[Results Announced] Over 1,200 Entries Worldwide! Global Illustration Contest 'Next ILLUST Award 2025' Gold Prize Decided & Exhibition to be Held Globally Starting in May

PIE International (Toshima-ku) has announced the final results of the global illustration contest 'Next ILLUST Award 2025' in the 85th issue of 'SS (Small S)' magazine, released on April 22, 2026, and on its special website. Award exhibitions will be held sequentially starting in May in Japan and around the world, beginning May 22 (Friday) at Gallery Ecri in Shibuya, Japan.

This contest offered a big chance for entries to be published in 'SS' magazine, displayed in Japan and overseas, and viewed by a prestigious panel of judges including Range Murata, Mai Yoneyama, and Sakusha2!

**Next ILLUST Award 2025: A Global Platform** 'Next ILLUST Award' launched on an expanded scale as a contest open to everyone worldwide. Any original work, regardless of art medium, age, or nationality, was welcomed. The 2025 award received over 1,200 entries.

Judging was conducted by renowned illustrators Range Murata, Mai Yoneyama, and Sakusha2, along with the editorial teams of Quarterly S, PIE Comic Art, and partners including Kinokuniya USA, Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific, COMICUP, and Marginals.

**Total Entries: 1,280** - Japan (via Quarterly S website): 993 - China (via COMICUP special site): 67 - Worldwide (via PIE International Discord): 220

**Judges** - Range Murata - Mai Yoneyama - Sakusha2 - S Editorial Department - PIE Comic Art Editorial Department - Kinokuniya USA - Kinokuniya Asia-Pacific - COMICUP - Marginals

**Award Winners** - **Gold Prize (1 winner):** Marui | Country: Japan A dramatic work with exotic coloring showing a peaceful meal scene after work. The artist noted, 'I tried to draw a monk returning from New Year's Eve bell-ringing. I hope they can take a detour and relax.' - **Silver Prize (2 winners):** - GURANAT | Country: Australia A striking piece titled 'The Weight of Ambition,' expressing the feeling of ambition burning intensely and nearly consuming oneself. - 葳蕤饼八分熟 | Country: People's Republic of China A fantasy piece showing a figure reaching towards dynamic clouds and a magic circle, with red shoes left behind in the foreground inviting imagination.

Other winners and selected works will be announced in 'SS' Issue 85 and on the special website. Encouragement Award works will be exclusively featured on the website.

**Global Exhibition** Exhibitions of winning and selected works will take place worldwide starting in May. Featured works include Gold, Silver, Bronze, Individual, Spotlight, Selected, and Honorable Mention prizes.