Call for Entries Opens for 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' to Determine Japan's No.1 Child Video Creator!
Key facts
- Call for Entries Opens for 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' to Determine Japan's No.1 Child Video Creator!
- FULMA Inc. has started accepting video submissions for the 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' targeting students from 1st grade of elementary school to 3rd grade of junior high school nationwide, starting June 1, 2026. The application period runs until August 31. Aimed at discovering and nurturing next-generation creators, the contest accepts video works up to 3 minutes long. The Grand Prize includes 100,000 yen, and there are sponsor awards from Wacom, KDDI, and others. The final judging event will be held in Saitama Prefecture on December 5.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 1, 2026
Direct answer
FULMA Inc. has started accepting video submissions for the 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' targeting students from 1st grade of elementary school to 3rd grade of junior high school nationwide, starting June 1, 2026. The application period runs until August 31. Aimed at discovering and nurturing next-generation creators, the contest accepts video works up to 3 minutes long. The Grand Prize includes 100,000 yen, and there are sponsor awards from Wacom, KDDI, and others. The final judging event will be held in Saitama Prefecture on December 5.
- Citation
- Call for Entries Opens for 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' to Determine Japan's No.1 Child Video Creator! (June 1, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 1, 2026
FULMA Inc. has started accepting video submissions for the 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' targeting students from 1st grade of elementary school to 3rd grade of junior high school nationwide, starting June 1, 2026. The application period runs until August 31. Aimed at discovering and nurturing next-generation creators, the contest accepts video works up to 3 minutes long. The Grand Prize includes 100,000 yen, and there are sponsor awards from Wacom, KDDI, and others. The final judging event will be held in Saitama Prefecture on December 5.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 1, 2026 at 11:00
- 🔍 Collected: June 1, 2026 at 11:28 (28 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 07:00 (19h 31m after Collected)
FULMA Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryotaro Saito), which operates a video production school for children, is pleased to announce that it has begun accepting video submissions for the 'National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest: FULMA Creator Awards 2026' (URL: https://fulma-creator-awards.com/), targeting elementary and junior high school students nationwide.
The National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest, FULMA Creator Awards, is a video production contest for elementary and junior high school students that discovers and nurtures talented creators from the next generation, connecting children with society.
Submitted works will be judged based on three criteria: 'Ability to Think,' 'Ability to Convey,' and 'Ability to Create,' and the 10 selected works will be honored at the final judging event.
We look forward to receiving wonderful works from next-generation creators from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school, expressing what they 'like' through video.
National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest FULMA Creator Awards 2026 Awards
*Contents as of June 1, 2026. Changes or additions may occur without prior notice.
◾️ Awards
- Grand Prize (1 work): 100,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Excellence Award (2 works): 50,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Audience Award (1 work): Crystal Trophy
◾️ Sponsor Awards (Presented to winners selected from the 10 finalist groups)
- Wacom Award (1 work): Wacom One Pen Display 14
- au Award (1 work): Right to participate in video production
- Kewpie Award (10 works): Chef Kewpie Doll / Assortment of Kewpie products
- UUUM Award (1 work): Right to shoot at UUUM Studio
◾️ TOP 10 Award (Presented to all 10 finalist groups)
- TOP 10 Award (10 works): TOP 10 Medal
◾️ Theme Awards
- Illustration Work Award supported by Wacom (3 works)
- Spark Your Journey Award supported by KDDI (3 works)
- Vegetable Excitement Award supported by Kewpie (3 works)
◾️ Special Awards
- 3-Work Submission Special Award (All applicants who submit 3 works): Certificate
- Grade Award (18 works): Certificate
- Short Video Award (2 works): Certificate
- TOP 100 Award (Top 100 works): Certificate / 1,000 yen Amazon Gift Card
- Game Commentary Award (2 works): Certificate
- 3DCG Award (2 works): Certificate
- Group Award (2 works): Certificate
◾️ Participation Award
A certificate of participation will be sent to all applicants.
It can also be used as proof of extracurricular activities to be included in school reports used for entrance exams, etc.
Introduction of Judges
◼︎ Kanta
(Comment)
When I was in junior high school, I played a video I made with my friends at the school festival. I still remember how nervous and scared I was. But looking back, my life started moving from that moment. With the infinite power and free ideas that elementary and junior high school students have, I can't wait to see what kind of works will arrive. I sincerely cheer for the courage to take that first step. I'm looking forward to the works of future creators!
(Profile)
Active mainly on YouTube as 'Mizutamari Bond' with his partner Tommy. Since starting activities in 2015, they have gained support from a wide range of generations by posting videos of various 'things you are curious about but wouldn't do yourself.' The number of channel subscribers exceeds 4 million. High-quality trick videos utilizing editing techniques on his personal channel 'Kanta's Great Adventure' are also very popular overseas. He is also active as a video director under his real name, 'Kanta Sato.'
◼︎ Popurika
(Comment)
The first time I made a video was much later than you, when I was a university student.
Even as a university student, it was my first time and it was very difficult,
but it was very fun.
I'm sure it was fun because it was something I wanted to try myself. And because it was difficult, there was a sense of accomplishment.
I hope you will similarly choose what you want to try, even if it's difficult, and experience overcoming it.
I hope this contest can be one of those experiences.
(Profile)
Representative of the video production team Hurray!.
Centering on 3DCG animation videos, he continues to produce music videos and commercials for artists like 'Yorushika,' as well as OP/ED for TV anime and games. In 2024, he produced and directed the original theatrical animation film 'A Few Minutes of Cheers,' which was released nationwide based on his own planning.
◼︎ Yuichi Ito
(Comment)
In this era where anyone can make a video, animation is what can express the freest images. Why not turn your fantasy world into a video using pictures, clay, dolls, everyday small items, or toys? You can even create a character and have them act as your alter ego. I'm looking forward to encountering wonderful works in this contest.
(Profile)
Representative of I.TOON Ltd. Produces animation videos and characters utilizing various techniques centered on clay. Representative works include the clay animation 'Knyacki!' and the Mister Donut 'Pon de Lion' TV commercial. His original short film 'HARBOR TALE' has won awards and been screened in 26 countries worldwide. Professor at the Department of Animation, Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts. Auditor of the Japan Animation Association. Board member of ASIFA (International Animated Film Association) Japan.
◾️ Koto Nagata
(Comment)
Since I was a child, I loved making various things. It wasn't video, but I made my own toys rather than buying them. The joy of giving shape to what is in your head is exceptional. And I loved showing it to my friends. You all now have the best communication tool called video. I'm looking forward to encountering your words and voices.
(Profile)
Film director. Born in Osaka Prefecture. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University, she studied under director Shunji Iwai. She made her directorial debut at the age of 26 and has worked on films and dramas such as 'Little DJ: Chiisana Koi no Monogatari,' 'Shibuya-ku Maruyama-cho,' and 'Tokyo Love Story.' She won the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the Japan Movie Critics Awards for 'The Status of a Fool,' scheduled for release in 2025. She has received high praise both domestically and internationally, including being selected for the Busan International Film Festival. Currently preparing a new film tentatively titled 'Mokuzugani.'
Overview of the National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest FULMA Creator Awards 2026
Application Period
From June 1, 2026 (Mon) to August 31, 2026 (Mon) 13:00
Purpose
To discover and nurture talented creators from the next generation of elementary and junior high school students, and provide opportunities to connect children with society.
Eligible Works
Video works (up to 3 minutes) planned, shot, and edited by elementary and junior high school students.
Vertical videos and short videos (up to 1 minute) are also acceptable.
Eligibility
As of June 2026, the applicant or all members of the applying group must be elementary or junior high school students.
(Those born between April 2, 2011, and April 1, 2020)
Genre
Free
Final Judging Event
Date and Time: December 5, 2026 (Sat) 14:00-17:30
Venue: SKIP CITY Visual Plaza Audio Visual Hall
Address: 3-5-63 Kamiaoki, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture (https://www.skipcity.jp/)
Awards
Honors
- Grand Prize (1 work): 100,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Excellence Award (2 works): 50,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- TOP 10 Award (10 works): TOP 10 Medal
- Audience Award (1 work): Crystal Trophy
Sponsor Awards
- Wacom Award (1 work): Wacom One Pen Display 14
- au Award (1 work): Right to participate in video production
- Kewpie Award (10 works): Chef Kewpie Doll / Assortment of Kewpie products
- UUUM Award (1 work): Right to shoot at UUUM Studio
Theme Awards
- Illustration Work Award supported by Wacom (3 works)
- Spark Your Journey Award supported by KDDI (3 works)
- Vegetable Excitement Award supported by Kewpie (3 works)
Special Awards
- 3-Work Submission Special Award (All applicants who submit 3 works): Certificate
- Grade Award (18 works): Certificate
- Short Video Award (2 works): Certificate
- TOP 100 Award (Top 100 works): Certificate / 1,000 yen Amazon Gift Card
- Game Commentary Award (2 works): Certificate
- 3DCG Award (2 works): Certificate
- Group Award (2 works): Certificate
Participation Award
- Certificate of Participation
Application Rules
- A maximum of 3 works can be submitted by the same applicant.
- The production period does not matter, but the work must be previously unpublished.
- The length of the video must be within 3 minutes.
- Please ensure copyright clearance for all materials used in the video.
*For details, please check the application guidelines on the contest website.
How to Apply
1. Entry
Fill out the entry form on the contest website (https://fulma-creator-awards.com/) and submit it.
Once the entry is complete, you will receive an automated reply email from the secretariat containing the work submission form. Please set your email to receive emails from 'awards@fulma.co.jp'.
2. Submission of Work
After submitting the entry form, we will send you information about the work submission form via an automated reply email.
Please apply after confirming that there are no mistakes in the information filled out in the form.
3. Completion of Work Submission
After submitting the work, the secretariat will send you a notification that the work has been received.
Sponsors / Cooperators / Supporters
- Organizer
FULMA Inc.
- Sponsors
Wacom Co., Ltd.
KDDI Corporation
Kewpie Corporation
UUUM Co., Ltd.
- Supporters
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Boards of Education of Aichi Prefecture, Asahikawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Oiso Town, Osaka City, Okayama Prefecture, Kamakura City, Kawasaki City, Kurume City, Saitama Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture, Suginami Ward, Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City, Tokyo Metropolis, Toyama Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Nagoya City, Niigata Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Hokkaido, and Yokohama City
Schedule
June 1 (Mon)
Start of entry and work submission
August 31 (Mon) 13:00
Deadline for entry and work submission
September - October
Interim judging
Early October
Determination and announcement of finalists
December 5 (Sat)
Final judging event (Venue: SKIP CITY Visual Plaza Audio Visual Hall)
About FULMA Inc. (URL: https://fulma.com/)
Since 2016, FULMA Inc. has been providing educational programs specialized in video production and internet literacy for elementary and junior high school students. To date, we have conducted classes for over 10,000 students to learn the ability to create new value through video production and practical internet literacy. FULMA's internet literacy education has been featured as extracurricular classes in public and private elementary and junior high schools nationwide and has received high praise.
(Activity Achievements)
Bunkyo Ward Aoyagi Elementary School / Setagaya Ward Sakura Elementary School / Tokyo Gakugei University Setagaya Elementary School
Ichikawa City Nakakokubun Elementary School / Nagoya City Yada Elementary School / Nagano Nihon University Elementary School
Chiba City Lifelong Learning Center / Numazu City Library, etc.
The National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest, FULMA Creator Awards, is a video production contest for elementary and junior high school students that discovers and nurtures talented creators from the next generation, connecting children with society.
Submitted works will be judged based on three criteria: 'Ability to Think,' 'Ability to Convey,' and 'Ability to Create,' and the 10 selected works will be honored at the final judging event.
We look forward to receiving wonderful works from next-generation creators from the first grade of elementary school to the third grade of junior high school, expressing what they 'like' through video.
National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest FULMA Creator Awards 2026 Awards
*Contents as of June 1, 2026. Changes or additions may occur without prior notice.
◾️ Awards
- Grand Prize (1 work): 100,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Excellence Award (2 works): 50,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Audience Award (1 work): Crystal Trophy
◾️ Sponsor Awards (Presented to winners selected from the 10 finalist groups)
- Wacom Award (1 work): Wacom One Pen Display 14
- au Award (1 work): Right to participate in video production
- Kewpie Award (10 works): Chef Kewpie Doll / Assortment of Kewpie products
- UUUM Award (1 work): Right to shoot at UUUM Studio
◾️ TOP 10 Award (Presented to all 10 finalist groups)
- TOP 10 Award (10 works): TOP 10 Medal
◾️ Theme Awards
- Illustration Work Award supported by Wacom (3 works)
- Spark Your Journey Award supported by KDDI (3 works)
- Vegetable Excitement Award supported by Kewpie (3 works)
◾️ Special Awards
- 3-Work Submission Special Award (All applicants who submit 3 works): Certificate
- Grade Award (18 works): Certificate
- Short Video Award (2 works): Certificate
- TOP 100 Award (Top 100 works): Certificate / 1,000 yen Amazon Gift Card
- Game Commentary Award (2 works): Certificate
- 3DCG Award (2 works): Certificate
- Group Award (2 works): Certificate
◾️ Participation Award
A certificate of participation will be sent to all applicants.
It can also be used as proof of extracurricular activities to be included in school reports used for entrance exams, etc.
Introduction of Judges
◼︎ Kanta
(Comment)
When I was in junior high school, I played a video I made with my friends at the school festival. I still remember how nervous and scared I was. But looking back, my life started moving from that moment. With the infinite power and free ideas that elementary and junior high school students have, I can't wait to see what kind of works will arrive. I sincerely cheer for the courage to take that first step. I'm looking forward to the works of future creators!
(Profile)
Active mainly on YouTube as 'Mizutamari Bond' with his partner Tommy. Since starting activities in 2015, they have gained support from a wide range of generations by posting videos of various 'things you are curious about but wouldn't do yourself.' The number of channel subscribers exceeds 4 million. High-quality trick videos utilizing editing techniques on his personal channel 'Kanta's Great Adventure' are also very popular overseas. He is also active as a video director under his real name, 'Kanta Sato.'
◼︎ Popurika
(Comment)
The first time I made a video was much later than you, when I was a university student.
Even as a university student, it was my first time and it was very difficult,
but it was very fun.
I'm sure it was fun because it was something I wanted to try myself. And because it was difficult, there was a sense of accomplishment.
I hope you will similarly choose what you want to try, even if it's difficult, and experience overcoming it.
I hope this contest can be one of those experiences.
(Profile)
Representative of the video production team Hurray!.
Centering on 3DCG animation videos, he continues to produce music videos and commercials for artists like 'Yorushika,' as well as OP/ED for TV anime and games. In 2024, he produced and directed the original theatrical animation film 'A Few Minutes of Cheers,' which was released nationwide based on his own planning.
◼︎ Yuichi Ito
(Comment)
In this era where anyone can make a video, animation is what can express the freest images. Why not turn your fantasy world into a video using pictures, clay, dolls, everyday small items, or toys? You can even create a character and have them act as your alter ego. I'm looking forward to encountering wonderful works in this contest.
(Profile)
Representative of I.TOON Ltd. Produces animation videos and characters utilizing various techniques centered on clay. Representative works include the clay animation 'Knyacki!' and the Mister Donut 'Pon de Lion' TV commercial. His original short film 'HARBOR TALE' has won awards and been screened in 26 countries worldwide. Professor at the Department of Animation, Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts. Auditor of the Japan Animation Association. Board member of ASIFA (International Animated Film Association) Japan.
◾️ Koto Nagata
(Comment)
Since I was a child, I loved making various things. It wasn't video, but I made my own toys rather than buying them. The joy of giving shape to what is in your head is exceptional. And I loved showing it to my friends. You all now have the best communication tool called video. I'm looking forward to encountering your words and voices.
(Profile)
Film director. Born in Osaka Prefecture. After graduating from Kwansei Gakuin University, she studied under director Shunji Iwai. She made her directorial debut at the age of 26 and has worked on films and dramas such as 'Little DJ: Chiisana Koi no Monogatari,' 'Shibuya-ku Maruyama-cho,' and 'Tokyo Love Story.' She won the Best Picture and Best Director awards at the Japan Movie Critics Awards for 'The Status of a Fool,' scheduled for release in 2025. She has received high praise both domestically and internationally, including being selected for the Busan International Film Festival. Currently preparing a new film tentatively titled 'Mokuzugani.'
Overview of the National Elementary and Junior High School Student Video Contest FULMA Creator Awards 2026
Application Period
From June 1, 2026 (Mon) to August 31, 2026 (Mon) 13:00
Purpose
To discover and nurture talented creators from the next generation of elementary and junior high school students, and provide opportunities to connect children with society.
Eligible Works
Video works (up to 3 minutes) planned, shot, and edited by elementary and junior high school students.
Vertical videos and short videos (up to 1 minute) are also acceptable.
Eligibility
As of June 2026, the applicant or all members of the applying group must be elementary or junior high school students.
(Those born between April 2, 2011, and April 1, 2020)
Genre
Free
Final Judging Event
Date and Time: December 5, 2026 (Sat) 14:00-17:30
Venue: SKIP CITY Visual Plaza Audio Visual Hall
Address: 3-5-63 Kamiaoki, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture (https://www.skipcity.jp/)
Awards
Honors
- Grand Prize (1 work): 100,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- Excellence Award (2 works): 50,000 yen prize money, Crystal Trophy
- TOP 10 Award (10 works): TOP 10 Medal
- Audience Award (1 work): Crystal Trophy
Sponsor Awards
- Wacom Award (1 work): Wacom One Pen Display 14
- au Award (1 work): Right to participate in video production
- Kewpie Award (10 works): Chef Kewpie Doll / Assortment of Kewpie products
- UUUM Award (1 work): Right to shoot at UUUM Studio
Theme Awards
- Illustration Work Award supported by Wacom (3 works)
- Spark Your Journey Award supported by KDDI (3 works)
- Vegetable Excitement Award supported by Kewpie (3 works)
Special Awards
- 3-Work Submission Special Award (All applicants who submit 3 works): Certificate
- Grade Award (18 works): Certificate
- Short Video Award (2 works): Certificate
- TOP 100 Award (Top 100 works): Certificate / 1,000 yen Amazon Gift Card
- Game Commentary Award (2 works): Certificate
- 3DCG Award (2 works): Certificate
- Group Award (2 works): Certificate
Participation Award
- Certificate of Participation
Application Rules
- A maximum of 3 works can be submitted by the same applicant.
- The production period does not matter, but the work must be previously unpublished.
- The length of the video must be within 3 minutes.
- Please ensure copyright clearance for all materials used in the video.
*For details, please check the application guidelines on the contest website.
How to Apply
1. Entry
Fill out the entry form on the contest website (https://fulma-creator-awards.com/) and submit it.
Once the entry is complete, you will receive an automated reply email from the secretariat containing the work submission form. Please set your email to receive emails from 'awards@fulma.co.jp'.
2. Submission of Work
After submitting the entry form, we will send you information about the work submission form via an automated reply email.
Please apply after confirming that there are no mistakes in the information filled out in the form.
3. Completion of Work Submission
After submitting the work, the secretariat will send you a notification that the work has been received.
Sponsors / Cooperators / Supporters
- Organizer
FULMA Inc.
- Sponsors
Wacom Co., Ltd.
KDDI Corporation
Kewpie Corporation
UUUM Co., Ltd.
- Supporters
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Boards of Education of Aichi Prefecture, Asahikawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Oiso Town, Osaka City, Okayama Prefecture, Kamakura City, Kawasaki City, Kurume City, Saitama Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture, Suginami Ward, Chiba Prefecture, Chiba City, Tokyo Metropolis, Toyama Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture, Nagoya City, Niigata Prefecture, Hiroshima Prefecture, Hiroshima City, Hokkaido, and Yokohama City
Schedule
June 1 (Mon)
Start of entry and work submission
August 31 (Mon) 13:00
Deadline for entry and work submission
September - October
Interim judging
Early October
Determination and announcement of finalists
December 5 (Sat)
Final judging event (Venue: SKIP CITY Visual Plaza Audio Visual Hall)
About FULMA Inc. (URL: https://fulma.com/)
Since 2016, FULMA Inc. has been providing educational programs specialized in video production and internet literacy for elementary and junior high school students. To date, we have conducted classes for over 10,000 students to learn the ability to create new value through video production and practical internet literacy. FULMA's internet literacy education has been featured as extracurricular classes in public and private elementary and junior high schools nationwide and has received high praise.
(Activity Achievements)
Bunkyo Ward Aoyagi Elementary School / Setagaya Ward Sakura Elementary School / Tokyo Gakugei University Setagaya Elementary School
Ichikawa City Nakakokubun Elementary School / Nagoya City Yada Elementary School / Nagano Nihon University Elementary School
Chiba City Lifelong Learning Center / Numazu City Library, etc.
FAQ
What is the 'FULMA Creator Awards 2026'?
It is a video production contest aimed at discovering and nurturing talented creators among elementary and junior high school students, connecting children with society.
What are the eligibility requirements and application period?
Students from 1st grade of elementary school to 3rd grade of junior high school as of June 2026 are eligible. The application period is from June 1 to August 31, 2026, at 13:00.
What kind of works can be submitted?
Video works up to 3 minutes long, planned, shot, and edited by the students themselves. Vertical videos and short videos under 1 minute are also accepted.
Who are the judges?
The judges include YouTuber Kanta, video director Popurika, animation creator Yuichi Ito, and film director Koto Nagata.
What prizes are available for the winners?
The Grand Prize includes 100,000 yen and a crystal trophy. There are also sponsor awards from Wacom, KDDI, Kewpie, and UUUM, as well as various special awards.