Taiwanese manga artist Zuo Hsuan (左萱) has won the Silver award at the 18th Japan International Manga Award for “The Banana Sprout (芭蕉的芽) vol. 2,” as announced by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affair on Jan. 17. Tseng Chien-lung (曾鈐龍), director of the Taiwan Cultural Center in Tokyo, extended congratulations to Zuo Hsuan on behalf of Minister of Culture Li Yuan upon hearing this news.
Set in the Taihoku College (now National Taiwan Normal University) in the 1930s, “The Banana Sprout” portrays the lives of high school students in Japanese rule in Taiwan. Zuo Hsuan’s work is celebrated for its meticulous historical accuracy and expressive illustrations. Published by Gaea Books, one of Taiwan’s leading comic publishers, the series reflects the publisher’s consistent success in earning recognition at international comic awards.
This year, 716 works from 95 countries and regions were submitted to the award. A total of 15 prizes will be presented, including one Gold Award, three Silver Awards, and 11 Bronze Awards. The award presentation ceremony is scheduled for March.
Minister Li remarked that the decade from 2018 to 2027 represents a new chapter for Taiwanese comics, with the government actively fostering industry growth through policy and investment. As Taiwanese comics continue to garner international acclaim, they hold significant potential to thrive in global markets, the Minister added.
The Taiwan Cultural Center in Japan emphasized its dedication to promoting Taiwanese artists by organizing exhibitions and spotlighting creators annually. They reaffirmed their commitment to building stronger connections between Taiwanese creators and the Japanese market, elevating the profile of Taiwanese comics on the international stage.
