Saudi artist wins silver award at Japan International Manga Awards

The gold award went to Brazil’s Laica Chrose, while two other silver prizes went to artists from Vietnam and Taiwan. (Japan International Manga Award)
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Updated 24 December 2025
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Saudi artist wins silver award at Japan International Manga Awards

Meeda, a manga artist from Saudi Arabia, took the silver award in this year’s Japan International Manga Awards for a work titled “Quarter Life Crisis,” Japan’s Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The gold award went to Brazil’s Laica Chrose, while two other silver prizes went to artists from Vietnam and Taiwan.

The gold and silver award winners will be invited to Japan by the Japan Foundation to attend an awards ceremony in Tokyo in March 2026.

There were 738 entries from 110 countries and regions this year, which was a record number of entries. The country with the most entries was China (72 entries), followed by Taiwan (62) and Indonesia (51). For the first time, entries were received from Libya, Afghanistan, Puerto Rico, Togo, Nepal, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry established the Japan International Manga Awards in 2007 to honor manga artists who have contributed to the spread of manga culture overseas.

The selection for the award was made by a committee chaired by manga artist Satonaka Machiko after an initial selection made in cooperation with the Association of Manga Publishers. Based on the judging results, the executive committee, chaired by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, approved 15 winning works.


Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

Updated 26 January 2026
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Amira Al-Zuhair begins 2026 with Jacquemus show

DUBAI: Saudi French model Amira Al-Zuhair took to Instagram to celebrate her first show of 2026, as she walked the runway at Jacquemus’ Fall/Winter 2026 “Le Palmier” collection show in Paris on Sunday.

The event, staged at the Musee National Picasso, brought Simon Porte Jacquemus’s latest co-ed collection to life with playful yet sculptural silhouettes, blending mid-century couture references and 1990s’ sensibilities.

“Merci infiniment Simon. It was an honor to be part of this iconic show with such an amazing team, congratulations! Thank you for having me,” posted Al-Zuhair.

The model closed a segment of the show in an ensemble that captured the collection’s nod to both elegant simplicity and bold form. She wore a black midi skirt with a structured blazer top with cutout detail at the back, cinched at the waist with a wide belt. The look was completed with a wide-brimmed hat that added a touch of drama.

The Jacquemus presentation, which also acted as the finale of Paris Men’s Fashion Week, wove together confetti-like motifs, geometric forms and a celebration of joie de vivre, encapsulating Jacquemus’s irreverent yet refined vision ahead of the upcoming couture season. The front row seated the likes of Elton John, Sophie Marceau, Josh Hartnett and Korean girl group Illit.

Meanwhile, Al-Zuhair had a strong 2025, ending the year by joining Italian luxury fashion label Bulgari as a “Friend of the House.”

“I am delighted to announce that I have officially joined the Bulgari family as a Friend of the House. Looking forward to sharing more of our journey together — stay tuned!” Al-Zuhair said on social media, alongside a carousel of images.

In one, taken at a Bulgari party, the model shows off a soft pink gown by Lebanese fashion house Georges Hobeika. The event celebrated the Polychroma High Jewelry Collection, which was launched at May’s Met Gala in New York. 

Al-Zuhair, born in Paris to a French mother and Saudi father, has made her mark on the fashion world and appeared on the runway for an array of renowned fashion houses. She has walked for Missoni, Maison Alaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Balmain, Dolce & Gabbana, Giambattista Valli, Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab and more.

In addition to her runway appearances, Al-Zuhair has featured in campaigns for high-profile brands including Prada, Chanel and Carolina Herrera.