#Japan #Osaka #Meta Osaka #NANKAI #e Stadium

Introduction

In a rapidly evolving digital age, the barriers for young innovators are slowly breaking down. Recognizing this shift, Meta Osaka has announced the introduction of the Digital Creative Award 2026 as part of its young entrepreneur program, Young Impact. This initiative aims to celebrate and support high school students who are leveraging technology to address social challenges.

Background of the Digital Creative Award

The decision to launch the Digital Creative Award comes at a time when digital technologies, particularly AI, are becoming increasingly accessible. Despite this progress, there exists a significant gap in nurturing young talents. According to a report by the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), around 85.1% of Japanese firms have raised concerns over the shortage of digital talent. There's a pressing need to cultivate the next generation of innovators from a young age, which is precisely what the Young Impact program seeks to accomplish.

The award will accept submissions in various digital fields, including gaming, AI, XR, web applications, video, and music, with a focus on themes like education, disaster prevention, tourism, diversity, and community revitalization. This award builds on the success of the Metaverse Creative Awards 2025 EXPO, which attracted approximately 15,000 visitors at the Osaka Kansai EXPO.

A Vision for Namba

The backdrop for this initiative is the Namba District in Osaka, a city that is set to evolve as a hub for next-generation entertainment through collaboration between Meta Osaka, Nankai Corporation, and e-Stadium. This transformation is part of the Digital Entertainment City Concept NAMBA, which aims to blend the rich history of Namba with advancements suitable for the WEB3.0 era. This concept includes leveraging technologies like XR and eSports to position Namba as a leading digital entertainment city.

Nankai Corporation has been proactive in engaging younger audiences through initiatives like the eSports Game Creator Academy, providing experiences that allow children to explore career options in game development, thus contributing to the growth of the youth who will thrive in the WEB3.0 era. The philosophies of Nankai and e-Stadium align with those of Young Impact, making their participation as special partners a natural progression.

Participation and Details

Entries for the award are open from June 30 until September 30, 2026. After a thorough evaluation by teams of experts in various fields, the winners will be announced in a formal ceremony set for November 21, offering recognition to those whose works stand out among their peers.

About Young Impact

The Young Impact program is dedicated to nurturing ambitious young entrepreneurs aged 10 to 18 who are keen to tackle social issues. Launched in October 2025 during the EXPO2025 Osaka, the first cohort received support from about 20 business leaders acting as mentors and partners.

The latest phase is well underway, with a structure designed to give these young visionaries the backing they need to bring their ideas to fruition. The finals, scheduled for November 21, will determine the most innovative participants,
recognizing their contributions to society through digital channels.

Key Information

• - Target Audience: Individuals under 29 years old, expanding the eligibility to include a broader range of creatives.
• - Entry Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 23:59.
• - Entry Method: Through a designated online application form.
• - Award Ceremony: Scheduled from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on November 21, 2026, at the Namba SkyO Convention Hall.

Official Partners

Nankai Corporation will serve not only as a venue sponsor but will also participate as judges and presenters at the award ceremony. e-Stadium will join as judges, adding to the credibility and support network for the upcoming digital creators.

Conclusion

The Digital Creative Award 2026 is not just an event; it's a stepping stone for young talents who are eager to make their mark in the digital landscape. Both Nankai and e-Stadium showcase their commitment to fostering the next generation of innovators and engaging creatively with social issues. Together, they are paving the way for young entrepreneurs to launch their ideas from Namba to the world.