In the first experimental installment the key concept was ‘peace’, and the theme was how we humans have confronted the Novel Coronavirus infection that continues to spread around the world. To harness the unrestricted power of expression and international expansion of manga, we sought the submissions and published the artwork online.
This online exhibition is the second installment of the ‘manga pandemic web exhibition’ held to high acclaim in 2020.
We gratefully acknowledge that the response far exceeded our expectations, and in the application period of less than 3 months, we received 1041 artwork submissions from 345 manga enthusiasts, representing over 50 countries and regions around the world. The works varied widely, from single panels to story manga. These works clearly highlight differences in the ideals of infection control measures, and the politics and culture of various countries and regions, as well as bringing to light the trends in which the Novel Coronavirus is already being characterized with universal colors and shapes. Furthermore, by allowing us to visibly imagine ‘daily life’ through satire and laughter, we were able to create circumstances literally befitting of the title ‘manga pandemic’.
Building on the success of the previous exhibition, in the 2nd installment this year we expect artists to continue their creativity, and at the same time have decided to invite works with a multifaceted yet concrete message by establishing 5 themed categories: a.) Mutant strain, b.) Vaccine, c.) Mask, d.) After Corona, and e.) Other (open category).
Additionally, the application period will be from July 23 to October 31, earlier than last year, thereby including the schedule of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics which are drawing worldwide attention to Japan's measures against Coronavirus, with the intention of instantaneously reflecting changes in international public opinion and human psychology.
The Coronavirus disaster of the last few years is undoubtedly an historic event in human history. However, nobody knows how and when it will be resolved, or whether it will transition into a ‘new daily life’ as is. That is precisely why it is extremely important to clearly record the condition and changes of people living in the midst of all this. We have learned from our first experience, that manga is a suitable form of expression for that purpose, and that it can be a useful material for capturing human history. We are confident that this 2nd exhibition will take us one step further.
As with last year, the organizers take responsibility to judge whether a given work is an expression of anti-human rights or defames a specific individual or nation. However, we look forward to receiving diverse works based on your free-spirited and creative ideas. Additionally, this exhibition is not only an online gallery to display the submissions, but will also function as a ‘database’ of artwork. Unless the executive committee determines it to be ‘exceptional commercial use’, submitted works may be used free of charge from next year onward, to further the expansion of manga culture, for which we thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
This web exhibition is open to anyone from all over the world, regardless of nationality or age, and inclusive of both professionals and amateur artists. Please join us in succumbing to ‘manga fever’ which cannot be defeated by the Novel Coronavirus. We organizers are looking forward to hearing from you.

July, 2021
Manga Pandemic Web Exhibition 2021 Executive Committee