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Shibuya Pixel Art Contest 2025: Nominees Announced!

The Shibuya Pixel Art Executive Committee has unveiled the top 50 nominees for the coveted awards in the "Shibuya Pixel Art Contest 2025," which was held over two months starting from June. The contest attracted a diverse array of 372 entries from pixel artists worldwide, each showcasing their unique takes on this year’s themes of “Daily Life,” “Shibuya,” “Rainbow,” “Fate,” and “Water.” These themes inspired artists to express vivid narratives and motives, resulting in a rich and outstanding display of creativity.

The nominated works that passed the first round of judging feature captivating visuals, whether in still images or videos, with an emphasis on color and composition. Each piece stands out through intricate technique and a high degree of craftsmanship. Remarkably, these artworks evoke a sense of depth and atmosphere even with limited color palettes, hinting at a new wave in the pixel art movement.

The final judging session will take place in September, where winners for the "Best Award," "Excellence Award," "Judges' Award," "Limited Pixel Art Award," and "Special Award" will be decided. The awards ceremony, part of the "SHIBUYA PIXEL ART 2025" event, is set for September 21st, and will reveal all award-winning entries at Shibuya Stream Hall.

Winners will not only receive lavish prizes, but those taking home the top awards will also enjoy the exhilarating opportunity to showcase their work on three key outdoor screens in Shibuya: the West Exit Vision at Shibuya Station, the Shueisha Vision at Shibuya Modi, and the Tower Records Vision.

The excitement is palpable as the city of Shibuya gears up for a vibrant display of pixel art. Who will take home the top honor this year? The moment is drawing near!

Meet the Jury Members

The contest boasts a stellar lineup of judges:

Shibuya Inko (Art Director, Square Enix)

Shibuya Inko has contributed to beloved franchises such as "Final Fantasy" and "Romancing SaGa" since the days of Square. Known for creating iconic pixel art, such as the opening scene of "FF I," they have captivated fans as a master of pixels. Their recent work on the "FINAL FANTASY PIXEL REMASTER" series has further showcased their artistic evolution.

eBoy (Kai, Steffen, and Svend) (CEO, Creative Director, Artist, Software Developer)

Founded in 1997, eBoy has made a mark by creating pixel-based art for elite brands like Adidas, Google, and Nike. With offices in Los Angeles and Berlin, eBoy's art continues to gain global recognition.

Joo JaeBum (Pixelist)

Joo transforms familiar surroundings into enticing visuals through pixel art, crafting a distinct artistic language that makes the ordinary feel extraordinary.

waneella (Valeriya Sanchilo) (Pixel Artist)

Born in Moscow, waneella began creating pixel art in 2013 and has since worked with renowned studios, enriching animated and gaming experiences with her artistic vision.

Pixel Jeff (Pixel Artist)

Operating from Taipei, Pixel Jeff uniquely merges retro sensibilities with futuristic vibes, drawing inspiration from cyberpunk aesthetics and lo-fi styles, invoking nostalgia while igniting imagination.

Toyoya Li (Animator/Pixel Artist)

Specializing in pixel illustrations, animation, and GIFs, Toyoya's work reflects influences from retro games and 80s-90s digital culture, producing deeply meaningful and nostalgic pieces.

Shinji Murakami (Contemporary Artist)

Active in New York, Murakami has collaborated with various high-profile entities, notably designing over 300 office walls for Salesforce using pixel tiles. Currently associated with Catinca Tabacaru Gallery in Romania, his work is recognized globally.

APO+ (Pixel Artist)

Born in 1991, APO+ creates engaging works while promoting the recognition and evolution of pixel art culture through various media and publications.

Upcoming Schedule

• - Final Judging: Early September 2025
• - Nominee Exhibition: September 21, 2025, at Shibuya Stream Hall

Note: Works that passed the initial judging round will be exhibited here.

• - Result Announcement & Awards Ceremony: September 21, 2025, at Shibuya Stream Hall

All awards will be announced at this event.

A Glimpse of Nominees

Here are a few standout nominees:

• - Fan: 6:18 PM [32 × 32]
• - ekusGAMEs☻🤺: Spirit’s Water [512 × 512]
• - 51N1: Everyday View in Wetland City [128 × 128]
• - mediumanimal: Dormitory [320 × 240]
• - Altar: Perhaps Usual Shibuya [512 × 512]

This year’s largest pixel art festival, SHIBUYA PIXEL ART 2025 - A Daily Life with Pixel Art, will be held on September 21st at Shibuya Stream Hall, showcasing the talents of over 160 pixel artists and live performers. Join us for exhibitions, talks, gaming tournaments, and music performances that celebrate pixel art and culture!

Stay tuned for updates on the event through our official website and social media:
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