The Agency of Cultural Affairs from Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, and Science has announced the 2014 Rookie Award for Art Encouragement, and it is none other than the legendary mangaka responsible for creating Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto.

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While not exactly a rookie, Kishimoto was given the award for the 15-year run of his beloved Naruto manga series which not only captured the imagination of the hearts of people around Japan, but the entire world.

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The award is given to those who excelled in the field of arts such as theater, cinema, music, dance, literature, art, broadcasting, public entertainment, and others, and is carried out in 11 media arts departments. The award includes a citation from the ministry as well as prize money. Kishimoto will be given the award in a ceremony conducted from 16 – 18 March 2015.

By “incorporating Oriental Culture, folklore, and history in stunning balance” and giving depth to a shounen manga, Kishimoto was cited as the winner. He has certainly gone a long way from a relative unknown to a world-renowned artist, and he surely is deserving of this award.

Source: Comic Natalie