Call for Entries: 9th Edition of Short Video Contest '26 Seconds Carnival' Hosted by Film Director Takashi Miike with a 100,000 Yen Prize

Short Video Contest '26 Seconds Carnival' by Film Director Takashi Miike

The 9th edition of the short video contest '26 Seconds Carnival', judged by film director Takashi Miike, opens for submissions on June 5, 2026. The theme for the 9th edition is 'I Am Not Like You'.

For instance, you can express the sense of incongruity you feel in daily life toward someone else, much like Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us', or you can express something like 'The world is beautiful because everyone is different'. It is entirely up to you.

Please relax your sensibilities, think freely, and create unrestrictedly.

We are looking for works from all over the country that freely express themselves in just 26 seconds of video. In addition to the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards (100,000 yen each), we aim to discover a wide range of talent from professionals, amateurs, and students through various categories, including Honorable Mentions (50,000 yen x 2) and Student Awards (50,000 yen x 2). The deadline for the 9th edition is Sunday, September 13, 2026. We look forward to your applications.

Welcoming the 9th '26 Seconds Carnival'.

Every time, I am grateful for the many wonderful works submitted, while at the same time being surprised and moved by their high quality and passion.

I enjoy watching the works while judging them.

The theme for the 9th '26 Seconds Carnival' is 'I Am Not Like You'.

For instance, you can express the sense of incongruity you feel in daily life toward someone else, much like Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us', or you can express something like 'The world is beautiful because everyone is different'. It is entirely up to you.

Please relax your sensibilities, think freely, and create unrestrictedly.

Enjoy the creation process, be courageous, and submit your work.

[Background] About the Short Video Contest '26 Seconds Carnival'

In an era where anyone can now create short videos, the 9th call for entries for the short video contest '26 Seconds Carnival', a new initiative led by film director Takashi Miike, began on June 5, 2026.

Advancements in video technology have created a world where anyone can easily make a video. While this transformation is welcome in many ways, it has also raised concerns that the essence of video production is being neglected. In recent years, with the emergence of short video apps, we have witnessed a phenomenon where the pursuit of view counts has become prevalent in some areas. In response, Miike wanted to provide an opportunity to reconsider the essence of video production—such as video quality, awareness of the audience, gratitude towards the team involved in the production, and the experience of earning money from one's own work. Through this contest, we aim for new developments in video production and hope that all video creators will take a further leap forward.

Eligibility

All video creators, regardless of professional or amateur status * Only one submission per person for each edition (multiple entries are not allowed)

How to Apply

Step 1) Shoot the short video Step 2) Upload it as an 'Unlisted' video on your own YouTube channel Step 3) Fill out the application form with the unlisted YouTube URL

Video Requirements

⚫︎ Duration: 26 seconds ⚫︎ Project Theme: 'Make a miracle in 26 seconds and enrich your life' ⚫︎ 9th Edition Theme: 'I Am Not Like You' ⚪︎ Notes (Please check the official website for details) ⚪︎ The video must be unpublished (You may use it on other media after the selection process) ⚪︎ It must not infringe on the rights of others ⚪︎ Filming methods and whether or not to edit are free choices ⚪︎ The use of Generative AI is also allowed

Awards

⚫︎ Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards: 100,000 yen prize money ⚫︎ Honorable Mentions: 50,000 yen prize money x 2 winners ⚫︎ Student Awards: 50,000 yen prize money x 2 winners ⚫︎ Additional Prize: Publication of the winning works and winner information on our website

Selection Process

⚫︎ Application Period: June 5, 2026 – September 13, 2026, 23:59 ⚫︎ Judging: September ⚫︎ Announcement of Results: Scheduled for mid-October ※ The judging process will remain confidential. The secretariat may contact candidates regarding their submissions.

Thoughts on Introducing the Student Award

Until now, the '26 Seconds Carnival' has opened its doors to various video creators, whether professionals, amateurs, or AI. The reason for establishing the 'Student Award' following the 6th edition is to provide young people who are touching video production for the first time with an even greater chance for self-expression. Director Miike believes that the pure perspectives and innovative ideas of student creators who carry the future will greatly expand the possibilities of video.

Director Miike stated, 'I want young talents to express themselves freely without fear of failure. I want them to fully demonstrate the sensibilities and eagerness to learn that only students possess on this 26-second stage.' Through the Student Award, we will fully support the next generation of video creators in taking their first steps to deliver their 'voices' to society.

Past themes and winning works (https://www.miiketakashi.com/26/)