The 3rd YOMO Picture Book Award: A Chance for Aspiring Authors

Exciting Announcement: The 3rd YOMO Picture Book Award

The Nikomo Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Koyo-sha, proudly announces the upcoming 3rd YOMO Picture Book Award. Based in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Nikomo operates the YOMO online picture book store, and this award aims to discover new picture book authors and provide fresh stories that bring smiles to many.

Award Details

The main prize consists of a cash reward of 1 million yen and publication in bookstores. This contest is not just an opportunity for emerging writers but also a platform for their creative expressions to reach a wider audience. All submitted works that meet our criteria will be showcased and sold on the YOMO website.

Submission Timeline

Submissions open on August 20, 2025, and close on December 15, 2025. This provides a generous timeframe for participants to refine their stories. We encourage all aspiring authors to unleash their creative potential, as the theme is open for interpretation and creativity.

Eligibility Requirements

- Open to All: There are no specific qualifications required for applicants.
- Each participant may submit only one original unpublished work, adhering to YOMO’s submission guidelines. Collaborative submissions are permitted; however, purely textual entries will not be accepted.

Submission Process

During the submission period, authors must submit their works according to YOMO's guidelines. When registering, make sure to select the option to enter the YOMO Picture Book Award. Once submitted, works will be available for viewing and purchase on the YOMO site even before the results are announced. Please note, if a work cannot be published or sold, it will not qualify for the contest.

Application Fee

- There is no fee to enter the contest.

Judging Panel

The panel will consist of esteemed picture book authors:
1. Tomohiko Fujimoto - A prolific author since 1991, with several notable works, including the popular series “Bus Adventures.”
2. Koji Ishikawa - Renowned for his innovative concepts and colorful illustrations. His book “Animal Hide and Seek” became a bestseller.
3. Kenta Otsuka - A skilled children’s literature writer known for his captivating stories and characters.
4. Yume Okuhara - Acclaimed for her lyrical stories, winning multiple awards for her contributions to picture books.

Awards

- Grand Prize: 1 winner will receive 1 million yen and publishing rights.
- Excellence Award: 1 winner will receive 300,000 yen.
- Honorable Mentions: 3 winners will receive 50,000 yen each.

Announcement of Results

Winners will be announced in late February 2026 on the YOMO website. The winners will also receive direct communications from the YOMO office.

Important Notes

- The prize for the grand award includes the royalties from the first edition publication.
- The organizer retains the publishing rights for all award-winning entries.
- Works published on the YOMO site cannot be modified post-publication.
- The competition's logistics will not cover any losses or damages during the submission process.
- Any challenges regarding the copyrights of submitted works will be the sole responsibility of the author.

About YOMO

YOMO is a platform that allows both amateurs and professionals to post, preview, and sell their original picture books. Through the site, users can experience a unique on-demand process that brings their stories to life. Free registration allows users to read each work in its entirety once, supporting creativity while enabling easy access to personalized book printing.

For more details about the award, visit the YOMO Picture Book Contest page. Join us in this journey of creativity and storytelling!