Mexican Manga Student Rox Nominated for Sunday Webry Newcomer Award 2026

Celebrating Rox: A Rising Star in Manga

In an exciting development in the world of manga, Rox, a 19-year-old student from Mexico, has made it to the final candidacy for the Sunday Webry Newcomer Award as part of the Global Tokiwaso Project. The results, announced in June 2026, spotlight her exceptional talent and hard work. This nomination signifies an important milestone, as Rox is not only the second candidate from the program but also the first female to achieve this in consecutive years, following the success of Gin from Uruguay in 2025.

Global Tokiwaso Project: Nurturing Talent

The Global Tokiwaso Project, operated by DEOW, is dedicated to supporting international students aspiring to enter the manga industry. This unique program offers communal living in a dedicated residence, professional instruction, and assistance with refining their work. By fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, DEOW facilitates the debut of promising talents like Rox into the Japanese manga scene.

What is the Sunday Webry Newcomer Award?

Organized by Shogakukan’s Web comic service, Sunday Webry, this monthly newcomer award features a rapid review process with results released about a week after submission deadlines. Each awardee is paired with an editor for ongoing guidance and support, creating a nurturing atmosphere for aspiring manga artists. For the June 2026 session, there were two final candidates in the free genre and one in the four-page segment.

Meet Rox and Her Work, “Veil Agency”

Hailing from Mexico, Rox moved to Japan at the age of 17 to pursue her dream of becoming a professional manga artist. Since September 2024, she has been participating in the Global Tokiwaso Project, where she has honed her skills alongside other aspiring manga creators from around the world. After nearly 21 months in the program, her hard work bore fruit with the nomination for her work, “Veil Agency”, an occult action piece featuring exorcists Nico and Sam. Rather than relying on force, the narrative unfolds through dialogue, unraveling the spirits' grievances.

Rox's Reflections

Expressing her gratitude, Rox stated: "Coming from Mexico at 17 to chase my dream of becoming a professional manga artist has been a journey. I am truly thrilled to receive this recognition. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the editorial team and everyone who has supported me along the way. I hope to continue creating stories that resonate with people across borders and languages."

Achievements of the Global Tokiwaso Project

The Global Tokiwaso Project has made noteworthy strides in fostering international talent. In addition to Rox's nomination, the project has seen past participants recommend notable works, including:

- Gin from Uruguay (June 2025 session finalist)
- Poodz from the USA with his title “Rosalie & Burkhardt,” published in Dengeki Daioh
- Ongoing serialization in comic Zerais starting April 2026 with “Five Minutes Ace.”

DEOW's Vision for the Future

DEOW envisions a future where the manga industry continues to thrive with a diverse array of voices. As noted by company president Masahiro Manabe, "Manga is a global phenomenon, and with each new candidate like Rox, we are one step closer to seeing stories that surpass cultural boundaries. We anticipate more creators from around the world making their mark, inspired by iconic works like Dragon Ball and One Piece."

For those interested in following Rox's journey or the entire Global Tokiwaso Project, here are some useful links:

DEOW Company Overview

- Company Name: DEOW Inc.
- Representative: Masahiro Manabe, President
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Business Area: Study abroad support, education, international human resource development
- Program Page
- International Services Site
- Instagram for International Audience
- Domestic Services Site
- Domestic Instagram