Final Round of the 2025 MIZUHO ART SPORTS LIMITS National Student Championship
NDP Inc. Press Release: August 31, 2025 “MIZUHO ART SPORTS LIMITS National Student Championship 2025” Final Round “Art Koshien” will decide the No. 1 student artist! 12 teams that won preliminary rounds from all over the country will compete in a heated battle! Special supporter Ayane Sakura will also be cheering on the players!
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-cfbc4ca6c37268415d91180b6597c4c5-1500×1000.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-a97abb5bb1ad4a10d2d8bb142f1898ab-1500×1000.jpg Art Sports LIMITS is an art sports battle that began in 2015. Participants create artwork based on a randomly selected theme within a time limit, and the winner is determined by a judge. By evaluating not only the finished work but also the creative process, the competition is creating a new art culture that combines creativity and entertainment value. The competition aims to support “youth who are dedicated to creativity” and foster opportunities to connect with the world through art.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-85dc8b60f1c6cdbbfb289547aed0a64a-1500×1000.jpg In this final round of the competition, 12 teams that survived the first round in July will compete for the title of No. 1 student artist. Judges will include leading creators such as manga artists and illustrators. Additionally, voice actress Ayane Sakura appeared as a special supporter and offered warm words of encouragement to the contestants, saying, “It reminds me of the feeling I had in elementary school when I would peek at the pictures my talented friends were drawing next to me. The works are all so amazing, I’d be happy no matter which team won.” In this tournament, six teams were selected from 12 teams in the first battle, and two teams advanced to the finals in the semi-finals. In the tense final, the team’s passionate feelings were conveyed to the audience and judges, and the impressive victory went to “Kedama,” known for its animation. The winning team received a trophy, an Aomaru stuffed animal, and a trip to the MIZUHO ART SPORTS LIMITS Creative Tour in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Winning “Kedama” comment
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-02351e2eaa770bbf447a55663c08aaf4-1500×1000.jpg Kaishi University, Niigata Prefecture, “Kedama” “The theme of the final was ‘Blue Challenge,’ so I wanted to try drawing something I’d never drawn before. Inspired by the exhibition performance before the final round, I created a work with a breaking theme. I’m really happy to have won. I was worried that animation wouldn’t be a good fit for LIMITS, but I’m so happy that I was able to entertain everyone.” Comment from runner-up “Totoro”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-c33715abfc694b34621981eb7c0d8d3e-1500×1000.jpg Aichi Prefecture, Vantan Design Institute, “Totoro” “I’m personally very satisfied with this work, as it embodies everything that’s uniquely me. While I’m happy to have come in second place, I also feel a bit disappointed. However, I’m also very happy that the judges praised me. I’m looking forward to reporting my success to everyone who helped me when I get back home.” At the end of the tournament, MC Hikaru Shinohara was deeply moved by the fight that put their lives on the line, and urged Ayane Sakura to give a closing speech. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-1cff74a026599616502d520e7c285742-1500×1000.jpg “Some of you may go professional from here, and some may just continue doing art for fun. But if you want to be a pro, you can’t just draw for fun as a job, and you may hit a wall. But I’m sure everyone who fought in LIMITS will be fine. Even for those who are just drawing as a hobby or who haven’t decided on their future yet, I’m so happy that you’re just enjoying drawing and trying to entertain others. As a fellow creator, I really admire you. Keep up the great work.” (Ayane Sakura) This half-day, in which participants gave it their all and put their lives on the line, was an inspiring experience. We hope you’ll look forward to the next tournament! Event summary Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025 Doors open at 11:30 AM / Show begins at 12:00 PM Venue: Yokohama Landmark Hall (5F Landmark Plaza, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture) Special Supporter: Ayane Sakura MC: Hikaru Shinohara Simultaneous Event: “Creative Park,” a Creative Experience Event for Children Event Website:
https://sc2025.limits.jp/
In addition, a creative experience event for children, “Creative Park,” was held at the same time. We provided a space where children could experience digital art while playing and unleash their new creative potential.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/88517/111/88517-111-152b6db3fc5ed157ced1327af6709eb1-1500×1000.jpg Organized by: Art Sports “LIMITS National Student Championship” Executive Committee (AX-ON Inc. / NDP Co., Ltd. / P.A.I.N.T. Inc.) Contact Us info@paint-inc.jp
