Hatsumi Hirano from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Design, Wins Grand Prix at the 2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu" CM Division

Hatsumi Hirano, a second-year student in the Department of Design at the Faculty of Art, Tokyo University of the Arts (President: Hiroaki Yoshino, Location: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as "the University"), has won the Grand Prix in the CM division of the 2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu" (hereinafter referred to as "the Contest"), held on March 14, 2026 (Saturday) at the Nakano City Hall.

"Nakano is Scary," the winning work by Hatsumi Hirano, who received the Grand Prix at the 2nd "Nakannu."

Award ceremony of the 2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu" (Left: Hatsumi Hirano, Right: Judge Takumi Oyama)

On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Hatsumi Hirano, a second-year student in the Department of Design at the Faculty of Art, the University, won the Grand Prix in the CM division of the 2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu," a video contest set in Nakano City and organized by Nakano City.

On the same day, an exhibition of nominated works that passed the preliminary selection and an award ceremony were held at "Nakanova" on the first floor of Nakano City Hall. The event was open to the public with free admission, and many visitors viewed the works.

Hirano's Grand Prix-winning work, "Nakano ga Kowai" (Nakano is Scary), is a reinterpretation of the rakugo story "Manju Kowai" (Sweets are Scary). It humorously expresses the deep charm of Nakano from a slightly different perspective, synchronized with visuals and rhythm. The work also impressively depicts a slightly mysterious and horror-like side of Nakano-san, the city promotion character of Nakano City. This work can be viewed on the official YouTube channel of the Nakano Short Film Festival.

This award was given for the high quality of Hirano's work, which was highly praised for its classic yet catchy perspective and its fast-paced editing techniques.

The contest is planned and operated by the "Nakano Mirai Project," which was launched in 2024 by employees of 12 companies in Nakano City and Nakano City staff. This is the second time the festival has been held, with the aim of participatory city promotion to discover and disseminate the charm of Nakano City.

There are two competition categories: "CM Division" and "Story Division." Applications are open to professionals and amateurs, individuals and groups, regardless of age. This year, there were 112 entries.

This year's judges were: Takumi Oyama, a filmmaker; Kōnosuke Uda from MAPPA Co., Ltd.; UDAI IWASAKI from the comedy duo Kamimental; and Naoto Sakai, Mayor of Nakano City.

2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu" Exhibition & Award Ceremony

https://www.city.tokyo-nakano.lg.jp/kanko/city-promotion/Nakannu_2ndGRANDPRIX.html

2nd Nakano Short Film Festival "Nakannu" CM Division Grand Prix Work

・"Nakano ga Kowai": https://youtu.be/66VuP3W2pY0?si=4bLlt07PJcgqs42_

Tokyo University of the Arts

Tokyo University of the Arts traces its origins to the "Konishi Photography School," founded in 1923 (Taisho 12). Since its inception, it has continuously pursued the infinite possibilities of fusing technology and art. It celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.

【URL】 https://www.t-kougei.ac.jp/