If you think the next wave of anime talent is only coming from Tokyo, think again. The Kochi Anime Creator Award 2025 has just unveiled its 15 winning entries — a diverse, daring, and downright delightful collection of indie anime shorts that are turning heads across Japan. From emotionally rich stories like Dreaming of Whales to quirky gems like Mamiko’s Poop, this year’s winners prove that bold, heartfelt animation can come from anywhere — especially from Kochi.
In this article, we’ll introduce the standout creators, explore why Kochi is gaining recognition as a creative hub, and show you how to follow and support these up-and-coming talents.
- 1 🟦 Kochi Anime Creator Award 2025: Meet the 15 Winners Shaping the Future of Anime
- 2 🟦 A Quick Overview of the Award and Its Purpose
- 3 🟦 Grand Prize and Runner-Up Winners
- 4 🟦 Other Awarded Works That Caught Attention
- 5 🟦 Why Kochi Is Becoming a New Hub for Anime Talent
- 6 🟦 Where to Watch and How to Support These Creators
- 7 ✅ Conclusion
🟦 Kochi Anime Creator Award 2025: Meet the 15 Winners Shaping the Future of Anime
The 2025 edition of the Kochi Anime Creator Award has delivered a powerful message: incredible anime doesn’t have to come from Tokyo. This year’s winners — selected from nearly 300 entries and more than 3,500 public votes — offer a refreshing look at what’s next in Japanese animation. Let’s dive into the standout works and creators redefining anime from the ground up.
🟦 A Quick Overview of the Award and Its Purpose
Launched in 2022, the Kochi Anime Creator Award is part of the broader Kochi Anime Creator Sanctuary Project — a grassroots movement that started with a small animation studio and a local credit union. Its mission? To make Kochi Prefecture a new creative base for anime production.
This annual award recognizes short anime films created by independent or emerging artists. It’s backed by Kochi Shinkin Bank, regional governments, educational institutions, and national organizations, aiming to decentralize anime’s creative power and foster local talent.
🟦 Grand Prize and Runner-Up Winners
🏆 Grand Prize:
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“Dreaming of Whales” (Kujira wo Yume Mu) by Shuzuku
A visually poetic piece that blends dreamscapes with marine symbolism, exploring the boundaries between imagination and reality.
🥈 Runners-Up:
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“Jocelyn Run Déb” by Team Rendezvous
A fast-paced, emotionally charged short about memory, identity, and connection. -
“Dancing in the Rain” by Ye Zhaojun
A gorgeously animated piece filled with motion and introspection, capturing the melancholy joy of dancing in solitude.
🟦 Other Awarded Works That Caught Attention
The 2025 award recognized 15 pieces in total, each chosen for originality and storytelling power. Here are some that stood out:
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“Canopus” by Yumeko Arikawa – A lyrical sci-fi journey under the AniSoul category.
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“Apple Candy Spell” by Gikari Shrine – A nostalgic blend of festival imagery and gentle magic.
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“Transparent Specimen” by Yofukashi Core – Voted Audience Favorite, this short dives into memory, time, and visibility.
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“Mamiko’s Poop” by Kyo Akiteru Ohno – A comical and shockingly honest piece that dares to be different.
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“Shunrai” (Spring Buds) by Harutsubomi – A quiet, emotional reflection on growth and renewal.
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“The Gold and Silver Knives” by Shione Hirano – Awarded the Jury Special Prize, this film pairs classical music with elegant storytelling.
The diversity of titles — from fantasy to slice-of-life to experimental — reflects the award’s inclusive spirit and openness to all forms of expression.
🟦 Why Kochi Is Becoming a New Hub for Anime Talent
Tokyo has long been Japan’s anime capital, but high costs and burnout have made creators seek alternatives. Kochi offers a different rhythm — one rooted in nature, community, and support.
By promoting remote work, local production, and creative incubation, Kochi is positioning itself as a creative sanctuary. The Anime Creator Award is just one part of a larger plan to merge digital media with regional revitalization.
Support also comes from financial and public institutions like the Kochi Prefecture Anime Promotion Council and the Chuo Shinkin Bank, proving that anime is not just culture — it’s an economic force, too.
🟦 Where to Watch and How to Support These Creators
While most of the winning shorts are not yet available for public streaming, the organizing committee plans to share highlights on their official platforms:
Follow these channels to catch future screenings, creator interviews, and updates on the next award cycle. Fans can also support by sharing the news, commenting on posts, or reaching out directly to creators via social media.
✅ Conclusion
The Kochi Anime Creator Award 2025 is more than just a local competition — it’s a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the belief that great anime can bloom anywhere. With 15 diverse winners and a growing network of supporters, Kochi is making its mark on the anime world.
As these creators continue to evolve, now’s the perfect time to discover their work, follow their journeys, and become part of a movement that’s reshaping where — and how — anime gets made.
© 鯨を夢む / Shuzuku