The Parents’ Ceremony for the Order of Culture was held on the 3rd at the Imperial Palace, where the Emperor awarded the medal to seven people, including Tetsuya Chiba (85), a manga artist known for works such as “Ashita or Joe.’ ‘ Manga is the first category chosen for the Order of Culture, and Chiba expressed great joy at the press conference, saying, “All the manga artists were happy, so I am very grateful and happy.” ‘
Tetsuya Chiba holds a press conference after receiving an Order of Culture at the Imperial Household Agency (Photo by Chiharu Nakamura)
In the past, Osamu Tezuka‘s works were the target of a campaign to ban bad books, as manga was said to have a negative effect on children. Chiba said she will never forget that Tezuka cried tears of regret when he was still alive, saying, “It’s something the children would be happy about.”
◆“Tezuka-san will be happy too.”
When he received the Order of Culture, he said with a smile, “I think Tezuka-san is very happy because it means that the book is part of the culture rather than a bad book.”
Other award recipients include Mutsuo Takahashi (86) for poetry, haiku, and tanka, Junko Nakanishi (86) for environmental risk management, Toshio Tabuchi (83) for Japanese painting, and Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi (82) for cello and cultural promotion ), Nobutaka Hirokawa (78) of cell and molecular biology, and Kenjiro Egashira (78) of commercial law. The cello was also chosen for the first time.
Recipients pose for a commemorative photo after the Order of Culture award ceremony. (From left) Nobutaka Hirokawa, Toshio Tabuchi, Junko Nakanishi, Mutsuo Takahashi, Tetsuya Chiba, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, Kenjiro Egashira in the east garden of the palace (photo by Chiharu Nakamura)
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr. Takahashi expressed his thoughts, saying, “I am determined to continue working hard to be as worthy as possible of today’s honor.”At the ceremony, His Majesty the Emperor praised them and said, “I hope they will continue to do their best to develop their own fields.”(Toshi Yamaguchi)
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor and Manga Expert Tetsuya Chiba
Editor: Good evening, everyone. Today, we have the honor of speaking with the renowned manga artist Tetsuya Chiba, who recently received the prestigious Order of Culture award at the Imperial Palace. Congratulations, Mr. Chiba!
Chiba: Thank you very much! It’s truly an honor.
Editor: This award is significant, especially as manga is the first category to be recognized with the Order of Culture. How does it feel to be at the forefront of this recognition?
Chiba: It feels incredible! All the manga artists are thrilled, and it’s heartwarming to see our work acknowledged as part of Japanese culture rather than being dismissed or misunderstood. I’m deeply grateful.
Editor: You’ve expressed some poignant thoughts about Osamu Tezuka, who faced a lot of criticism during his career. Can you share your reflections on his impact and the struggles artists faced back then?
Chiba: Absolutely. Tezuka-san was a pioneer, but he endured significant challenges. I remember how he once cried, regretting the negative perceptions some had about manga. Seeing him so emotional made a lasting impact on me. It’s a reminder that our art has the potential to bring joy to children, which is something we must cherish.
Editor: After receiving the award, you mentioned that you thought Tezuka-san would be very happy about this recognition. Can you elaborate on that sentiment?
Chiba: Yes, I really believe he would be. This acknowledgment signifies that manga is now seen as a legitimate cultural expression, one that holds value rather than being labeled as just “bad books.” Tezuka struggled with that notion, so knowing that our work is celebrated today surely brings him joy.
Editor: It’s a beautiful full circle. What message do you hope this award sends to both current and aspiring manga artists?
Chiba: I hope it conveys that perseverance matters. Our art can transcend barriers; it can be impactful and cherished. If younger artists stay true to their passion, they might find themselves part of this cultural legacy one day.
Editor: Speaking of the future, how do you see the evolution of manga in the coming years, especially with new technology and global reach?
Chiba: The sky is the limit! With digital platforms, our stories can reach global audiences in a way we couldn’t have imagined a few decades ago. Yet, the essence of storytelling, the art, and the emotion behind it remains crucial. I believe that no matter how technology evolves, the heart of manga will still resonate with readers.
Editor: Inspiring thoughts, Mr. Chiba. As we wrap up, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans and supporters?
Chiba: Just a heartfelt thank you! Your encouragement fuels our creativity. Let’s continue to create stories that make people happy!
Editor: Thank you again, Tetsuya Chiba, for your time and insights. Congratulations once more on your well-deserved award!
Chiba: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.
