Results of the 1st Creator Contest by PGC Announced — Creators' Ultimate Vision of 'June Bride'

Panda Graphics Creation (hereinafter, PGC), an illustration crowdsourcing service operated by HIKE Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masataka Mikaami), has announced the results of the '1st Creator Contest by PGC,' held for its registered creators. This press release reveals the winning entries and judges' comments, and also announces the upcoming second contest.

The contest was launched to recognize creators' exceptional illustration skills and to serve as a bridge to future job opportunities in character design and standalone artwork. The theme for this landmark first edition was 'June Bride.' The submissions received were all highly original, each interpreting the universal theme from a unique perspective.

Contest Overview

### Awards

Grand Prize (1 winner): 10,000 JPY

### Eligibility

- All creators registered on PGC

- Provisionally registered users are also eligible to apply

*This contest was conducted as a private, site-exclusive event. The works presented here are published with the creators' permission.

### Submission Period

May 1 (Fri), 2026 – May 31 (Sun), 2026

Guidelines

★ Theme: June Bride

Centered on a wedding, freely incorporate June-specific elements such as hydrangeas, rain, and fresh, vibrant colors.

★ Character Design: Open

Backgrounds are optional. Please compose your artwork to maximize the character's appeal.

### Prohibited Content

- Strictly no AI-generated works (to evaluate the creator's own illustration skills)

- Content that violates public order and morals, or infringes on third-party rights

- Works that include pasted photo materials or lack original drawing techniques

### Evaluation Criteria

- Character Appeal: How effectively and attractively the character's expressions and gestures align with the theme

- Composition and Layout: Whether the image is thoughtfully composed with clear intent, making effective use of the template

- Finishing Quality: Whether the work is highly polished, with meticulous attention paid to every detail

Key Creation Points

★ Express your personal vision of 'June'

While a classic bridal dress is welcome, unconventional scenarios are also encouraged. Condense your unique vision—'this is what I want viewers to notice about this character'—into a single powerful image.

Winning Entries

### [Gold Award (Grand Prize)]

Mashiro Aya

#### Judges' Comments

The vibrant and deeply layered color palette immediately captivated us.

The superb color control—using a refreshing blue background contrasted with the delicate pink of the bride as the focal point—naturally draws the viewer's eye to the main subject. The meticulous attention to color in fine details like the character's eyes and ribbons showcases exceptional artistic sensibility.

In addition to the outstanding color harmony, the composition as a single vignette is remarkably powerful. It conveys a rich narrative reminiscent of the fairy tale 'Thumbelina' without using words. The silhouette, with the character at the center gently surrounded by swallows and a veil, is exceptionally well-balanced, creating a truly captivating overall impression.

This is a highly polished work that perfectly embodies the contest's theme of 'June Bride' through unique storytelling and exceptional color sense, making it a worthy recipient of the Grand Prize.

### [Silver Award]

OMitsu

#### Judges' Comments

An extremely original and sophisticated piece that combines the design of a traditional white kimono (shiromuku) with the seasonal motif of 'hydrangeas (ajisai).'

The quality of the costume design is outstanding, uniquely styled yet beautifully cohesive.

Beyond the character's charm, the artwork demonstrates exceptional skill in detailed drawing, three-dimensional rendering, and the depiction of fabric movement.

Even the layer structure of the digital file is meticulously organized, reflecting the creator's sincerity and passion.

### [Bronze Award]

Masafumi Mikumo

#### Judges' Comments

A striking piece where a unique worldview seamlessly blends with a rich, beautifully layered painting technique.

The creator's profound understanding of light and shadow is evident in the way light hits the hair and the beautiful lighting, which further enhances the dramatic atmosphere of the illustration.

The character's posture and situation suggest a compelling narrative, making this a memorable work that condenses both 'visual beauty' and the illustrator's strong personal vision.

### [Bronze Award]

Oka

#### Judges' Comments

A brilliantly catchy and playful concept: placing an adorable dog as the protagonist walking down the aisle for the 'June Bride' theme.

Beyond the dog's cuteness, the piece also possesses lyrical beauty, such as the reflection of a beautiful sky in the shadow beneath its feet.

The scene selection demonstrates exceptional taste, instantly bringing a smile to anyone who sees it.

### [Bronze Award]

Kakkei

#### Judges' Comments

A fantastical piece that gently conveys a beautiful sense of atmosphere and the refreshing coolness of early summer across the entire canvas.

Particularly impressive is how each individual flower is rendered with astonishing precision and realism, reflecting a deep passion for plants and meticulous craftsmanship.

The bride's expression is also very endearing, possessing a captivating charm.

This work is filled with a charm that soothes the viewer's heart, presenting a beautiful world reminiscent of a storybook cover or a single page from a novel.

The 2nd Contest: 'Coloring Contest'

PGC plans to hold regular contests in the future. The next challenge is the 'Coloring Contest.' We look forward to seeing the passion our creators will bring to the line art provided by the organizers.

Next Contest Period: June 15 (Mon), 2026 – July 31 (Fri), 2026

For full contest details, please visit the PGC website. Interested individuals are encouraged to register via the link below.

https://panda-graphics.jp/creator/

*Registration is subject to review.

About HIKE Inc.

Company Name: HIKE Inc.

Headquarters: 3-2-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan (3rd and 4th floors, JRE Nishi-Shinjuku Terrace)

Established: March 14, 2018

Representative: Masataka Mikaami, CEO

Business Activities: Animation / Live Entertainment / Merchandising / Rights Management / Game Development / Content Marketing & Promotion / Creative Production (2D/3D Animation, Design, Book & Manga Editing, Video Production, Graphic Design, Live & Event Production, Web Production) / AX & DX Solutions / Global HR