[Creators Must-See] Breaking the "Invisible Wall" for 20 Million Creators: An "Unprecedented Picture Book Award" That Accepts Entries via Video and Song Re-launches
The second "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers," organized by Ehon Navi and Kodansha, is re-launching its call for submissions on April 14, 2026. This innovative award seeks to break down barriers by accepting entries not only as traditional picture books but also in diverse formats like video, illustrations, and songs. It emphasizes reader participation in judging and offers multiple debut opportunities for creators.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 20:19 (5h 47m after Collected)
"Picture books are for people who can draw."
That stereotype is now quietly beginning to change.
In today's world where expressions fuse not just with paper, but also with video, digital media, and music, a new kind of award was born.
This is the second "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers," an unprecedented picture book award that does not limit expression genres.
This award is organized by Ehon Navi and Kodansha's Children's Business Division, and will begin accepting submissions on April 14, 2026.
"The Wall" Remaining in an Era of 20 Million Creators and a 14 Trillion Yen Market
In the past decade, the environment has rapidly developed for individuals to freely express illustrations, videos, music, and more.
There are approximately 20 million people interested in creative activities, and the potential market size is said to be about 14 trillion yen.
*"Research Results on the Domestic Creator Economy (2025)" - General Incorporated Association Creator Economy Association / Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd.
However, on the other hand...
"There's no place to present my work."
"I don't know which genre to submit to."
"Picture books are too difficult."
"I thought I couldn't apply just because I was good at drawing."
-- Such invisible walls still remain before many creators.
To break down those walls, this picture book award was created with the concept of "regardless of the means of expression."
Official HP of the 2nd "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers"
https://www.ehonnavi.net/pb-innovation-award/
Beyond Paper: Towards the Next "Experiential" Picture Book
This award evaluates "expressions that children want to receive" itself, rather than just completeness.
Beyond paper picture books, diverse expressions such as video, illustrations, songs, and rhythms are all considered "new forms of picture books."
Four Departments Where You Can Apply
To help applicants feel "this is for me," each department clearly defines "who it's suited for."
Picture Book Department: For those who love to draw and write, and want to convey stories.
Video Department: Want to reach audiences on YouTube/TikTok! For those experienced in visual expression.
Illustration Department: Confident in your drawings and characters! For those who want to convey stories through the charm of their art.
Hand-Clapping Song Department: For those involved in physical expression such as childcare, education, and music.
Whether you draw it, animate it, or sing it, your expression can become a "picture book."
The "Spreading Picture Book Award" That Doesn't End with Application
A major feature of this award is the "reader-participation judging" utilizing YouTube.
■ Possibility of submitted works being released as official videos
■ Parents and readers participate through comments and voting
■ Secondary development and spread are assumed
In the first award, the final selection works from the Picture Book Department and Text Department were released as reading videos, and many applicants expressed "I was moved to see my work turned into a video."
For creators, this is a picture book award where their work is not only "evaluated but also delivered."
A Great Chance for Digital Novices! CLIP STUDIO PAINT Free for the First 300 Applicants
For those who want to "deliver their work" but "don't have digital tools," here's good news.
The first 300 applicants will receive a free 3-month license for the popular drawing tool "CLIP STUDIO PAINT."
This is a perfect opportunity to casually try out a professional-grade application used by pros.
Why not take the first step in creation, even if it's your first picture book or if you're not comfortable with digital tools?
The form of debut is not singular.
While many contests aim for "one Grand Prize winner," this award offers multiple chances for debut.
Grand Prize: Publication by Kodansha (paper and electronic)
Department Prizes:
- Video Department: To be published on the Ehon Navi official website
- Illustration Department: To be featured in Kodansha's children's magazines and mooks
- Hand-Clapping Song Department: To be made into a video on educational YouTube channels
Judge's Award / CLIP STUDIO PAINT Award / Reader's Award
Electronic book publication of final selected works
"It doesn't end if you miss the Grand Prize."
The First Grand Prize Winning Work Has Actually Become a Picture Book
In the first award, after 1,076 submissions and 12,374 reader votes, the
Interactive Picture Book
"Manete Miyou" (Let's Imitate) (Author: Aomono Yokocho) received the Grand Prize.
Evaluated as a new, two-way picture book where children complete it not just by "listening" but by "imitating" movements, it will be published by Kodansha on April 16, 2026, and available in bookstores nationwide and online.
"Manete Miyou"
Author: Aomono Yokocho
Release Date: April 16, 2026 (※Release date may vary by region)
https://amzn.asia/d/0fvWPBbI
Judged by "Today's Readers" and a "Diverse Group of Children's Professionals"
In addition to the significant feature of reader participation, this award is judged by a "diverse group of children's professionals" who are well-versed in child development and modern media environments, searching for "what is needed now and is new" with fresh eyes.
It is also a major characteristic that the decision is not made solely from a "publisher's perspective."
Daisuke Yokoyama (Singer/Actor): Born in Chiba Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Music, Kunitachi College of Music, Department of Vocal Music in 2006. He loves singing and continued singing in choirs from his third year of elementary school until graduating from university. During his time with the Gekidan Shiki theatre company, he appeared in stage productions such as "The Lion King." For nine years, he served as the "Singing Big Brother" on NHK E Tele's "Okaasan to Issho" (With Mom and Dad). After graduating, he has expanded his activities to dramas, voice acting, commercials, and concerts. His solo artist debut album is "Uta Bukuro" (Song Bag), followed by the children's song cover album "Daisuke no Doyo," and the album "Egao ni Dockyun!" which includes his first original lyrics. In May 2026, he is scheduled to release his latest album, "Egao Bare - 20th Anniversary -," celebrating his 20th anniversary in entertainment.
TsumuPapa (Illustrator): A family of four: daughter "Tsumugi," son "Nao," and Mom. His manga, depicting the casual daily life of his family with heartwarming illustrations, has gained support, boasting approximately 1.8 million total followers on social media, primarily among parents raising children. His books include the comic essay "Do You Like Dad?" and the picture book series "Tomica and Tom." He is currently engaged in various activities to "expand parent-child time," including brand collaborations and organizing the parent-child festival "nobinobi."
Sho Tsuji (CNRS Associate Professor / UTokyo Associate Researcher): Associate Professor at the Cognitive Science Department, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris, affiliated with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). He is also an associate researcher at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo, where he studies the language development and social interaction of infants and toddlers. At the IRCN Baby Lab, he researches how the social environment influences children's language development.
Sonoko Isozaki (Editor-in-Chief, Ehon Navi): Editor-in-Chief of the picture book information site "Ehon Navi." Her books include "Hajimete no Ehon: Akachan kara Otona made" (First Picture Books: From Babies to Adults) (published by Horupus Shuppan) and "Mama no Kokoro ni Yorisou Ehon-tachi" (Picture Books That Comfort a Mother's Heart) (published by Jiyukokuminsha). Her supervised works include "Hahaoya・Hoikuen no Sensei Osusume no Akachan Ehon 200 Satsu" (Recommended Picture Books for Babies: 200 Titles for Parents and Nursery School Teachers) and "Hahaoya・Hoikuen no Sensei Osusume no Series Ehon 200 Satsu" (Recommended Picture Book Series: 200 Titles for Parents and Nursery School Teachers) (published by Genkosha).
Do you think your works, expressed on social media and videos, are "not yet picture books"?
The very definition of a picture book is being updated right now.
Take that first step, starting from here. Starting with you.
Application Overview
Application Start: April 14, 2026
Eligibility: Age and experience not specified (professionals and amateurs welcome)
Organizers: Ehon Navi / Kodansha Children's Business Division
Name: New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers
HP: https://www.ehonnavi.net/pb-innovation-award/
X Official: https://x.com/ehon_award
About Ehon Navi, Inc.
Ehon Navi is a comprehensive picture book information and e-commerce site used by over 20 million people annually. Its unique feature is the "voices of everyone" – over 460,000 user reviews written from the perspective of advising those choosing a book for their child, offering warmth and depth beyond simple ratings. It provides rich content like "read all pages" in the app, unique ranking charts, recommendations by age, new book introductions, and email newsletters, making it popular among mothers raising children.
https://www.ehonnavi.net/
About Kodansha Ltd.
Established in 1909 as Dainippon Yubenkai, Kodansha is a comprehensive publishing company that creates "stories" across all genres – comics, novels, non-fiction, journalism, fashion, picture books, anime, games – with talent from around the world. It has nurtured works that resonate with children's hearts, such as "Totto-chan, the Little Girl at the Window" and "The Cat Who Lived a Million Lives."
As part of its 90th anniversary initiative, Kodansha launched "Let's Play with Books: National Visiting Storytelling Team" to encourage children to engage with books from an early age. Two caravan cars filled with picture books tour kindergartens, nurseries, elementary schools, libraries, and bookstores across Japan. Since its start in 1999, with over 22,000 visits and more than 1.9 million participants, it received the "Mecenat Award" in 2018 for its excellent support of arts and culture.
Kodansha Corporate Site: https://www.kodansha.com/jp/
That stereotype is now quietly beginning to change.
In today's world where expressions fuse not just with paper, but also with video, digital media, and music, a new kind of award was born.
This is the second "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers," an unprecedented picture book award that does not limit expression genres.
This award is organized by Ehon Navi and Kodansha's Children's Business Division, and will begin accepting submissions on April 14, 2026.
"The Wall" Remaining in an Era of 20 Million Creators and a 14 Trillion Yen Market
In the past decade, the environment has rapidly developed for individuals to freely express illustrations, videos, music, and more.
There are approximately 20 million people interested in creative activities, and the potential market size is said to be about 14 trillion yen.
*"Research Results on the Domestic Creator Economy (2025)" - General Incorporated Association Creator Economy Association / Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd.
However, on the other hand...
"There's no place to present my work."
"I don't know which genre to submit to."
"Picture books are too difficult."
"I thought I couldn't apply just because I was good at drawing."
-- Such invisible walls still remain before many creators.
To break down those walls, this picture book award was created with the concept of "regardless of the means of expression."
Official HP of the 2nd "New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers"
https://www.ehonnavi.net/pb-innovation-award/
Beyond Paper: Towards the Next "Experiential" Picture Book
This award evaluates "expressions that children want to receive" itself, rather than just completeness.
Beyond paper picture books, diverse expressions such as video, illustrations, songs, and rhythms are all considered "new forms of picture books."
Four Departments Where You Can Apply
To help applicants feel "this is for me," each department clearly defines "who it's suited for."
Picture Book Department: For those who love to draw and write, and want to convey stories.
Video Department: Want to reach audiences on YouTube/TikTok! For those experienced in visual expression.
Illustration Department: Confident in your drawings and characters! For those who want to convey stories through the charm of their art.
Hand-Clapping Song Department: For those involved in physical expression such as childcare, education, and music.
Whether you draw it, animate it, or sing it, your expression can become a "picture book."
The "Spreading Picture Book Award" That Doesn't End with Application
A major feature of this award is the "reader-participation judging" utilizing YouTube.
■ Possibility of submitted works being released as official videos
■ Parents and readers participate through comments and voting
■ Secondary development and spread are assumed
In the first award, the final selection works from the Picture Book Department and Text Department were released as reading videos, and many applicants expressed "I was moved to see my work turned into a video."
For creators, this is a picture book award where their work is not only "evaluated but also delivered."
A Great Chance for Digital Novices! CLIP STUDIO PAINT Free for the First 300 Applicants
For those who want to "deliver their work" but "don't have digital tools," here's good news.
The first 300 applicants will receive a free 3-month license for the popular drawing tool "CLIP STUDIO PAINT."
This is a perfect opportunity to casually try out a professional-grade application used by pros.
Why not take the first step in creation, even if it's your first picture book or if you're not comfortable with digital tools?
The form of debut is not singular.
While many contests aim for "one Grand Prize winner," this award offers multiple chances for debut.
Grand Prize: Publication by Kodansha (paper and electronic)
Department Prizes:
- Video Department: To be published on the Ehon Navi official website
- Illustration Department: To be featured in Kodansha's children's magazines and mooks
- Hand-Clapping Song Department: To be made into a video on educational YouTube channels
Judge's Award / CLIP STUDIO PAINT Award / Reader's Award
Electronic book publication of final selected works
"It doesn't end if you miss the Grand Prize."
The First Grand Prize Winning Work Has Actually Become a Picture Book
In the first award, after 1,076 submissions and 12,374 reader votes, the
Interactive Picture Book
"Manete Miyou" (Let's Imitate) (Author: Aomono Yokocho) received the Grand Prize.
Evaluated as a new, two-way picture book where children complete it not just by "listening" but by "imitating" movements, it will be published by Kodansha on April 16, 2026, and available in bookstores nationwide and online.
"Manete Miyou"
Author: Aomono Yokocho
Release Date: April 16, 2026 (※Release date may vary by region)
https://amzn.asia/d/0fvWPBbI
Judged by "Today's Readers" and a "Diverse Group of Children's Professionals"
In addition to the significant feature of reader participation, this award is judged by a "diverse group of children's professionals" who are well-versed in child development and modern media environments, searching for "what is needed now and is new" with fresh eyes.
It is also a major characteristic that the decision is not made solely from a "publisher's perspective."
Daisuke Yokoyama (Singer/Actor): Born in Chiba Prefecture. Graduated from the Faculty of Music, Kunitachi College of Music, Department of Vocal Music in 2006. He loves singing and continued singing in choirs from his third year of elementary school until graduating from university. During his time with the Gekidan Shiki theatre company, he appeared in stage productions such as "The Lion King." For nine years, he served as the "Singing Big Brother" on NHK E Tele's "Okaasan to Issho" (With Mom and Dad). After graduating, he has expanded his activities to dramas, voice acting, commercials, and concerts. His solo artist debut album is "Uta Bukuro" (Song Bag), followed by the children's song cover album "Daisuke no Doyo," and the album "Egao ni Dockyun!" which includes his first original lyrics. In May 2026, he is scheduled to release his latest album, "Egao Bare - 20th Anniversary -," celebrating his 20th anniversary in entertainment.
TsumuPapa (Illustrator): A family of four: daughter "Tsumugi," son "Nao," and Mom. His manga, depicting the casual daily life of his family with heartwarming illustrations, has gained support, boasting approximately 1.8 million total followers on social media, primarily among parents raising children. His books include the comic essay "Do You Like Dad?" and the picture book series "Tomica and Tom." He is currently engaged in various activities to "expand parent-child time," including brand collaborations and organizing the parent-child festival "nobinobi."
Sho Tsuji (CNRS Associate Professor / UTokyo Associate Researcher): Associate Professor at the Cognitive Science Department, École Normale Supérieure (ENS), Paris, affiliated with the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). He is also an associate researcher at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN) at the University of Tokyo, where he studies the language development and social interaction of infants and toddlers. At the IRCN Baby Lab, he researches how the social environment influences children's language development.
Sonoko Isozaki (Editor-in-Chief, Ehon Navi): Editor-in-Chief of the picture book information site "Ehon Navi." Her books include "Hajimete no Ehon: Akachan kara Otona made" (First Picture Books: From Babies to Adults) (published by Horupus Shuppan) and "Mama no Kokoro ni Yorisou Ehon-tachi" (Picture Books That Comfort a Mother's Heart) (published by Jiyukokuminsha). Her supervised works include "Hahaoya・Hoikuen no Sensei Osusume no Akachan Ehon 200 Satsu" (Recommended Picture Books for Babies: 200 Titles for Parents and Nursery School Teachers) and "Hahaoya・Hoikuen no Sensei Osusume no Series Ehon 200 Satsu" (Recommended Picture Book Series: 200 Titles for Parents and Nursery School Teachers) (published by Genkosha).
Do you think your works, expressed on social media and videos, are "not yet picture books"?
The very definition of a picture book is being updated right now.
Take that first step, starting from here. Starting with you.
Application Overview
Application Start: April 14, 2026
Eligibility: Age and experience not specified (professionals and amateurs welcome)
Organizers: Ehon Navi / Kodansha Children's Business Division
Name: New Picture Book Award Chosen by Readers
HP: https://www.ehonnavi.net/pb-innovation-award/
X Official: https://x.com/ehon_award
About Ehon Navi, Inc.
Ehon Navi is a comprehensive picture book information and e-commerce site used by over 20 million people annually. Its unique feature is the "voices of everyone" – over 460,000 user reviews written from the perspective of advising those choosing a book for their child, offering warmth and depth beyond simple ratings. It provides rich content like "read all pages" in the app, unique ranking charts, recommendations by age, new book introductions, and email newsletters, making it popular among mothers raising children.
https://www.ehonnavi.net/
About Kodansha Ltd.
Established in 1909 as Dainippon Yubenkai, Kodansha is a comprehensive publishing company that creates "stories" across all genres – comics, novels, non-fiction, journalism, fashion, picture books, anime, games – with talent from around the world. It has nurtured works that resonate with children's hearts, such as "Totto-chan, the Little Girl at the Window" and "The Cat Who Lived a Million Lives."
As part of its 90th anniversary initiative, Kodansha launched "Let's Play with Books: National Visiting Storytelling Team" to encourage children to engage with books from an early age. Two caravan cars filled with picture books tour kindergartens, nurseries, elementary schools, libraries, and bookstores across Japan. Since its start in 1999, with over 22,000 visits and more than 1.9 million participants, it received the "Mecenat Award" in 2018 for its excellent support of arts and culture.
Kodansha Corporate Site: https://www.kodansha.com/jp/