Heart of Thomas Manga Creator Moto Hagio Wins Asahi Prize

The Asahi Shimbun newspaper announced the recipients on Sunday of its Asahi Prize for fiscal year 2016. The Asahi Shimbun Foundation chose prolific shōjo manga creator Moto Hagio for the prize along with two other individuals and a group of scientists.

The prize was established in 1929 and "honors distinguished individuals and groups in academics, arts and other fields who have contributed to advancements in Japanese culture and society." The foundation chose Hagio "for her innovative approach to drawing manga for young girls."

Hagio published the first of two planned new chapters for her Poe no Ichizoku (The Poe Clan) manga last year, marking the first new chapter in the manga in 40 years. According to The Asahi Shimbun, the new chapter quickly sold out in bookstores around Japan.

Hagio's They Were Eleven, A Drunken Dream and Other Stories, A,A', The Heart of Thomas, and Otherworld Barbara manga have English releases.

The Japanese government previously awarded Hagio with the Spring 2012 Medal With Purple Ribbon, which honors academic and artistic achievement. Hagio was the first female manga creator to receive the award.

The Asahi Shimbun previously awarded the Asahi Prize to GeGeGe no Kitarō manga creator Shigeru Mizuki in fiscal year 2008. Hayao Miyazaki received the award in fiscal year 2001, and Osamu Tezuka received the award in fiscal year 1987.

This year's winners will each receive a bronze statue and a monetary award of 5 million yen (about US$42,700). An award ceremony will be held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo on January 30.

The Asahi Shimbun also hosts the Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize.​