“20th AIVIL Instagram Photo Contest” – Results Announcement –
Tricoh Industries, Inc. Press Release: October 1, 2025 “20th AIVIL Instagram Photo Contest” – Results
Announcement – Hot Hair Design Photo Coin Test Made with a Hair Iron: Grand Prize Winner is Shogo Tsubakikura The 20th Hot Hair Design Photo Contest (nicknamed the AIVIL Insta Photo Contest,
https://www.torico.co.jp/contest/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-03aea5d776648df7a4adae212af3f349-2024×2700.jpg “NOMADIC DUALITY” Tsubakikura Shogo(TLACE.)@tsubakikura_tlace Grand Prix “NOMADIC DUALITY” @tsubakikura_tlace Shogo Tsubakikura (Gifu Prefecture) Affiliation: TLACE. / Toyama Artist Academy (now Toyama Beauty College), Graduated in 2011 -Award-winning comment- “This year, I wanted to create as many works as possible and enter photo contests. I happened to be watching a TV program about Africa, which inspired me to create an ethnic-inspired piece, which led me to submit my work. I used a yellow choker, yellow hair, and makeup to create a sense of unity and ethnicity, while also keeping in mind the theme of ‘contrast’ and elegance. Lately, I’ve been creating a lot of tight-fitting pieces, and I wanted to create something with volume. Honestly, I was surprised to receive the Grand Prix. It’s all the more gratifying that the piece I created, which I did what I wanted to do through a chance encounter and trial and error, was selected! I want to continue cherishing my desire to create and take on new
challenges.” Comments by each judge Ueda Mieko Ueda [Mieko Ueda STUDIO] Theme: ★★★ Technical Ability: ★★ Worldview: ★★★ “This piece features a striking contrast between the yellow and black hair colors. The curly texture is not only sweet, but also captivating, with the model’s mysterious coolness and makeup creating a mystical quality!” Atsushi Komatsu [HEAVENS] Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★ Worldview ★★★ “The contrast between the hair color and the ridged curls is conscious. The warm yellow contrasting with the model’s cool expression is a perfect match. The inclusion of these contrasting elements adds strength to the work. The styling is also excellent, with a solid shape and rhythmic placement. However, be careful not to over-calculate it, as it will lose its unexpectedness.” Miyachi Noriyoshi [SHACHU] Theme: ★★★ Technical Ability: ★★★ Worldview: ★★★ “The balance between the light and dark of the color design and the movement of the curl-based hair is amazing! I think the quality of the hairstyle is simply very high! The curls in the bangs are original and suit the model perfectly, making it eye-catching! The bangs are a key point, and I think the direction is very good. You have a rich imagination and high skills, so I hope you continue to create many cool hairstyles! Congratulations!” Shichigosakake Shinji [OCEAN TOKYO】 Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “I thought it was a very sophisticated piece. The color is also wonderful, with the
diamond-shaped silhouette visible in the black areas tightening and balancing the yellow curly hair. I learned a lot.” miKa [hodos] Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “From the selection of the model to the creation of the atmosphere, there was consistency, and the story behind it was very easy to understand. I was very impressed by the use of colors that matched the model’s charm. The camera’s distance and angle were natural, and the way the facial expressions were captured left a lasting impression. The carefully crafted textures give the photo depth, and there’s a gentleness within the exoticism, making it a highly polished piece. Congratulations on winning the Grand Prize!” Francis Courtney [Denman] Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★ Worldview ★★ “The hair design is a masterful embodiment of contrast and texture, echoing the philosophical depth of the title. The voluminous curls, transitioning from roots to luminous blonde tips, reflect a deliberate interplay between shadow and light, which is central to the concept. Achieving this look requires a high level of expertise in color blending, precision cutting, and curl definition. The styling balances chaos and control, creating sculptural forms that elevate hairstyling to the realm of art. The work is technically complex and thematically rich.” [Original text] The hair design is a masterful embodiment of contrast and texture, echoing the philosophical depth of the title. The voluminous curls, transitioning from dark roots to luminous blonde tips, reflect a deliberate interplay between shadow and light, which is central to the concept. Achieving this look demands a good level of expertise in color blending, precision cutting, and curl definition. cutting, and curl definition. The styling balances chaos and control, creating a sculptural form that elevates hairdressing to fine art. It’s a technically complex and thematically rich creation. Maria Kajiyama [Editor-in-Chief of Hair Mode] Theme: ★★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “This piece was eye-catching, with a clear image of an exotic woman that suited the model perfectly. While the decorative curls tend to be tossed and blended, the designer deliberately emphasized their thickness and volume, creating a fresh hook for the piece. The mix of patterned yellow curls and the contrasting black curls that tighten the piece adds depth to the piece’s worldview and effectively expresses the theme of ‘expression with a hair iron’ and ‘contrast.’ The silhouette created by the delicate curls on the outline, contrasted with the curls in the front, is also beautiful!” Jury Award Ueda Mieko Award〈Mieko Ueda Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-4a6742826a039d4ff0d1dccec4819233-1759×2518.jpg Tempest Eco Yumiko Horiguchi (Berry’s Braids) @braidartist_yummy Mieko Ueda Award “Tempest Eco” @braidartist_yummy Yumiko Horiguchi (Chiba Prefecture) Affiliation: Berry’s Braids / Graduated from Toyo Barber and Beauty College in 2011 [Message from Judge Mieko Ueda] Theme ★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “At a glance, the movement of the hair is dynamic and energetic! It’s an impressive piece that matches the wildness of the model’s eyes. The natural, wind-blown, floating feel of the finished piece shows advanced technique.” Komatsu Atsushi Award〈Komatsu Atsushi Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-7e3b904b01270b542e56ddfc1b672756-1909×2700.jpg windandwindows Nagi(TRUTH)@nagiiino Atsushi Komatsu Award
“windandwindows” @nagiiino Nagi (Chiba Prefecture) Affiliation: TRUTH / Paris Cosmetology School Class of 2014 [Message from Judge Atsushi Komatsu] Theme ★★ Technical Ability ★★ Worldview ★★★ “I like the style. However, while it seems you chose to go monochrome, a color photo with reduced saturation and increased contrast might have been better. I’d like the hair to have more movement, or more details like curls and color, or more presence as a hair design. I think the image and desire to create are good, but try to express the emotions that arise from within you.” Miyachi Noriyoshi Award
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-782aff9a56a6ceb905ee49973a16a202-2160×2700.jpg Diffuse Reflection: Nao Kawasaki (NB ACADEMY A.C.T.) @__naonopl2 Miyachi Noriyoshi Award “Diffuse Reflection” @__naonopl2 Nao Kawasaki (Tokyo) Affiliation: NB ACADEMY A.C.T / Japan Beauty College, Class of 2021 [Message from Judge Miyachi Noriyoshi] Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “The accent colors are so cute! The lighting colors are also beautifully artistic, and I personally really liked this piece! The mood of the model and the mood of the piece match perfectly, making for a very high-quality piece! I thought this was a very eye-catching and stylish piece among all of his work! I hope he continues to create many beautiful hairstyles with this sense! Congratulations!” Shimekake Shinji Award〈Shichigosankake Shinji Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-35ee8444f4586c53f909044a653f48fc-1722×2435.jpg unisex Chiharu Yamamoto (NIKO) @nikochiharu Shichigosankake Shinji Award “unisex” @nikochiharu Chiharu Yamamoto (Mie Prefecture) Affiliation: NIKO / Graduated from Chunichi Beauty College in 2004 [Message from Judge Shichigosakake Shinji] Theme: ★★★ Technical Ability: ★★★ Worldview: ★★★ “Personally, this was my favorite piece. The contrast between yellow and black and the fine details are unique, and I thought the exquisite balance fit the model beautifully. The quality of the photograph is also excellent.” miKa Award 〈miKa Award〉 addict Ai Yoshida (Yoyogi Uehara Beauty Salon) @ai.hair miKa Award “addict” @_ai.hair_ Ai Yoshida (Tokyo) Affiliation: Yoyogi Uehara Beauty Salon / Japan Beauty College Graduated in 2013 [Message from the miKa judges] Theme ★★★ Technical ability ★★★ Worldview ★★★ “I really felt your sharp sense and the depth of your unique thinking. Your ability to balance consistency, sharp expression, aggressive strength, and softness is only possible because of your solid foundation and foundation, which I envy! It’s a one-of-a-kind piece that I couldn’t have created on my own, and I was overwhelmed by its high level of completion and strong individuality. Congratulations!” Hair Mode Award〈Hair Mode Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-4a87a88648300566700daa36f61177f0-1948×2435.jpg Kodak Haruna Maeda (Pluss) @maeda0228 Hair Mode Award “Kodak” @maeda0228 Haruna Maeda (Fukuoka Prefecture) Affiliation: Pluss / Hollywood World Beauty College, Class of 2019 [Message from Judge Maria Kajiyama, Hair Mode] Theme ★★ Technical Ability ★★★ Worldview ★★ “This is an interesting piece, with a tight, flared texture that directly expresses the theme of ‘contrast.’ While the interpretation of the theme is quite bold, the silhouette and texture are beautiful, demonstrating the skill of a professional. Furthermore, every detail of the design is well thought out, from the cut of the hair ends that brings out the light, natural movement to the length that accentuates the model’s striking eyes. One thing that caught my eye was the simplicity of the costume, background, and other elements, which is precisely because the silhouette evokes a sense of unreality. While subtraction is important, I would like to see some further ingenuity to hint at the artist’s unique worldview.” Denman Award〈Denman Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-50fb59ca7c96e7b50a42340873a9553f-1108×1477.jpg Yugen Seki Sumire (at) @sumire_seki Denman Award “Yugen” @sumire_seki Sumire Seki (Fukuoka Prefecture) Affiliation: at / Fukuoka Beauty College, Class of 2025 [Message from Denman’s Francis Courtney] Theme ★★★ Technical Ability ★★ Worldview ★★★ “This hair design, an interpretation of the ethereal, is a captivating blend of elegance and mystery. The long, wavy texture, accentuated by dramatic red lighting, evokes depth and emotional resonance. Achieving this style requires refined technique in shaping the waves and careful layering to maintain flow and volume. Lighting adds a theatrical dimension, amplifying the style’s ethereal quality. It is a technically accomplished and thematically rich piece that captures quiet beauty and fragility. ” The hair design in this interpretation of Yugen is a captivating blend of elegance and mystique. The long, wavy texture, enhanced by dramatic red lighting, evokes a sense of depth and emotional resonance. Achieving this look requires refined techniques in wave formation and careful layering to maintain flow and volume. The lighting adds a theatrical dimension, amplifying the ethereal quality of the style. It’s a technically accomplished and thematically rich expression of quiet beauty and transience. Best Student Award & School Award〈Best Student School Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-3da73e385d59cb25790b003025c206bb-1206×1783.jpg Complementary Color Finger Aonami (Glameur Beauty College) @a7_hair Best Student School Award “Complementary color” @a7_hair Finger Mr. Aonami Affiliation: Currently in her second year at Glamour Beauty College [Message from Judge Miyachi Noriyoshi] Theme: ★★★ Technical Ability: ★★★ Worldview: ★★★ “This is an extremely powerful piece of work! The comprehensive direction of hair, makeup, and camera is at a level that makes it hard to believe that he is a student! To be honest, I think his sensuous abilities are far beyond the level of a working hairdresser! It’s amazing how the one-toned dark-haired model is brought out so much by the color of her eye makeup and the lighting! I’m really looking forward to the future because she’s so good at this point! Please continue to take on many challenges! Great job! Congratulations!” Student Award &School Award〈Student School Excellence Award〉
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/127335/20/127335-20-90df846965260a6d5424d9370322daea-2025×2700.jpg Determination to survive Aito Enomoto (Waseda Beauty College) @aito_enomoto 学生学校優秀賞 「生き抜く覚悟」 @aito_enomoto Mr. Aito Enomoto Affiliation: 1st year student at Waseda Beauty College [Hairmodesha Kajiyama] Message from judge Maria】 Theme ★★ Technical ability ★ Worldview ★★★ “All the elements, such as the model’s expression, passionate hair color, and glittering texture, fit together perfectly, and the passion that went into the painting seems to come out.On the other hand, the theme of “contrast” is also conscious throughout, such as the movement of the hair expressed in delicate clumps, and the more you look at it, the more interesting it becomes. The dark coloring of the roots also lends a sense of reality to the work, and it fits the theme of focusing on people. There were some parts of it that I felt could be a step closer to sophistication, such as the long-lasting front setting, so I’m looking forward to further refinement.” [What is Hot Hair Design (AIVIL) Photo Contest? 】 The Hot Hair Design Photo Contest began in 2006 with the curly hair boom that swept through the early 21st century, including Kobe-maki and Nagoya-maki. From 2019, it has been changed to Instagram Photocon. We have set a recruitment theme, and everyone from salon owners to hairdressing students have posted a variety of colorful and energetic works on Instagram. Past award-winning works can be viewed on the Trico Industries official website.
https://www.torico.co.jp/contest-list/ アイビルオフィシャルInstagram(@aivil___) https://www.instagram.com/aivil___/