Riyadh: Japanese art of manga is one of the most prominent visual arts, transcending local culture to become a global phenomenon. It is not merely illustrations, but a complete narrative language that combines art and literature, addressing social, historical, and scientific issues in an engaging way that reaches all age groups.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this art has become a source of inspiration for many creators worldwide, including Saudi artist Samah Kamil, who has made her mark in the field and achieved international recognition by winning a Japanese award for her story ‘Spectrum.’
Manga author Kamil told SPA that manga are Japanese illustrated stories covering a wide range of topics, from social issues to history and science fiction. She described it as a culture for all ages, highlighting global competitions such as the Japan International MANGA Award, held since 2006, as well as local initiatives such as the Manga Arabia Competition, launched in 2022 to support Arab talent.
Kamil’s internati
onal award from Japan highlights Arab talent’s ability to compete in global arts and confirms that manga is no longer exclusive to Japanese culture. It has become an open space for creativity and cultural exchange, combining images and words and providing Arab creators with vast opportunities to share their stories with the world.