KYOTO — In Japan and other parts of Asia, "manga" comic books are not only escapist entertainment but also a powerful and effective medium to educate a broad range of people on important topics like environmental conservation and food safety.

That was the message delivered Sunday in Kyoto at a symposium of international manga artists during the Ninth International Manga Summit, which has brought together artists from nearly 20 countries.

The summit, which began Saturday and ends Monday, has focused on the works of world-famous artists known to manga fans in the United States, Europe and Asia, and artists from East Asia.