Vietnamese comic artist wins silver at int’l manga awards
Nachi Nguyen, a Vietnamese manga (Japanese comic) lover and comic artist, has won the silver prize at the Japan International Manga Awards with her work “Dieu nhay cua vu tru” (The Dancing Universe).
Vietnamese comic artist Nachi Nguyen. (Photo courtesy of Nachi Nguyen)
HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Nachi Nguyen, a Vietnamese manga(Japanese comic) lover and comic artist, has won the silver prize at the JapanInternational Manga Awards with her work “Dieu nhay cua vu tru” (The Dancing Universe).
Nachi’s work stood out from 587 other artists from around theworld even though it was just a one-shot (a comical work composed of a singlestandalone chapter).
The story was deeply inspired by Nachi’s enthusiasm for astronomy, and itrevolves around the daily life of celestial bodies such as the Sun, the Earth,the Moon, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter and their coordinated efforts to protectand make life on Earth sustainable.
“I enjoy learning about astronomy, but I am not really good at math, so mydream of working for NASA is nearly impossible. Hence, I think of a way to tellstories about this topic using my perspective and imagination," she said.
Through meticulous illustrations and the humanisation of planets and stars inthe universe, Nachi hoped to bring astronomy closer to people in a much simplerway.
There will be three chapters in the series, and the first will be released nextyear.
“I genuinely do not expect much in my work, so I am beyond happy and honouredhaving received this award,” she told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
The Japan International Manga Award, started in 2007, is held annually by theMinistry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to honour maga artists around the worldwho contribute to the development of manga culture.
It is among the most prestigious international comic awards since all works aremeticulously selected by the MoFA and renowned manga artists such as MachikoSatonaka.
Including Nachi’s award, Vietnam has won a total of five prizes, with a bronzefor Dat Rong (DragonLand) in 2012, a silver for LongThan Tuong (Holy Dragon Imperator) in 2015 and Dia Nguc Mon (Gatewayto Underworld) in 2016, and a bronze for Bam thay Tuong, co thay Vu de tim! (Rain in a MoonNight) in 2022./.
VNA
Related News
A Japanese comic book called “Friends,” illustrated by a Vietnamese artist, has been published by Japan’s Sunny Side Publishing House.
Last weekend, in Paris, a comic book by young Vietnamese artist Mai Bach and writer Maxime de Lisle depicting an expedition to Alaska was released.
An exhibition on paintings and comic books marking 30 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea will be held at the S.hub Kids in the Ho Chi Minh City General Science Library on October 6.
Experts have called for stronger implementation of heritage management regulations under the Cultural Heritage Law, clearer responsibilities for site management boards and stricter action against activities that distort cultural traditions.
A wide range of traditional handicrafts reflecting Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, including ceramics, lacquerware, silk products, brocade textiles and other items, attracted considerable attention from visitors. Many products sold out early in the day.
Non Nuoc Mountain, located in Hoa Lu ward and recognised as one of the province’s ten special national relic sites, preserves a valuable collection of cliffside stone steles (known as ma nhai).
To mark International Children's Day on June 1, the Union of Vietnamese Organisations in Russia organised a friendly football tournament, giving young players an opportunity to showcase their talent, pursue their passion and strengthen ties with one another.
The 280-page collection, translated into Vietnamese by poet Tran Le Khanh, brings together works inspired by Weigl’s experiences, observations and reflections on Hanoi.
Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.
The festival is expected to bring together around 900 artists, producers and film professionals from Vietnam and abroad, including more than 200 international guests. This marks the largest edition since DANAFF was first launched in 2023, highlighting its growing appeal within the film industry.
Bilingual book, exhibition honour Ho Chi Minh’s legacy
Under the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, issued on January 7, 2026, culture is defined as the spiritual foundation of society, an important endogenous resource, a driver of socio-economic development and a source of national soft power. In the new era, cultural values are expected to permeate all aspects of life, serving as a foundation, resource, catalyst and regulatory force for the country’s rapid and sustainable development.
Designed as a continuous artistic journey, the event paired two generations of pianists in a musical dialogue intended to foster connection, dialogue and mutual understanding while deepening the Vietnam-Poland comprehensive partnership.
The triumph marked a breakthrough moment for Vietnamese Free Fire esports, with SECRET WAG becoming the first Vietnamese squad to lift an FFWS SEA trophy on home soil. The result underscored the rising stature and growing competitiveness of Vietnam’s esports scene in Southeast Asia.
The exhibition showcased more than 20 works by five Vietnamese artists – Trinh Minh Tien, Do Hiep, Tran Ngoc Anh, Trinh Tuan and Cong Kim Hoa – representing different generations and artistic styles.
Making its debut at the Asian Pop Culture Festival (APCF), the largest event of its kind ever staged in Paris, Vietnam featured around 10 booths, including six dedicated to food and several others highlighting the nation’s cultural heritage.
Grandmaster Le Tuan Minh is the first Vietnamese representative at the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 in Saudi Arabia in November.
Located about 3km southeast of Hoi An and 31km from central Da Nang, the village stretches along the banks of the Hoai, Thu Bon and De Vong rivers. Combined with the area’s tropical climate, the waterways nurture a thriving nipa palm ecosystem rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty.
The festival, an annual cultural and tourism event in Ho Chi Minh City, serves as an opportunity to promote the agricultural products and distinctive culture of the Mekong Delta to domestic and international visitors.
Many attendees expressed surprise and admiration upon learning about “dan bau” – an instrument widely regarded as a symbol of Vietnamese traditional music.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Van Bay extended greetings to the local Buddhist community and acknowledged the important contributions made by the city chapter of the VBS and followers to local socio-economic development.
Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.
The opening night of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival-DIFF 2026 officially sparked a six-night fireworks festival from May 30 to July 11.
Vietnamese comic artist Nachi Nguyen. (Photo courtesy of Nachi Nguyen)