TOKYO (ANN/THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN) – In a significant move to bolster the vibrant manga culture of the nation, the Japanese government has unveiled its commitment to provide crucial financial support.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced this visionary initiative during a gathering of a bipartisan manga caucus on Wednesday, revealing his intention to allocate funding for this purpose within an upcoming economic stimulus package scheduled for Cabinet approval on Thursday.
This proactive step underscores the government’s recognition of the invaluable role manga plays in both Japan’s cultural heritage and its economy.
The caucus — chaired by House of Representatives member Keiji Furuya of the Liberal Democratic Party — submitted a written request on the day, asking for the establishment of a national facility for the preservation and utilisation of manga.
“We need a cultural facility and a training program for creators,” Kishida said. “We intend to create a system that will endure through the years.”
