AnimeJapan Awards 2026

Synopsis

Police Men: Set in Kyoto, this human dramedy focuses on three police officers whose unique personalities lead to both collaboration and friction as they pursue the common aim of capturing criminals. One with the City: In Aichi, everyday peace is sustained by those who look after the urban environment. Once they put on their uniforms, they become protectors of the community. This short animation celebrates the police force dedicated to the safety and well-being of the people. Offbeat: Leo lives a boring, repetitive life and sees himself as something thrown away. Realizing he has no purpose, he finds fresh motivation when he reignites an old interest. Requiem for the Endless Night: Following a catastrophic event, an elderly man lives alone on a distant planet. After thirty years of looking for any sign of other survivors with no success, he resolves to take a final trip back to his home planet to honor the deceased. Magokoro Musubi: Gyutto Komeru Omoi: The story follows Shio Musubi, a lightly salted rice ball, who meets various kinds of musubi at the park and feels inadequate because of their special traits. But a discovery near the end of his journey at an old woman's house imparts a crucial lesson. Traces of Summer: Two years after leaving her hometown for Tokyo, the city's chaotic environment has worn out the heroine. She gets a message that encourages her to go back to her former home, where summer's memories and smells stir up long-dormant emotions. As she follows the traces of summer, her heart begins to recover. Live in Red: A vast red planet contains a city sheltered by a barrier, protecting it from the constant dust storms and strong winds outside. Then, a giant robot breaks through the barrier and attacks the city.

Background

AnimeJapan, the world's largest annual anime event, held annually in Tokyo, and Crunchyroll are partnering to support the next generation of anime creative talent with the New Creator Awards. Japanese students can submit short films for a chance to win prizes up to 1 million yen and have their work streamed globally on Crunchyroll. This work is the winning entry for the inaugural award ceremony.