Last year’s total number of entries was over 1,000! The globally popular illustration contest “Next ILLUST Award 2025” is being held and submissions are open from Monday, September 1st.
Pi Co., Ltd. International Press Release: September 1, 2025 To Members of the Press Last year, we received over 1,000 entries! The globally anticipated illustration contest “Next ILLUST Award 2025” is being held, and submissions will begin on Monday, September 1st. – A big chance to have your illustrations featured in “SS (Small S)” magazine, exhibited in Japan and overseas, and seen by a panel of esteemed judges including Range Murata, Mai Yoneyama, and Sakusha2! Application deadline: Thursday, December 25th. PIE International Inc. (Toshima Ward) will be collaborating with COMICUP (Shanghai City) to host the global illustration contest “Next ILLUST Award 2025” starting Monday, September 1st, 2025.
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English-speaking countries, and hosting a global contest. In 2024, award winners included esoratetora, who created a realistic landscape using colored pencils; Xu Conghui, who created a portrait of a beautiful woman in traditional Chinese clothing; and _grumpypotato, who created a charming forest animal scene. “ILLUST” is a term unique to Japan, but it’s what creators call visuals derived from manga, anime, and games. That’s why we deliberately included “ILLUST” in the name of the contest, hoping to raise awareness of this style around the world. This is a large-scale, global project run by “Quarterly S” and “SS (Small S),” which have been supporting the work of
up-and-coming creators for over 20 years. Winners will not only be featured in the magazine, but their works will also be exhibited in China and Japan, and they’ll be featured in in-depth articles and original illustrations. Through this project, we hope to spread ILLUST all over the world, build a bridge for people to connect with each other, and support the next generation of creators who take the step to try their hand at creating their own work. Thank you for your support. Pie International/S Editorial Department Submission Overview Submissions are accepted from Japan, China, and English-speaking countries. Following the “Next ILLUST Award 2024,” the judging committee will be comprised of three distinguished illustrators: Range Murata, Mai Yoneyama, and Sakusha 2, as well as the editorial staff of S Editorial Department, Pie Comic Art Editorial Department, Kinokuniya USA, Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific, COMICUP, and PROJECT AINS. The top-ranking works will be published in issue 85 of “Small S” magazine (scheduled for release on April 21, 2026). Their works will be exhibited at Kinokuniya USA stores, Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific stores, and Gallery Ecrit in Shibuya, and they will also be awarded fantastic prizes. Please submit your own illustrations! Eligibility to apply Anyone can participate, regardless of age, occupation, or nationality. Call Themes Submit an illustration of your choice based on a theme of your choice. Number of entries Up to 2 points Application Period (Japan Time) Monday, September 1, 2025 – Thursday, December 25, 2025, 11:59 PM Announcement of the Results “SS (Small S)” Issue 85 (Scheduled for release on April 21, 2026) Award-Winning Exhibition ・Kinokuniya USA Store ・Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific Store ・Gallery Ecrit (Shibuya) *We are currently determining locations for China and other countries. *Original work This refers to “a drawing of an original character created from scratch by the artist” and “not fan art based on a specific work or character.” ●How to Apply – Japan: Submit your illustration through the official website of Quarterly S or SS (Small S). https://www.s-ss-s.com/events/100 ・China: Please apply through the COMICUP website. In preparation ・English-speaking countries: Please apply through our dedicated Discord channel.
https://discord.gg/JGEw7fd4K5 ●Notes Please note that if any of the following apply to your work, it will be ineligible for selection and your award will be revoked. – Works that use, in whole or in part, images and text automatically generated by AI tools. – If it is found to infringe a third party’s copyright, portrait rights, or other rights. – Works that trace works created by a third party, or if it is suspected of doing so. ▼For other details on how to apply and important points to note, please visit the website below.
https://www.s-ss-s.com/c/NextILLUSTAward2025 ●Awards/Prizes Gold Prize (1 person) (1) CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO 2-Device Plan (36-month version) (2) Original illustration for a magazine (manuscript fee applies) (3) One art book published by PIE International Silver Prize (2 winners) (1) CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO 2-Device Plan (24-Month Edition) (2) Original illustration for a magazine (manuscript fee applies) (3) One art book published by PIE International Bronze Award (4 winners) (1) CLIP STUDIO PAINT PRO 1-Device Plan (12-month version) (2) One art book published by PIE International PROJECT AINS Award (1 person) (1) Gift card worth 30,000 yen Judge’s Award (8 winners) (1) One art book published by PIE International Judge
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-f5554bf13d5e530fcfa18d80fb5e72d3-1394×2000.jpg Range Murata Illustrator and character designer. In 1993, he gained attention for his character illustrations for the fighting game series “Gouketsuji Ichizoku” (Atlus). Around the same time, he began publishing illustrations in magazines such as “COMIC Kairakuten” (Wani Magazine) and “Ultra Jump” (Shueisha), marking his full-fledged career as an illustrator. His other character design works include the anime series “Blue Submarine No. 6,” “LAST EXILE,” “Shangri-La,” and “BEM,” as well as the games “Bakkenröder” and “Spy Fiction.” He has also published numerous novel cover illustrations and art books, and has held a number of exhibitions in recent years. X: @Murata_Range
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-986f3196eef0a84f4e60c04036fdd2dd-1492×2000.jpg ・Mai Yoneyama Animator and illustrator. Has worked as animation director and character designer on anime series such as “Kiznaiver,” “Kill la Kill,” and “Promare.” Currently active as an illustrator in a wide range of fields. X: @yoneyamai
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-b746821d70b3a09bbfbc3f96cd96e9e5-1245×1417.png ・Sakusha 2 An up-and-coming illustrator. Currently affiliated with ninelive., Inc., he is active in a wide range of genres, including character design, IP collaborations, advertising, video, and as a special lecturer at vocational schools. The total number of followers on his X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts has exceeded 1 million, attracting attention not only in Japan but around the world. X: @sakusya2honda ・S Editorial Department ・Pi Comic Art Editorial Department ・Kinokuniya USA ・Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific ・COMICUP ・PROJECT AINS The winning and selected works of the “Next ILLUST Award 2025” will be exhibited in Japan, China, the United States, Southeast Asia, and other regions. ⚫︎Exhibition Location ・Gallery Ecrits (Shibuya, Tokyo) ・Kinokuniya USA stores (America) ・Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific stores (Southeast Asia, etc.) *We are currently adjusting our locations for China and other countries. Details about the award exhibition will be announced at a later date. [Japan] Venue: Gallery Ecrit (Shibuya)
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-c6a81cf979f5d9370c4ad396d0e473b9-3900×2635.jpg [America] Venue: Kinokuniya USA store
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-b9af5fc26f9a30763e034cc7ecf15e17-3372×1774.jpg Los Angeles Store [Malaysia] Books Kinokuniya Malaysia Store Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-2a3af06a601a88680d80af90964b76b7-599×554.png The winning works of last year’s “Next ILLUST Award 2024” can be seen in issue 80 of “SS (Small S)” and on the special website. Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-f17f5aae9c70d402658b4a702325636f-1293×830.jpg ◆“SS (Small S)” No. 80 https://www.s-ss-s.com/ss/80 ◆“Next ILLUST Award 2024” special site (Japanese version)
https://www.s-ss-s.com/c/NextILLUSTAward2024-JP ◆“Next ILLUST Award 2024” special site (English version)
https://www.s-ss-s.com/c/NextILLUSTAward2024-EN ●Number of submitted works [Japan] Via the Quarterly S website submission form 844 points [China] Via COMICUP special site 168 points [Worldwide] PIE
International Via Discord 340 points Introducing the Achievements of the “Next ILLUST Award 2024” Winners ◼︎Gold Award: esoratetora (X: @esoratetora) – “Quarterly S” Issue 90: Original illustrations and making-ofs
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-6958df546912df72256d89fdf94cb0fa-1108×1108.jpg ・“Quarterly S” issue 90 details https://www.s-ss-s.com/s/90 ◼︎Silver Award: _grumpypotato (Instagram: leojiaz) – “SS (Small S)” Issue 82: Original illustration
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-d0c955b4ce10f388658dd7dd1acd1aa0-1280×1280.jpg ・“SS (Small S)” No. 82 details https://www.s-ss-s.com/ss/82 ◼︎Silver Award: Mr. Xu Yubin (X:@xuconghui32) – Issue 91 of “Quarterly S” (on sale from Thursday, September 18th): Includes original illustrations What are the magazines “Quarterly S” and “SS (Small S)”?
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-d509ba58b6b141a9fd99b94f7ed4d12f-1199×1582.jpg “Quarterly S” 90th issue cover “Quarterly S” A comprehensive magazine for story and character expression. We report stories and visual expressions while introducing the cross-genre world of manga, illustrations, anime, games, movies, stages, and photographs. ・Release date: Released around the 15th of March, June, September, and December https://www.s-ss-s.com/books/s/ ▼The Quarterly S Editorial Department is holding a screening committee! Entries can be submitted via the S HP or by mail for each issue. https://www.s-ss-s.com/events Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-8637ce03fa9caf6c5044c7efef28c231-1477×1009.jpg Selection of works (at the time of “Quarterly S” issue 90) Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-698587684c2a778beae31b3af172ea0e-1477×993.jpg Selection of works (at the time of “Quarterly S” issue 89) Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-a0026a4d0266c0bb4c9d9f5429dc7c9f-1500×1714.jpg “SS (Small S)” issue 82 cover “SS” I love illustrations! I want to draw it! A making and posting magazine for people who want to Full of analog art supplies and digital illustration making articles, as well as illustration submission pages. ・Release date: Released around the 20th of January, April, July, and October
https://www.s-ss-s.com/books/ss/ ●Official website:
https://www.s-ss-s.com/ ●Official X: @kikan_ss_ss ●Official Instagram: kikan_s_ss Co-sponsored ・Pi International Co., Ltd./S Editorial Department
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https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-713da7f9f7a93eeb0be99b1460c664ff-400×182.jpg ・COMICUP Cooperation ・Kinokuniya USA/Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-2b70e1f24cb315521868bc0d03abdad9-400×182.jpg Sponsored ・CLIP STUDIO PAINT
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-4ed7deb21fde9271108eb94f0fd3014a-2487×1130.png ・PROJECT AINS
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1132/12505-1132-d2dba5f1e45ba63453c0d6be08a40365-2487×1130.jpg *Events are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Thank you for your understanding. Contact information regarding this contest ▼Inquiry form https://www.s-ss-s.com/contact/ Pai Inc. International 2-32-4 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005 TEL: 03-3944-3981 Homepage: https://pie.co.jp/
