicants directly.
- Disclaimers and Liability
-
- ・Applicants shall participate in this contest at their own risk and expense.
- ・By completing the application, applicants will be deemed to have the copyright or administrative rights of the submitted work and to have guaranteed that the submitted work does not infringe on the rights or interests of third parties.
- ・If an applicant inflicts damage on us or any other third party as a result of violating these terms and conditions, the applicant will be liable for such damages.
- ・In the event that an applicant is found ineligible after the announcement of the results (including if it is found that a minor did not obtain parental consent), the award may be revoked and the prize money may need to be returned.
- ・We are not liable for any damages incurred by applicants concerning this contest, except where such damages are attributable to us. Furthermore, even in cases where we are liable, the scope of compensation shall be limited to direct and general damages actually incurred by the applicant (excluding special damages, indirect damages, lost profits, attorneys’ fees, etc.), unless we acted with intent or gross negligence.
- Governing Law and Jurisdiction
-
- ・These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Japan. In the event that any dispute between us and the applicant arises, the Tokyo District Court shall be the exclusive court of first instance.
- Contact Us
-
Kodansha Customer Support
Note: We are currently evaluating our customer support system.
Our support team is based in Japan, so please allow up to 3 business days for a response.
FAQ
Can I apply even if I’m a Japanese citizen or resident?
Of course. Anyone can apply regardless of nationality or country of residence.
Can I apply even if I haven’t participated in any KMA courses or events?
Yes. Participation in previous KMA events is not necessary to apply. Everyone is welcome to apply.
I’m a minor. How should I show that I have my parents’ consent?
By submitting your application, we deem consent from a parent or legal guardian has been obtained so there is no need for additional paperwork. However, if it is later discovered that consent has not been obtained, then your award may be revoked.
Can professional manga creators who have been serialized previously also apply?
Yes, both amateur and professional manga creators are welcome to apply. However, if you are under contract with other publishing houses etc., please check that the work you submit is in accordance with your contract.
If we apply as a team, can a representative fill out and submit the form rather than giving the information of the whole team?
Yes. Please have one person fill out the application as a representative of the team. However, the team must own the copyright or administrative rights of the submitted work.
Are there any restrictions on genre? (Horror, BL, Yuri, Fantasy, etc.)
There are no restrictions on the genre of your work. However, works with overly explicit or overly violent depictions and works that are against public policy are not eligible.
Can I submit a vertical scroll (Webtoon-style) manga?
We are not accepting vertical scroll manga this time.
Can I submit a work with the premise that it is the first chapter of a series rather than a one-shot?
Of course. When submitting the first chapter of a series, we advise that the chapter can be read as a standalone as well.
Can I submit a work that has been previously posted on social media (Instagram, X, Pixiv, etc.)?
Yes. Works that have been posted on not-for-profit websites, personal social media accounts, or Doujinshi are considered “yet to be published” works and are eligible for submission.
Can I submit a work that was already distributed at a Doujinshi convention?
Yes. Works that have previously been distributed at Doujinshi conventions are eligible.
Are works that have lines in languages other than English and Japanese (imaginary languages, or other languages used for effect) also eligible?
As long as the main story consists of lines in English or Japanese, other languages can be used for effect. Please bear in mind that the judges must be able to understand and follow the story.
Are silent manga (manga without any lines) eligible?
Yes, silent manga are also eligible.
Are there any restrictions on what software can be used (Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, Photoshop, etc.)?
No, there are no restrictions on software as long as the final product can be converted to JPG or PNG format.
Where should I put the page numbers?
Please put the pages numbers where they are clearly visible. It is common practice to have them in the margins at the bottom of the page, but there are no strict rules on placement.
Is there a format that the file names should be numbered in?
Please have the file names clearly show the numbers in sequence.
Example: 01.jpg, 02.jpg, 03.jpg…
Can I submit the same work to multiple contests at the same time?
No, we do not accept works that are currently being evaluated for other awards.
When submitting more than one work, should I submit them in individual zip files?
Yes, please ensure that each work has its own zip file and is submitted using a different application form.
Can I submit a work that I previously submitted to a different competition but wasn’t chosen?
Yes. If the work has not won any other awards and is not currently being evaluated, then it is eligible.
Do I need to select one or all of the editorial departments to submit my work to or do all seven automatically evaluate my work?
There is no need for you to pick a specific editorial department yourself when submitting your work. Based on the information in your application form, the editorial department closest to your preferred genre will have priority in evaluating your work.
What are the criteria the submitted works are evaluated on? Is there more focus put on story or on artistic skill?
The works are evaluated on many levels, including story, artistic skills, composition, and character appeal. The work is evaluated as a whole, rather than focusing on one or two components of the work.
Can a work win the Grand Prize from more than one editorial department?
No, each submitted work can only receive the Grand Prize from one editorial department.
Will I still receive feedback even if my work isn’t chosen as one of the top 100 submissions?
Individual feedback on submitted works will only be provided to the 100 submissions that pass the first round of evaluation. Unfortunately, we do not offer individual feedback to submissions other than those who pass the first round. However, if an editor finds a particular work they believe shows promise, then there are cases when the editor may reach out to the applicant.
What language will communications with my editor be held in?
Talks with the editor will be in English or Japanese. Depending on the editor, other languages may also be available. Native-level languages skills are not expected, and the usage of translation tools is allowed. We focus on sharing and collaborating on ideas and working together to create the best work possible.
If I win an award, do I have to have a serialization with Kodansha?
No, there is no obligation to serialize with Kodansha, but after receiving an award, your editor will be there as your creative partner to assist in planning and executing new projects and help guide you on the path to serializing your work as a professional manga creator.
Will I have to pay travel fees and accommodation fees to get to the award ceremony?
No, the travel and accommodation fees of the winners will be covered by Kodansha.
Is there a cash prize for the Encouragement Prize winners?
No, there is no cash prize, but the recipients of the Encouragement Prize will be assigned an editor who will support them in their creative process.
Are only the winners of the Grand Prize eligible to be published on K MANGA or COMIC DAYS? What about the recipients of the Encouragement Prize?
Only the Grand Prize-winning works are eligible to be published on K MANGA or COMIC DAYS.
Is the prize money of 300,000 yen to be paid in Japanese yen or can I collect it in my country’s currency?
The prize money of 300,000 yen (excl. tax) is to be paid in JPY. If you wish to receive it in a different currency, then you will receive the amount converted at the exchange rate of the time of sending.
How much will the fees be to have the prize money sent to an overseas account?
The fees will depend on the recipient’s country and bank. Foreign exchange fees and correspondent bank fees may be directly deducted from the prize money. However, any money transfer fees associated with the Japanese bank side will be covered by Kodansha. The fees associated with the recipient’s bank must be covered by the recipient.
Can I receive the prize money through PayPal or cryptocurrency?
No. The prize money can only be sent to an account associated with a financial institution.
Please explain the withholding tax.
・For Japanese residents: The sum of 300,000 yen minus the withholding tax (10.21%) will be sent to you.
・For overseas residents: The sum of 300,000 yen minus
the withholding tax (20.42%) will be sent to you.
Depending on the tax treaty between Japan and your
country of residence, a reduction in the tax amount may
be possible.
Can I submit a work that was drawn using AI tools?
Yes. Please make sure to specify what part of your work was created by using AI in your application form.
Do I need to specify if AI was used to render background art or used as a coloring aid?
Yes. If AI is used in any part of the work, please check the “AI Used” box in your application form and specify on what parts AI tools were used.
Do I have to check the “AI Used” box if I used AI to translate the lines in my work?
Yes. Please check the “AI Used” box and specify on what parts AI tools were used.
Do I have to pay to apply?
No, the application process is completely free.
Can I switch out or revise my manuscript after it’s been submitted?
Manuscripts that have been submitted cannot be switched out or revised. If you wish to resubmit your manuscript, please reapply using a new form.
Will I receive a confirmation email after I have submitted my application?
Yes, a confirmation email will be sent after the submission of your application.
After I have submitted my work, can I post it on social media?
Of course. There are no restrictions on posting the submitted works on your private social media.
Is the deadline for applications in Japan Standard Time (JST)?
Yes. The cutoff for applications is 11:59pm on July 22th (Wed), 2026 (JST). Please keep in mind the time difference of your country of residence when submitting your application.
Where can I check the results? Will I be notified directly?
The result of the evaluation will be posted on this website and on our social media. The winners will be notified individually. We cannot answer individual questions regarding the selection results.
Until DEADLINE
9999HOUR
59MINUTE
59SECOND
Have you confirmed all of the above application requirements?
*Applications that do not meet the requirements may be
at a disadvantage during the selection
process.
