AnimeJapan Launches New Student Animation Awards, Sakurazaka46 to Present

By Sam 23 March 2026

AnimeJapan has selected 13 nominees for its inaugural student short animation competition, the New Creator Awards 2026. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 28, streamed globally.

Anime character with long blue hair underwater

The competition received submissions from roughly 50 schools across Japan. The nominees include works under 15 minutes in length, spanning various genres and visual styles.

Idol group Sakurazaka46 will appear as guests at the award ceremony.

Broadcaster and actress Miri Ugaki will host the event. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the official AnimeJapan YouTube channel, as well as on ABEMA and Niconico.

Animated character in a maid outfit in a café

Crunchyroll is listed as a special supporter of the awards. Prizes include the Grand Prix, with a cash award of 1 million yen, and the Crunchyroll Award, which offers a 1 million yen scholarship.

The AnimeJapan Special Award includes a trip to Anime Expo 2026 in Los Angeles, with travel and accommodation covered.

The award ceremony begins at 16:05 JST on March 28. The livestream will be available on the AnimeJapan YouTube channel.

Source: PR Times via 新人クリエイター大賞PR事務局