Japan Drone Show Creativity Awards 2025 Now Accepting Entries for Outstanding Drone Shows

Japan Drone Show Creativity Awards 2025

The Japan Drone Show Association, located in Minato, Tokyo, is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Japan Drone Show Creativity Awards. Following last year's success, this prestigious award aims to recognize outstanding drone show performances held within Japan, now evolving to a submission-based format for the first time.

A New Era for the Awards

This year's awards mark a significant shift from the previous nomination-based participation to an open application system. Drone show operators, advertisers, municipalities, and creators can now submit their works themselves, enhancing accessibility and increasing the diversity of entries. This change allows for a broader range of innovative drone performances to compete, fostering the growth of drone show culture nationwide.

What are the Japan Drone Show Creativity Awards?

This initiative stands as Japan’s only specialized award for drone shows, organized by the Japan Drone Show Association. Over recent years, drone performances have evolved beyond simple entertainment into impactful advertising mediums, valuable nighttime tourism experiences, and creative expressions tied to regional resources. However, the variety in the scale of drones and performance techniques differs widely among operators and regions, lacking a standardized evaluation framework.

The awards aim to provide a fair assessment standard and a platform for evaluation in this nascent market, encouraging technological advancements and creative expressions in drone shows.

Exciting New Features for 2025

Open Application Format

In a notable change, all stakeholders in the drone show industry can now participate by submitting their own shows. This transformation means that anyone involved in producing drone shows can now compete for the title of the best show in Japan.

Introduction of the 'Under 300' Category

A new category has been created for shows featuring fewer than 300 drones. This category emphasizes that high-quality shows can be achieved with fewer drones, inviting participation from smaller regional and local event operators, thereby expanding the industry base.

Contest Overview

- Organizer: Japan Drone Show Association
- Event Name: Japan Drone Show Creativity Awards 2025
- Application Method: Submit necessary information and materials via the designated form
- Eligibility Period: Drone shows held in Japan from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025
- Eligibility Criteria: Open for self-nominations from any of the following positions:

- Drone show production companies
- Advertising agencies
- Event companies/video production companies/staging companies, etc.
- Advertisers/organizing entities (corporations/municipalities, etc.)
- Note: Each representative can submit only one entry, and consent from the rights holder (advertisers/organizers) is required.

Award Categories (Total of 6)

1. Largest Drone Count Category: Shows using the most drones.
2. Entertainment Category: Shows that entertain audiences by integrating drones with music, narration, laser effects, etc.
3. Community Revitalization Category: Creative shows highlighting local features and contributing to regional initiatives.
4. Advertising/Promotion Category: Shows utilizing drone features for effective promotions and brand recognition.
5. Social Issues Category: Shows addressing Japanese social issues or making impactful statements.
6. Under 300 (Newly Established): Celebrating shows with fewer than 300 drones that deliver unique experiences through creative ideas and performances.

Schedule

- Deadline for Application: February 9, 2026 (Monday)
- Results Announcement: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday) on the official website
- Note: There are no plans for an award ceremony this year.

Message from the Japan Drone Show Association

This award creates a platform shining a light on all shows, regardless of size or region, celebrating those that dare to innovate. We expect to see a variety of unique and surprising works, not just large shows. This year is your chance to apply; your show could change the future of Japan’s night sky. We look forward to your entries!

Application Form