#Japan #Award Ceremony #Narita #Sanritsu #Cardboard Art

Transforming Ordinary Cardboard into Exceptional Art

The Sanritsu Cardboard Art Contest has taken the art scene by storm. The inaugural contest saw an impressive submission of 125 pieces from across the nation, demonstrating that cardboard is not just for shipping but can serve as a canvas for innovation and creativity. Sanritsu Corporation, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, executed this contest with the mission to encourage artists and hobbyists alike to rethink discarded cardboard.

The contest featured a Grand Prize and two Excellence Awards, judged by Sanritsu employees and guest juror Fuyuki Shimaz, an accomplished artist known for his work utilizing recycled cardboard. The judges focused on the materials' unique characteristics, the creativity in form, and the thematic depth of each entry. The results were exemplary and showcased the immense imaginative potential of a common material like cardboard.

Award-Winning Works

Grand Prize: "Fragile Item" by Daichi Tomomori (Age 14, Osaka)

This captivating piece addresses the theme of environmental destruction in our oceans, centering on a parent hermit crab protecting its child. Tomomori ingeniously utilized previously used cardboard for the shell segment, creating a striking contrast with the body of the piece. The meticulous craftsmanship and originality of the work greatly impressed judges, making it an outstanding submission overall.

Excellence Award: "Cardboard Cabbage Bag" by Kimuchi Hakusai (Age 50, Yamaguchi)

At first glance, this piece appears to be merely colored cardboard, yet it artfully combines the inherent color of cardboard itself in a fascinating way. The careful craftsmanship is evident, and while the design was lauded for its creativity, the judges suggested that a wider opening could enhance its practicality as a bag.

Excellence Award: "Cross-Sectional Eco Frame" by Yuu Hiromi (Age 31, Miyagi)

This elegant piece made noteworthy use of the cross-section of cardboard as a frame, complemented by decorative tape that adds a whimsical touch. The appearance of a barcode on the side gives it a unique charm, contributing to a captivating aesthetic.

A Collective Showcase of Creativity

Despite being the first edition, the contest rallied diverse works reflecting the multifaceted interpretations of cardboard from participants of all ages. Impressively, 85 submissions came from elementary and middle school children, indicating a surge of youthful, energetic creativity, while the oldest participant was a remarkable 84 years old, showing that art knows no age.

The varied motifs included everyday items such as backpacks, insects, and even instrumentation like ukuleles featuring real strings. Several mechanical and light-up creations showcased significant technical challenges, revealing a deep level of engagement with the medium.

The Grand Prize winner, "Fragile Item," harnessed the texture and quality of the cardboard to explore meaningful themes, earning the admiration it deserved. The contest attracted a wealth of inventive ideas and intricate designs, establishing it as a platform for broad expressions in the world of cardboard art.

To celebrate this creativity, selected works will be on display at Aeon Mall Narita from December 12th to December 21st, culminating in a special event on the last day where visitors can receive limited-edition novelties.

Exhibition Details at Aeon Mall Narita

• - Exhibition Period: December 12, 2025 (after 6 PM) - December 21, 2025
• - Venue: Aeon Mall Narita, 2nd floor near ASBee
• - Displayed Works: 7 pieces, including the Grand Prize and Excellence Award winners.

The exhibition promises to not only showcase remarkable artworks but also to encourage discussions about creativity and sustainability in art. The contest emphasizes how a commonly overlooked material, like cardboard, can be transformed into stunning works of art, stimulating audiences of all ages to explore their creative potentials.

Conclusion

Judge Fuyuki Shimaz reflected on the impressive array of creative expressions throughout the contest, noting the strong connection participants formed with the material. Each piece was a testament to imaginative prowess, asking audiences how they might see cardboard differently in their own lives. This initial venture into cardboard art has set a robust foundation for future competitions, inspiring an ongoing dialogue around creativity and sustainability.

About Sanritsu Corporation

Founded in 1948 and currently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Sanritsu Corporation has established itself as a leader in packaging solutions. The company strives to create effective and eco-friendly packaging materials while promoting sustainability in all its operations. For more information, please visit Sanritsu's official website.