Copic Award 2025 Announces Selected Works from Global Contest

Copic Award 2025: Final Selections Announced

The Copic Company, which is renowned for its high-quality color markers, has officially announced the finalists for the Copic Award 2025. Over 4,500 entries from 73 countries were submitted between May 1 and June 30, showcasing an impressive global range of talent and creativity. The initial selection process involved extensive evaluation by a panel of distinguished judges who reviewed every submission available on the web. From this thorough examination, they curated a vibrant list of 51 outstanding pieces that will proceed to the final round of judging.

The esteemed judging panel for this year includes prominent figures in the creative community, such as Yasuhiko Takeuchi, editor-in-chief of 'Illustration'; Natsume Sanchi, a beloved YouTuber and illustrator known for her affinity for Copic products; Hiro Mashima, a renowned manga artist; Michihiko Yanai, a creative director and professor at Tokyo University of the Arts; and Yuko Yamaguchi, the third designer of the famed character Hello Kitty. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise a robust and inspiring final round of evaluations.

As the contest proceeds to the final judging stage, the selected finalists will be required to submit their original works for review by the judges in person. This final round will determine various prestigious awards, including the Grand Prize, the Second Prize, Next Generation Artist Award Grand Prize, and several Judge’s Choice awards. The grand affair also has additional awards that will be decided by the event's organizing team and sponsoring companies. Notable awards include:

- Next Generation Artist Award (100 recipients)
- 3D Work Award (1 recipient)
- Multiliner Award (1 recipient)
- Copic Acryla Award (1 recipient)
- Social Media Award (1 recipient)
- Pixiv Award (1 recipient)

The winners for these awards will be selected from the larger pool of submissions, including those that were not initially chosen. The final results, encompassing all awarded works, are expected to be announced in early November 2025. The Copic Award represents not only a platform for showcasing artistic talent but also provides numerous opportunities for recognition, even for those entries that did not make the first selection. The anticipation for the final evaluation results is palpable, and all participants and fans of the Copic brand look forward to celebrating the artistry and innovation that this award embodies.

To view the list of finalists announced from the first selection, you can visit the results page in both Japanese and English:

Copic continues to inspire artists around the world with its high-quality markers, fostering creativity and encouraging participation in artistic endeavors through platforms like the Copic Award. This commitment not only uplifts individual artists but also fosters a community of creativity and appreciation for the arts on a global scale.