"DANDADAN" Author Yukinobu Tatsu Announces Winning the Minister of Education's Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists, Fans Rejoice: "Sensei's Art is Just Too Good"

On the official X account of manga artist Yukinobu Tatsu, it was announced that he received the Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The news has become a hot topic, flooded with congratulatory messages from numerous fans.

Tatsu shared his joyful announcement with the comment: "I have just received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists! It is a great honor! Thank you so much! The person who wrote this certificate has incredibly good handwriting!"

Included in the post was a photo of the awarded certificate. In the center of the certificate, phrases such as "Art Encouragement Prize for New Artists from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology," "For Achievements in 'DANDADAN'," and "Mr. Yukinobu Tatsu" are proudly inscribed. Additionally, alongside the date of March 17, Reiwa 8 (2026), the signature and seal of Yohei Matsumoto, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, can be seen.

"DANDADAN" is an occult battle and coming-of-age story currently serialized by Tatsu on "Shonen Jump+". The story unfolds when Momo (Momo Ayase, CV: Shion Wakayama), a high school girl born into a family of spirit mediums, and Okarun (Ken Takakura, CV: Natsuki Hanae), her classmate and an occult fanatic, encounter overwhelmingly bizarre entities that transcend human understanding. It is a highly talked-about work that gained massive popularity for its unpredictable storyline and breathtaking art, ultimately receiving a hit anime adaptation.

In response to the award announcement, fans have left numerous comments praising the work's appeal and celebrating the win, such as, "That's because every single panel in DANDADAN is a work of art," "Sensei, your art is just too good," "I'm as happy as if it were my own award," and "Congratulations!"

(C)Yukinobu Tatsu/SHUEISHA,DANDADAN Production Committee