Nippon Columbia Group Launches AI Contest "COLOTEK" with 10 Million Yen Prize Pool to Create Anime Loved for the Next 100 Years; Registration Opens Today.

Nippon Columbia Group (NCG), headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led by Representative Director Shunsuke Sato, announced the launch of its AI creative contest, "COLOTEK." Registration for creators opened today. This contest aims to discover and support new talent by integrating the latest AI technology with entertainment, contributing to next-generation creativity. COLOTEK has shifted from a traditional 2-day on-site hackathon format to a "pre-production and submission" format, removing location and time constraints to encourage broader participation from individuals, newly formed teams, and corporations. The contest's concept is "Anime Loved for the Next 100 Years." NCG, inheriting the DNA of Nippon Columbia, Japan's first record company with over 115 years of history, seeks to globally promote "unseen anime" born from creators' passion. The contest prioritizes ideas, worldviews, and narrative appeal over AI technical proficiency, inviting submissions that evoke the beginning of a story. A total prize pool of 10 million yen is offered. A premiere screening and awards ceremony for finalists will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, which will also include a networking event for industry professionals and creators. Award-winning works will receive support, including consideration for music development (theme songs, soundtracks) leveraging NCG's strengths. NCG encourages many creators to apply to shape the future of entertainment. The special website is https://colo-tek.com/. Contest details: Name: COLOTEK. Screening/Awards Ceremony Date: July 30, 2026 (Thursday). Location: To be announced later. How to participate: Register via the special page (https://colo-tek.com/). Submission form details will be provided only to registered participants. Submission deadline: June 30, 2026 (Tuesday) 23:59 JST. Eligibility: Individuals/teams (no limit on members), corporations/organizations, professionals/amateurs, international applicants welcome, parental consent required for those under 18. Work rules: Original anime works utilizing AI in visual expression. Length: 1 to 15 minutes. Must be conceived with potential for sequels. Multiple submissions allowed. Recommended: 16:9 widescreen / Full HD or higher / Stereo audio. Japanese voice or Japanese subtitles. Applicants must hold all rights. Must not have won previous awards. Unpublished works are welcome, published works also accepted. About COLOTEK: An AI and music creative contest hosted by NCG, which owns Nippon Columbia, a company with over 115 years of history. AI technology's rapid evolution is revolutionizing the music industry (composition, arrangement, performance, video production). COLOTEK provides an opportunity to experience cutting-edge creativity where music and AI merge, discovering new talent and contributing to next-generation entertainment. About Nippon Columbia Group Inc.: NCG is a next-generation creative production company centered on AI. It inherits the DNA of Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd., Japan's first record company, and Faith Inc., which created the world's first ringtones, leading innovation in music and technology. NCG aims to deliver new entertainment that "shakes the present" through AI-driven IP creation, creator ecosystem building, and AX promotion.