Kiko Urino’s heartwarming manga, “Alice, Doko Made mo” (Alice, Even in Space), has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 18th Manga Taisho Awards. This annual award, also known as the “Cartoon Grand Prize”, recognizes exceptional manga titles with eight or fewer volumes, making it a significant indicator of emerging talent and promising series. The victory highlights Urino’s storytelling prowess and the manga’s resonance with readers and critics alike.
‘Alice, Doko Made mo’ Claims Top Honors
The award ceremony, held in Tokyo on March 27, 2025, officially announced “Alice, Doko Made mo” as the grand prize recipient. The manga garnered 102 points from a panel of 97 judges, primarily composed of bookstore employees who are at the forefront of the manga market. These individuals carefully selected from 238 eligible titles released in 2024, underscoring the competitive nature of the award and the significance of Urino’s win.
A Story of Dreams and Determination
“Alice, Doko Made mo,” which translates to “Alice, Even in Space,” follows the journey of Alice Asahida, a junior high school girl with aspirations of becoming Japan’s first female astronaut commander. Despite her popularity and striking appearance, Alice struggles academically, particularly with language skills. Her life takes a turn when she encounters Inuboshi, a solitary genius who offers to tutor her. Inspired by Inuboshi’s encouragement, Alice dedicates herself to overcoming her challenges and pursuing her lofty goal.
Kiko Urino’s Reaction to the Win
Upon receiving the award, Kiko Urino expressed immense joy and relief. “I’m so happy! Part of the reason I started this series was because I really wanted to win the Cartoon Grand Prize, so I’m incredibly relieved and thrilled. Thank you so much,” Urino stated. She further added, “From the beginning, I told my editor and everyone, ‘I’m aiming for first place!’ and I’m glad I could follow through on that.”
The Allure of ‘Alice, Doko Made mo’: Themes and Reception
“Alice, Doko Made mo” has resonated with readers for its inspiring narrative, relatable characters, and exploration of themes such as:
- Perseverance: Alice’s determination to overcome her academic struggles and pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut is a central theme, inspiring readers to chase their own goals despite obstacles.
- Mentorship: The relationship between Alice and Inuboshi highlights the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of guidance in achieving one’s potential.
- Bilingualism and Language Acquisition: The manga touches upon the challenges of maintaining fluency in multiple languages, particularly after experiencing personal loss.
- Pursuit of Dreams: The overarching theme revolves around chasing ambitious dreams and the dedication required to make them a reality.
Critical Acclaim and Recognition
Prior to winning the Manga Taisho Award, “Alice, Doko Made mo” received considerable recognition within the manga community.
- The manga was nominated for the 18th Manga Taisho Award in 2025.
- Ranked sixteenth on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! list of best manga of 2025 for male readers.
- The series was recommended by fellow manga author Tatsuki Fujimoto.
The Manga Taisho Awards: Celebrating Emerging Talent
The Manga Taisho Awards were established in 2008 to recognize and promote exceptional manga titles with eight or fewer volumes. This volume cap ensures that the award focuses on relatively new works that have not yet achieved widespread popularity through long-term serialization. The nominating committee comprises mainly bookstore staffers who are passionate about manga and dedicated to discovering fresh talent.
Selection Process
The Manga Taisho Awards follow a rigorous selection process:
- First Round of Voting: Selectors recommend up to five manga titles that they personally find entertaining and would recommend to others. From a pool of 238 titles.
- Second Round of Voting: Points are assigned to the nominated titles, and the top three finalists are determined.
- Final Announcement: The winner is announced at an awards ceremony held annually in March.
Significance of the Award
Winning the Manga Taisho Award is a significant achievement for manga creators. While the award does not include a cash prize, it provides substantial promotional opportunities for the winning title, leading to increased sales and potential adaptations into anime, TV dramas, or films.
Past Winners of the Manga Taisho Awards
The Manga Taisho Awards have a history of recognizing groundbreaking and influential manga titles. Previous winners include:
- 2008: Gaku: Minna no Yama by Shinichi Ishizuka
- 2009: Chihayafuru by Yuki Suetsugu
- 2010: Thermae Romae by Mari Yamazaki
- 2011: March comes in like a lion by Chika Umino
- 2012: Silver Spoon by Hiromu Arakawa
- 2013: Umimachi Diary by Akimi Yoshida
- 2014: A Bride’s Story by Kaoru Mori
- 2015: Kakukaku Shikajika by Akiko Higashimura
- 2016: Golden Kamuy by Satoru Noda
- 2017: Hibiki: Shōsetsuka ni Naru Hōhō by Mitsuharu Yanamoto
- 2018: BEASTARS by Paru Itagaki
- 2019: Astra Lost in Space by Kenta Shinohara
- 2020: The Blue Period. by Tsubasa Yamaguchi
- 2021: Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
- 2022: Darwin Jihen by Shun Umezawa
- 2023: Kore Kaite Shine by Minoru Toyoda
- 2024: Kimi to Uchū o Aruku Tame ni by Inuhiko Doronoda
Recurring Nominees
Several authors have received multiple nominations for the Manga Taisho Awards, highlighting their consistent contributions to the manga industry. Akiko Higashimura and Yama Wayama are the most-nominated authors, with seven nominations each. Ryoko Kui’s “Delicious in Dungeon” and Yama Wayama’s “Onna no Sono no Hoshi” are among the most-nominated series.
Kiko Urino: A Rising Star in the Manga World
Kiko Urino is a Japanese manga artist known for her diverse range of works, spanning various genres and themes. While “Alice, Doko Made mo” has brought her widespread recognition, Urino has been active in the manga industry for several years.
Other Notable Works by Kiko Urino
Internet Love!
Kanpeki na Machi (Perfect City)
Kimi ni Aitai (I Want to See You)
Mama
Urino Kiko Sakuhinshuu (Kiko Urino’s Works Collection), a collection of short stories
- Bara Datte Kakeru yo
- Dousousei Daikou
- Shiawase ni Naritai
Urino’s works often feature relatable characters, introspective themes, and a unique storytelling style that resonates with readers.
The Future of ‘Alice, Doko Made mo’
With its Manga Taisho Award win, “Alice, Doko Made mo” is poised for even greater success. The increased recognition and popularity could lead to various adaptations, such as an anime series or a live-action film, further expanding the manga’s reach and impact. As Alice Asahida continues her journey towards becoming Japan’s first female astronaut commander, readers worldwide will undoubtedly be captivated by her story of perseverance, mentorship, and the pursuit of dreams.
