In a remarkable celebration of creativity and storytelling, Machiko Uryuno's manga "Alice, Even to the Universe" has been awarded the prestigious Manga Taisho 2025. The announcement was made on March 27, 2025, during a ceremony held in Tokyo, where Uryuno's work triumphed with an impressive 102 points, surpassing other notable entries.
The Manga Taisho, often regarded as one of the most significant accolades in the manga industry, is determined by a panel of bookstore employees who vote for the works they believe are the most compelling and worthy of recommendation. This year, the competition was fierce, with 238 titles nominated from works published between January 1 and December 31, 2024. The second place was claimed by Takeo Kuramochi's "Roadside Fujii" with 79 points, while Tetsuo Outani and Kuwahara's "Futsuu no Keionbu" secured third place with 75 points.
Uryuno, who has been in the manga industry for 16 years, expressed her elation at receiving the award, stating, "I wanted to win the Manga Taisho, so I am incredibly happy to achieve that goal. I told the editorial team that I would win a prize, and now I can say I’ve fulfilled that promise." This sentiment highlights her dedication to her craft and the personal significance of this recognition.
The story of "Alice, Even to the Universe" follows a young girl named Alice Asahida, who aspires to become Japan's first female space commander. Raised in a bilingual environment, Alice struggles with her language skills after the death of her parents, leading her to feel isolated and disconnected. However, her life takes a turn when she meets her genius classmate, Inunose Ryu, who helps her rediscover the joy of learning and encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming an astronaut.
Uryuno's narrative is rich with themes of resilience and ambition, showcasing Alice’s journey as she overcomes her struggles with academics and self-doubt. The author noted, "The theme of children being able to change their future through their own efforts is central to this work." This message resonates deeply, especially in a society where young people often face overwhelming pressures.
The manga, serialized in "Weekly Big Comic Spirits," has garnered attention not only for its engaging storyline but also for its realistic portrayal of space exploration. Uryuno collaborated with professionals from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to ensure accurate depictions of astronauts and space missions, stating, "I felt a sense of purification in my heart while talking with people involved in space development. Their beauty of heart and discussions about how to improve the world were deeply moving."
At the award ceremony, Uryuno received the commemorative gift from last year’s winner, Mudaniel Inuiko, who praised her work, saying, "I was thrilled to hear the news because I love this piece." This camaraderie among creators reflects the supportive environment within the manga community.
The success of "Alice, Even to the Universe" may inspire future generations of readers, particularly young women, to pursue careers in fields like space exploration, which have traditionally seen fewer female representatives. Uryuno's portrayal of Alice's determination and growth could serve as a beacon of hope and motivation for aspiring astronauts.
In addition to the top three winners, the Manga Taisho 2025 also recognized several other notable works. Fourth place went to Mizuki Izumi's "The Library's Great Magician" with 69 points, followed by Shiho Kido's "When the Dandelions Bloom" in fifth place with 51 points. Other contenders included "The School of Magic Returning to Life with an Ex-Lover" by Arin Shirakawa and Eiko Mutsuhana in sixth place, and Yama Kazuyama's "The Star in the Girl's Garden" in seventh place.
Uryuno's journey to this prestigious award has been a long one, involving years of development and revisions. She initially pitched a different concept for her story, but after feedback from editorial meetings, she pivoted to focus on a narrative that emphasized teamwork and the pursuit of ambitious goals. "When searching for a theme, I thought space would serve as a powerful symbol of distance and aspiration," she explained.
Reflecting on her career, Uryuno shared, "I was told by various editors that if I didn't start selling, it would be bad. That pressure motivated me to explore themes that would resonate with a wider audience." Her dedication to crafting relatable characters and meaningful stories has clearly paid off.
The Manga Taisho has been awarded since 2008, and this year marks its 18th iteration. The award has become a significant platform for promoting manga, with many past winners and nominees being adapted into anime and live-action films. Uryuno's work is expected to follow suit, capturing the imaginations of even more readers.
As Uryuno continues to develop Alice's story, readers can look forward to more adventures that not only entertain but also educate about the wonders and challenges of space travel. The release of the third volume of "Alice, Even to the Universe" is set for March 28, 2025, promising more inspiring moments and lessons about perseverance.
With its heartfelt narrative and inspiring protagonist, "Alice, Even to the Universe" stands as a testament to the power of dreams and the importance of education, encouraging readers to reach for the stars.
