Special Judges Announced for ENSAPIA Digital Art Contest 2026 to Discover Next-Generation Digital World and Digital Fashion Creators

ENSAPIA Tokyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mai Ishiwata; company name changed from Cocone Co., Ltd. on June 1, 2026; ENSAPIA pronounced en-say-pia) has decided the judges for the 'ENSAPIA Digital Art Contest 2026,' which will start accepting entries from June 15, aiming to discover next-generation digital world and digital fashion creators. The judges are internationally active artists and creators.

Special Judges Introduction

This contest values not only the completeness of works but also creativity that looks ahead to self-expression in digital space, relationships, and cultural expansion.

Therefore, we have invited individuals who have built unique perspectives in fashion, culture, art, and world-building as judges.

We hope they will think together about the future digital world where diverse selves can be expressed and new places and cultures can be created online, and discover the potential of next-generation creators.

(In no particular order, titles omitted)

Sayumi Gunji

(Editor / Fashion Creative Director)

After working as a fashion writer for 'ViVi' editorial department, she contributed to the launch of 'GLAMOROUS.' After joining Condé Nast Japan, she served as deputy editor-in-chief of 'GQ JAPAN' and creative director of 'VOGUE GIRL.' After 'Numero TOKYO,' she became independent. She has provided fashion supervision for the drama 'First Class' and corporate consulting, among other activities. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's 'Fashion Future Study Group,' Chair of the 'Fashion Law WG,' and Creative Director of the Cabinet Office's 'Cool Japan Public-Private Platform.'

Sebastian Masuda

(Artist / Creative Director)

Born in 1970. Lives in New York.

Since 1995, based in Harajuku, Tokyo, he has consistently created works that transcend the boundaries of art, fashion, and entertainment with his unique sense of color. He created the art for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's 'PONPONPON' music video and produced the KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, helping to spread Kawaii culture worldwide. He continues to create using all phenomena in the world as materials.

2017: Cultural Exchange Ambassador of the Agency for Cultural Affairs / 2018: Visiting Researcher at New York University / 2019: Selected as one of Newsweek Japan's '100 Most Respected Japanese People in the World'

AMIAYA (Model / DJ / Creative Director of 'jouetie')

PINK twins unit. They have many faces as models, DJs, and creative directors of 'jouetie,' and are fashion icons representing Tokyo who travel the world. They are active on the global stage, appearing in fashion magazines, brand campaigns and advertisements, and front rows of fashion shows. Furthermore, the apparel brand 'jouetie,' for which they serve as creative directors, has grown into a popular brand supported by a wide range of people.

What is ENSAPIA Digital Art Contest 2026?

ENSAPIA Group creates a digital world as 'another place to be' where people can be themselves without being bound by nationality, race, gender, etc., through avatars. In this digital world, discovering and supporting young next-generation creators is considered important for expanding the possibilities of fashion into new areas.

This contest is part of such initiatives and will be held for the second time. Following the previous edition, we aim to widely solicit more diverse and innovative ideas and jointly envision the future of digital fashion.

Contest Overview

【Theme】

Brand New Me - New self-expression in the digital world

【Application Period】

June 15 (Mon) - September 30 (Wed), 2026

【Eligibility】

Individuals aged 15 to under 35 (as of April 1, 2026; junior high school students not eligible; consent of a guardian required if under 18)

Use of generative AI is not allowed

One entry per category

【Categories】

Avatar Fashion Category / Original Character Category / Worldview and Spatial Composition Category

【Awards】

Grand Prize: 500,000 yen; total prize money: 3,000,000 yen

【Judging Results and Award Ceremony】

November 25 (Wed), 2026

【Organizer】

ENSAPIA Tokyo Co., Ltd. *Company name changed from Cocone Co., Ltd. on June 1, 2026

【Official Website】

https://dac.cocone-one.com/

Please see the official website for detailed application information.

About ENSAPIA Tokyo Co., Ltd.

ENSAPIA Tokyo Co., Ltd. (company name changed from Cocone Co., Ltd. on June 1, 2026) is a core content company of the ENSAPIA Group that plans and produces digital world services such as the smartphone avatar dress-up communication app 'Pokecolo' series, 'Livly Island,' and 'PuriNista.'

Aiming to create 'a place where everyone can be themselves,' it has provided over 1.2 million types and 30 billion units of digital fashion items. Furthermore, by utilizing its own generative AI, it is promoting the construction of a new digital world where customers themselves can create items and participate as creators.

About the ENSAPIA Group

With bases in Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, Estonia, the United Kingdom, and other locations worldwide, it globally develops avatar-centered digital world services. It is also actively engaged in next-generation human resource development, including the application of generative AI technology, future-oriented kindergarten management, and student entrepreneur support.

The name 'ENSAPIA' is derived from Latin roots 'en-' (existing within) and 'sapiens' (wisdom). It embodies the determination to face human nature and create new worlds while considering how to design people's places in the digital world.

We aim to build a 'new ecosystem' where people's 'real lives' thrive in digital space. Beyond spaces that merely consume time or algorithmic frameworks, we want to design a world where the time spent accumulates as irreplaceable 'history and memories.' Transcending attributes and physical constraints, switching diverse selves in a multiverse, we aim for a 'digital ontos' where everyone can 'exist' as themselves. Beyond mere connection, as a place where being begins, ENSAPIA will provide a new dimension of foundation that expands the freedom and quality of life.