#Japan #Tokyo #Tote Bags #ROOTOTE #Art Award

The 22nd ROOTOTE Art & Design Award: Celebrating Creative Expression

On October 10, 2025, the highly anticipated results of the 22nd ROOTOTE Art & Design Award were unveiled on the brand's official site, ROOTOTE.jp. This unique competition emphasizes the concept of viewing tote bags as a canvas for artistic expression, aligning perfectly with the spirit of creativity that the event embodies.

A Canvas for Imagination

ROOTOTE, a celebrated brand specializing in tote bags, has been organizing this award since 2003. The vision is simple yet profound: transform a plain tote bag into a medium for art. The 'Tote as Canvas' initiative challenges participants to showcase their artistry on these bags, turning everyday items into stunning pieces of creative expression.

This year's award saw an incredible 62 entries, each reflecting a unique personal touch. Judged by a panel of esteemed experts, including noted photographer Shinpei Asai, the winners were chosen based on their creativity and originality.

Grand Prize Winner: Hayato's 'Working Ants GEAR'

Among the standout pieces, 20-year-old Hayato emerged as the Grand Prize winner. His artwork, titled 'Working Ants GEAR', beautifully illustrates an ant colony using gears as a metaphor. Hayato remarked on the individuality of ants and imagined a bag that not only displays his creativity but also invites viewers to appreciate the uniqueness of each insect.

He expressed tremendous gratitude for receiving this recognition, committing to continue creating meaningful art in the future.

Runners-Up Recognition

Alongside Hayato, three remarkable entries received the semi-grand prize status:
1. 'Mermaid's Sorrow...' by MELAPESCA
2. 'One team' by P-chan
3. 'It's okay, I’m waiting!' by Yumiko Nakamura

These works also highlight the diverse artistic expressions featured in this year's competition.

Honorable Mentions

The award did not stop at the top three prizes; nine additional artists were recognized for their contributions. The winning entries included:

• - 'Obento Tote? Hold it tote?' by amam
• - 'Where I can hold your hand' by marico, and
• - 'Forgotten Things from the Day Before' by Kotone Takeuchi, among others.

This year's exhibition will take place at Monkey Gallery in Daikanyama, Tokyo, starting from October 10 and running until October 22, 2025. Visitors will have the opportunity to see not only this year's winners but also past Grand Prize artwork. The exhibition is open to the public and free of charge, offering an enriching experience for art enthusiasts.

Entry Details for the 23rd Award

With the successful conclusion of the 22nd award, ROOTOTE is now gearing up for the next competition. Entries for the 23rd ROOTOTE Art & Design Award will open on October 10, 2026, challenging artists to continue expressing their visions on tote bags. Submissions close at the end of August in the following year, ensuring ample time for creativity to unfold.

Participants need only create their artwork on a plain tote bag from ROOTOTE and submit their photographs through the official entry form on ROOTOTE.jp.

Conclusion: A Continued Legacy

The ROOTOTE Art & Design Award is more than just a competition; it symbolizes the brand's commitment to creativity and individual expression. As it continues to encourage imaginative artwork on tote bags, the event fosters a vibrant artistic community while showcasing the unique interplay between everyday materials and art.

For more information on the award, to view past entries, or to enter the upcoming competition, visit ROOTOTE.jp. Join us and explore the world where tote bags become canvases for personal artistry!