Japanese publishing giant Kodansha is apparently sponsoring an International Manga Competition:

Competition entries being accepted now!

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and publishing over 500,000 copies weekly, ‘Morning’ is the biggest and most prominent manga magazine for grown-ups in Japan. In the 25 years since the very first issue, the magazine has been host to such mega hits as ‘Vagabond,’ ‘The Silent Service,’ ‘Say hello to BLACK JACK,’ and ‘GON,’ and has had continual and significant influence on Japanese society. Now, we are expanding our horizons and holding a competition across the globe, including the U.S., Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and China, in order to seek out and develop new talent.

Deadline – last acceptable postmark / backstamp on or before: 31st May 2007

Grand prize: US $5000, two second prizes of US $2000 each

As part of the grand prize, the winning manga will be featured in ‘Morning’, the most influential manga magazine for grown-ups in Japan, boasting a circulation of over 500,000 copies a week. In addition, the most experienced manga editors of ‘Morning’ will be assigned to authors of the winning manga pieces, and assist in the development of their manga. There is also the possibility that the winning manga and more pieces of the winning author will be not only featured in ‘Morning’, but could also well be published as independent comic books both in Japan and in other countries. (There is a possibility that no entry will be awarded the Grand Prize).

More rules and info in the link.