Digital Hollywood University [DHU] Launches "U-18 Artist Contest 2026" with New "AI Works Division"!

Digital Hollywood University (DHU, Location: Ochanomizu, Tokyo, President: Naotaka Fujii), an incorporated university approved by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, which establishes the Faculty of Digital Communication (4-year university) for learning digital content, planning, and communication, and the Graduate School of Digital Content (professional graduate school) for bridging theory and practice to create new businesses, will hold the "U-18 Artist Contest 2026" with the aim of discovering creators/artists aged 18 and under.

Since 2009, Digital Hollywood University (hereinafter, DHU) has annually held the "U-18 Artist Contest" (commonly known as "Articon") as a platform for individuals, club activities, and groups of 18-year-olds and younger from around the world to showcase the results of their daily creative activities.

The theme for this year's (2026) work submission is "Prototype Me." With the concept of "More than the right answer, the 'passion' you poured into creating. Fill the world as a prototype," we welcome free and challenging work submissions characteristic of young people.

In addition to the traditional three divisions: "3DCG Division," "Illustration Division," and "Video Division," an "AI Works Division" (video) has been newly established as an exhibition. We are seeking video works that open up new expressions by combining the rapidly evolving technology of generative AI with one's own curiosity.

The judges will include DHU faculty members from the 3DCG and AI fields, companies supporting the creative industry, and, starting this year, active DHU graduates. The Grand Prix will be selected from all entries, along with the Best Award and Excellence Award for each division.

Winners (Grand Prix, Best Award, Excellence Award) will be exempt from the document screening for the comprehensive selection [Special Scholarship Selection] in DHU's entrance examination. For applicants hoping to enter DHU, this is a great opportunity to become a special scholarship student, with tuition fees potentially waived for up to four years.

Furthermore, regardless of winning, all applicants will receive a "Certificate of Participation." Even if not selected for a division award, it can be utilized as part of extracurricular activities or inquiry-based learning.

We sincerely look forward to your applications.

[Contest Overview]

Eligibility

Individuals or groups aged 18 or younger

* Nationality not questioned, limited to amateurs

* School assignments, club activity creations, and previously created original works are also eligible

Work Submission Theme

"Prototype Me"

Divisions

・3DCG Division

・Illustration Division

・Video Division

* For details on each division, please check the Articon 2026 special website.

Exhibition

・AI Works Division

* The AI Works Division is not eligible for Grand Prix selection.

* For details, please check the Articon 2026 special website.

How to Apply

Please apply via the "Application Form" on the Articon 2026 special website.

https://www.dhw.ac.jp/p/articon/

Application Deadline

July 7, 2026 (Tuesday)

Results Announcement

Results will be announced via email in mid-August 2026.

* Award-winning works are scheduled to be exhibited at the Summer Open Campus 2026 (August 23 [Sunday]) venue.

* Award results will be posted on the Articon 2026 special website around early September 2026.

* Certificates of participation will be sent to the email address registered at the time of application.

[Prizes]

Grand Prix (1 winner)

iPad Air

Division Awards

Best Award (1 winner per division): Amazon Gift Card worth 30,000 yen

Excellence Award (1-2 winners per division): Amazon Gift Card worth 10,000 yen

[Sponsor]

Palmie Inc.

https://www.palmie.jp/corporation

[Judges]

Faculty Members

・Naotaka Fujii, President

<Profile>

Graduated from Tohoku University School of Medicine, ophthalmologist, completed doctoral course at Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Doctor of Medical Science. Researcher at MIT Ann Graybiel lab from 1998. Returned to Japan in 2004, served as Deputy Team Leader at RIKEN Brain Science Institute, then Team Leader of the Adaptive Intelligence Research Team from 2008. Researches social brain functions. Founded Hacosco Inc. in 2014. Professor at Digital Hollywood University Graduate School from 2018, Assistant to the President of Digital Hollywood University from 2022, and appointed 2nd President of Digital Hollywood University from April 2026. Specializes in "Reality Science."

・Isaku Ogura, Professor

<Profile>

Graduated from Chiba Institute of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering. As a research student at Digital Hollywood Institute, received a special award at eAT KANAZAWA and then worked as a freelance CG designer. Worked on the movie "Galaxy Express 999 The Movie" and "Happy Fra."