The Italian government has a prestigious award for foreigners and expatriates called the Star of Italy. They give it out to people who contribute and promote the ” growth of Italian culture and friendly relations between Italy and other countries”. However, they don’t give it to just anyone, and getting one is a huge achievement as it’s also an honorary knighthood. Now, the Italian government has given one to a mangaka for the first time. Of course, this mangaka is none other that Thermae Romae’s Mari Yamazaki.
To be exact, the Italian government awarded her the Order of the Star of Italy, Commendatore (Commander, third class). This would make her a recognised knight in Italy. She received the award/honorary knighthood in the Italian Ambassador to Japan’s residence.
And the mangaka is actually very fond of “Europe’s Big Boot”, and this may be because she actually lived there for a while. In fact, she wrote plenty of essays, as well as other works about Italy itself, including manga. She displays her knowledge of Italy in her critically-acclaimed manga series, Thermae Romae. Her other Italy-inspired work, BVLGARI o Tsukutta Otoko – Sotirios Voulgaris, focused on Bulgari’s founder, Sotirios Voulgaris.
Her achievements in manga seem to be enough for Italy itself to recognise her work. Congratulations Commendatore Mari Yamazaki!
Source: Comic Natalie
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