AnimeJapan is opening submissions for the AnimeJapan New Creator Awards 2027 on October 1, giving aspiring anime creators another opportunity to have their work recognized internationally. The competition will accept entries until February 6, 2027, with the Grand Prix winner receiving ¥1 million.
The awards were created to help discover and support emerging anime talent in Japan. The competition is returning for its second edition after AnimeJapan and Crunchyroll launched the initiative in 2025.
AnimeJapan New Creator Awards 2027 Opens to Japanese Students
The competition is available to students enrolled at educational institutions in Japan. Entrants can submit short animated films running approximately 15 minutes or less, including opening and ending credits.
The winning projects will also receive an opportunity to reach audiences outside Japan. Selected works are planned to become available through domestic and international streaming platforms, potentially giving young creators greater exposure.
The Grand Prix winner will receive ¥1 million, while the Crunchyroll Award winner will receive a ¥1 million scholarship. Four additional category winners will each receive ¥300,000 for achievements in technical application, direction, character design, and art.
AnimeJapan will also present a Special Award, which comes with opportunities to screen the winning short at anime conventions in Japan and overseas. The recipient will additionally receive a seminar led by active anime creators at their school.
The judging panel will consist of representatives from AnimeJapan's Executive Committee, which includes 22 anime companies and one organization. Winners are scheduled to be announced during the public days of AnimeJapan 2027, taking place on March 27 or 28.
The timing will coincide with a major change for the convention itself. AnimeJapan 2027 will be held at INTEX Osaka from March 26 to 28, marking the first time the event has moved outside Tokyo for an in-person edition.
The 2027 event will feature business days on March 26 and 27, while public days are scheduled for March 27 and 28. AnimeJapan will also remain in Osaka in 2028.
The move follows a record-breaking 2026 edition, which attracted 156,000 attendees across its two public days, surpassing the previous year's 152,400 visitors.
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