The Tokyo Anime Award Festival 2026 (TAAF2026) is seeking feature and short animated videos from applicants worldwide that convey strong messages. Its mission is to screen top-notch, more original animated films, offer audiences and creators inspiration opportunities, develop new talent, and support the growth and promotion of animation cultures and the industry.

Important details:

• Deadlines: October 31 (for Short animation), November 10 (for Feature animation)
• Duration: 13-16 March 2025
• Location(s): Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan

Categories:

• Full-length Animation (60 min. or longer)
• Short Animation (less than 30 minutes)

Note: Animated films longer than 30 minutes but under 60 minutes must first be classified as Feature Animation. The TAAF office will contact the applicant later to let them know which category the film belongs in.

Awards:

• Excellent movies are given the following awards:
• Big Prize (both for Feature and Short, a cash award of 500,000 yen)
• An Excellence Award (both for Feature and Short, a cash award of 100,000 yen)
• Best Student Film (short Animation entries; cash prize of 100,000 yen; other awards) (if applicable).

Eligibility:

• No restrictions as to who can apply
• The film had to be finished on or after January 1, 2023. (regardless of country of origin and whether professional, amateur, or student work).
• Films that have been shown in theaters, sold through video streaming, broadcast, or distributed for profit in Japan before March 12, 2026, will not be eligible for the competition. However, such films can still qualify for the “Anime of the Year” category. It is important to note that screenings at film festivals and previews are not considered for-profit activities under these rules.
• The movie previously nominated for a TAAF award will not be accepted.
• There is no mandatory entry fee.

Guidelines:

Either of the following two types of screening material should be used:

• DCP or Apple ProRes (1920 x 1080 pixels) (for Feature Animation)

How to apply?

You can apply for this competition through the “Apply Now” button below.

Before submitting your application, carefully read the outline and regulations.

Regulations for Feature Animation

Regulations for Short Animation

Apply Now

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us at info@animefestival.jp.

Selection:

The Preliminary Selection Committee will choose the nominees for the final judging after the submission period has ended. Successful applicants will be notified of the selection process outcome, and the list of films nominated will be posted on the TAAF website.

The Competition Jury will conduct its final judging after the nominated movies have been publicly screened in designated theaters throughout the festival period in Tokyo.

The screening schedule will be made public on the TAAF website after the preliminary selection.

For more information about the Tokyo Anime Award Festival, please visit the official website of the Anime Festival.

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