[Illustration Fest SP 2025 Event Report] The winners of the
illustration contest have been selected from over 200 entries, and an exhibition of the winning works is being held at Ogaki Shoten’s Kyoto main store until September 30th.
Pi International Co., Ltd. Press release: September 22, 2025 To Members of the Press [“Illustration Fest SP 2025” Event Report] The winners of the illustration contest have been selected from over 200 submissions, and an exhibition of the winning works is being held at Ogaki Shoten’s Kyoto flagship store until September 30th. Pie International Inc. (Toshima Ward) and Ogaki Shoten Co., Ltd. (Kyoto City) jointly held “Illustration Fest SP 2025” from Friday, August 8th to Sunday, August 31st, 2025.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-442bfe83ceffc158547eaf30d105d6be-1415×2000.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-94dad3a7a9e3e824b5ea2a8c2bc172ef-1477×1108.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-c5d19969252aa5c84e135943642109e3-1477×1108.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-53749ccec2df468ef2f19ad05769f100-1477×1108.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-9775c5a2c9276a1a33b22803f0a87fc2-1477×1108.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-a187c7b6118e8b23467a95c7c1f7da24-1433×829.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-3ae41352a114a793117f5e0d50518e56-728×1199.jpg ・Work name: “Tanabata” ・Personal name: Maka-san ・Judge’s comments From the rich use of color and lighting, the symmetrical composition of the characters’ stillness and movement, and the eye-catching, detailed decorations, this work is full of meticulous attention to detail and ingenious design, and you can feel the power to entertain people from every angle. This work will tickle your boyish heart with its comical fun that hints at the beginning of the story, and I look forward to seeing even more of his exploits.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-247d3afb358bad276f3ec0169ed7743e-1200×1111.jpg ・Title: “Snow Woman’s Shaved Ice Shop” ・Phone number: Kazu Inukai ・Judge’s Comment I was immediately drawn to this performance, which offered a pleasant contrast to the traditional Yuki-onna. The Yuki-onna’s gestures and expressions as she uses her powers to make shaved ice are captivating, and the monsters in the background are lively and cute! I chose this piece because I thought it was enjoyable down to the smallest detail.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-aaf6408dd3e0b647549d5074eeef4774-1120×1199.jpg ・Title: “A Story Passed Down Through the Ages” ・Phone Number: Ringo Tsubaki ・Judge’s Comment This is a masterpiece, featuring expressive portrayals of the characters from fairy tales, vividly conveying the joy of reading a story. Even with the high density, each element is clearly depicted, and the artist’s composition is impressive, with a subtle shift in touch between reality and fantasy.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-d67c9813bfd137ed9b7e9ed47bf4076d-740×1200.jpg ・Title: “Ibuki in the Moonlight” ・Phone number: Parum ・Judge’s Comments The gaze of the girl gazing at us, wrapped in a soft breeze, is striking. The depiction of the delicate feathers and the sparkling light are soothing and seem to enhance the mystique of the piece. The realism of the water droplets is also impressive, and the piece is extremely well-finished. 1. Choose one art book of your choice from those published by Pie International 2. The winner will be introduced on the Pie Comics serialization page
(https://comics.pie.co.jp/story/nene)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-028c6c86675e8573f56d0b27164e5976-697×1200.jpg ・Title of work: “Goldfish Scooping” ・Phone number: Nene ・Judge’s Comment I felt a strange sense of comfort, like a daydream on a summer festival. By varying the touch of the people, cat, and goldfish, and adjusting the density of the background and foreground, I think the overlap and boundary between the two worlds is well expressed. Also, I think the inclusion of a cat as a secondary character adds interest to the composition and story. Encouragement Award (4 winners) – One copy of “SS (Small S)” magazine issue 83 (scheduled for release in October)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-ebd3267762d9ac80501a27b3ace4d964-1200×1137.jpg Title: “Asobi Nishiki” Phone number: Shirohatamei
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-ae22ad0567e39718d962015406e284c0-1101×1200.jpg Title: “Silence” Phone number: Shiro Sanada
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-2d1275419f00e6119c7372d36aa7b9e7-1096×1200.jpg Title: “The Mysterious Candy Shop” Phone number: Rifu-san Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-7458c14317ccc55099c772ec131ffbf1-1151×1200.jpg Title of work: “Suzuon” PN: Mr. ikuta The illustration contest winning exhibition is being held in the “Art” section of Ogaki Bookstore’s Kyoto Main Store until Tuesday, September 30th.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-8719728e2bd233227c4adca7a1540faf-960×1280.jpg *The event may be changed or canceled without notice. Thank you for your understanding. The results of this illustration contest and an interview with Parum, winner of the S Editorial Department Award, will be published in SS issue 83, on sale in October. For details, please visit Quarterly S Small S Official X.
◼︎Saturday, August 30th We held a Copic workshop led by illustrator Karin. Sponsored by: Copic
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-92fcbeb155529ffe880d1c965472b08c-1500×1500.jpg It was a rare opportunity to hear directly from Karin about Copic techniques and art while coloring her original line drawings together. <Event details>
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-c5f35864a531d86271b1a365696fb929-2028×1567.jpg Workshop Scene
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-bcbaa6071a1be15fcdcb9a80ccc2b9ba-914×1203.jpg Workshop Scenes
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-70e0c54e4a73dee424eb41c4f3723253-2048×1199.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-def9113df6d1ff853de158fbec044715-1500×1714.jpg Issue 82 of “SS (Small S),” featuring an original cover illustration by Karin, is now on sale at bookstores nationwide! Also included is the making of the cover illustration and a special interview with Nijisanji VTuber Kana Kenya. The analog art materials tutorials feature Copic markers, water-based markers, face paint, and acrylic paint. We also feature digital art materials tutorials and DTM courses. ・Magazine Details https://www.s-ss-s.com/ss/82
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-7a179ff82ccb26f6675574251d0a4f07-400×400.png [Author Profile] Karin An illustrator from Osaka. She creates works using analog art materials, including Copic markers, and primarily engages in creative activities through social media and exhibitions. Her works often incorporate motifs of Japanese elements, auspicious items, frills, and fairy tales. X: @11karin23 Instagram: 11karin23 ◼︎Sunday, August 31st A live painting and talk show was held by Seiji Yoshida, author of “The Story House.”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-31ade2bc256d4ee3237a06e5af4bc1d8-1500×1500.jpg The theme of the illustration was “Japanese-style room vignette illustration.” The participants were introduced to production tips and key points, and were also asked to answer questions from the participants. There was also a segment introducing the 2026 “Story House” calendar, which will be released in September. <Event details>
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-08ec91c42f38480e0d38badd0bfc3588-2880×2160.jpg Event venue
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-358225b10a2170e2d55048d1ac3b03a5-2029×1521.jpg Live painting scene
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-bb8031d007e32816ba099f5bfa0663ef-2028×1527.jpg Seiji Yoshida introducing the 2026 “Story House” calendar Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-72ccc54c26279272e239cd4d80c2e1f7-1600×1588.jpg The 2026 “Story House” wall calendar will be released on Friday, September 12th! ・Click here for calendar details
https://pie.co.jp/book/i/6045/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/12505/1134/12505-1134-a496de0d94443582f1960496eb5c05e6-400×400.jpg [Author Profile] ・Yoshida Seiji Illustrator. After working for a PC game maker, he has been working as a freelance background graphic designer since 2003. In addition to participating in numerous game productions, in recent years he has also worked on book cover illustrations. Lecturer at Kyoto University of the Arts. His works include “The Story House” (published by our company), “TIPS! A Collection of Tips to Make You Want to Draw” (MdN Corporation), and “Yoshida Seiji Collection & Complete Perspective Techniques” (Genkosha). X: @yoshida_seiji Instagram: yoshidaseiji_ S Editorial Department ●Official website: https://www.s-ss-s.com/ ●Official X: @kikan_s_ss ●Official Instagram: kikan_s_ss Contact information regarding this illustration contest ▼Contact form https://www.s-ss-s.com/contact/ Inquiries regarding this event Pie International Co., Ltd. 2-32-4 Minami-Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0005 TEL: 03-3944-3981 Website:https://pie.co.jp/ Comic Art homepage: https://pie.co.jp/comicart/ Comic Art Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/piecomicart/ Comic Art X:
https://twitter.com/PIE_Comic_Art Comic Art Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/pie_comic_art/ Comic Art Official Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqwh9TN9F1zoHQxHl5bqHTg