Background Music
Available
EN/JP
Artwork: Shinji Murakami / Sound design: Rei8bit

Period:
2025.6.1(sun)0:00
-7.31(thu)24:00
<Japan time>

Message for the Shibuya Pixel Art Contest 2025

Everyday Life
with Pixel Art.

【Message for the Shibuya Pixel Art Contest 2025】

We are delighted to announce the 8th edition of the Shibuya Pixel Art Contest! This year's theme is "Everyday Life with Pixel Art."

In recent years, the world of pixel art has been more vibrant than ever. Pixel art is now a familiar sight on social media, in major game graphics, music videos, and corporate promotional films. More and more creators are contributing their talents to prominent projects across industries.

We've also seen pixel art featured in major TV commercials and massive public ads—such as entire train station walls adorned with pixel-based visuals—signaling just how seamlessly pixel art has become part of our everyday landscape.

Online communities continue to thrive, with hashtags like #TipsForDotters trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where artists generously share their techniques and know-how. This open culture of sharing and learning has fostered a vibrant and ever-growing pixel art ecosystem.

This year, we invite you to depict scenes from everyday life—filtered through your unique perspective—in the medium of pixel art. We hope that by showcasing these works, we can all inspire one another and elevate the expressive potential of pixel art even further.

In addition to the central theme of "Everyday Life," we encourage you to explore one or more of the following sub-themes: Shibuya, Rainbow, Destiny, and Water. Feel free to combine and reinterpret them in your own creative way.

Notably, the works selected for the Grand Prize and Excellence Awards will be showcased on three major digital billboards in Shibuya—a rare opportunity to share your art with the city at large.

We look forward to seeing how your version of everyday life takes shape through pixel art. Share it with the world using the hashtag #shibuyapixelart2025, and let your hidden creativity shine!

We can't wait to see your submissions!

Shibuya Pixel Art Committee

Special Judges

渋谷員子（Kazuko Shibuya）

I'm really looking forward to seeing how each of you will interpret this year's diverse themes and bring them to life through pixel art.

Art Director, Square Enix Japan

A graphic designer who has been responsible for character sprite work and design since the days of the original Square, continuing through to the present-day Square Enix. Known for iconic visuals in series such as Final Fantasy and Romancing SaGa, he worked on numerous graphics that remain deeply etched in players' memories—such as the opening scene of Final Fantasy I. Admired by fans as a true "pixel master," he continues to inspire with his craft. In 2021, he drew renewed attention for redrawing the player character sprites for Final Fantasy I through VI in the FINAL FANTASY PIXEL REMASTER series, revisiting his past work with fresh detail and care.
eBoy（Kai, Steffen and Svend）

Excited to see the incredible creativity in this year's pixel art contest! As jury members since 2020, it's inspiring to witness the evolution and passion of all the talented artists. Good luck!

CEO, Creative Director, Artist, Software Developer

eBoy, founded in 1997 by Kai Vermehr, Steffen Sauerteig, and Svend Smital, creates pixel-based art for top brands like Adidas, Google, Nike, and more. Based in LA and Berlin, featured globally.
Joo JaeBum

Congratulations on the Pixel Art Contest! I'm excited to see the creativity and passion in each piece. Keep exploring your unique pixel world—your small dots can create powerful stories. Good luck!

Pixelist

The pixel art I create offers a fresh perspective on the familiar world, making it more engaging and fun. It's my unique way of expressing everyday life through a personal language of art.
waneella (Valeriya Sanchilo)

Pixel art is an amazing art form that originated in ancient times and continues to evolve and transform today. It is exciting to see how the contestants will use it this time!

Pixel Artist

Was born in 1993 in Moscow, Russia. Studied in Gerasimov institute of Cinematography and got a Specialist degree in computer graphics art and animation. Making pixel art since 2013.
Since 2017 works as a background artist in game development and animation (Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Valve, WayForward, Marvel, Soyuzmultfilm etc.) 

Pixel Jeff

Pixel art has evolved from early digital technology into a timeless artistic style. Within the constraints of limited pixels, it can still create captivating and story-rich visuals — this has always been the unique charm of pixel art! I'm looking forward to seeing stunning and innovative entries in this competition!

Pixel Artist

Pixel Jeff is a pixel artist based in Taipei, Taiwan. His work seamlessly blends retro elements with futuristic vibes — drawing inspiration from the cyberpunk universe and lo-fi aesthetics. His art not only evokes a strong sense of nostalgia, but also sparks limitless imagination.
Toyoya Li

I hope the pixel art contest will become a happy carnival for pixel artists from all over the world, where they can create happily and have fun! And I can make more friends through pixel art here, and I look forward to seeing them every year:D

Animator/Pixel Artist

Mainly creating illustrations, animations and gifs in pixel form. Most of the works are influenced by early retro 8-bit games and electronic culture of the 80s and 90s. Using continuous graphics and unrestrained imagination, they create pixel art works that are both meaningful and nostalgic.
Shinji Murakami

I look forward to seeing how the free expression made possible through the collective power of pixels—the smallest unit of the digital image—resonates with the urban landscape of Shibuya, while offering fresh perspectives through themes like everyday life, Rainbow, Destiny, and water.
As I take on the role of jury member, I'm excited to witness the passion and technical skill brought together from around the world, and to feel the sense of solidarity within a community that grows through mutual inspiration.
I'm especially eager to see how the very constraints of pixel art will spark creativity and open up new possibilities for aesthetic expression.

Contemporary artist

A contemporary artist based in New York. In 2011, they were selected as one of Modern Painters' "Top 100 Artists to Watch." In 2019, they led the final collaboration with Henri Bendel, the iconic New York luxury department store. Since 2016, they have been designing pixel tile artworks for over 300 Salesforce office walls worldwide. They are currently represented by Catinca Tabacaru Gallery, based in Romania.
APO+

Pixel art has continued to evolve over time. While today's pixel art builds on the techniques of earlier generations, it also embraces new forms of expression and celebrates a growing diversity.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing the wide range of creative pixel art works you will share.

Pixel artist

Pixel artist born in 1991. While creating original works, they also contribute artwork to advertisements and music videos. Through publishing books and engaging with various media, they actively promote the development and broader recognition of a new pixel art culture.

Schedule

First Screening
August 8 (Thu) – August 18 (Sun), 2025
Final Judging
Early September 2025
Award Nominee Exhibition
September 21 (Sun), 2025 at Shibuya Stream Hall

* Works that pass the first screening will be exhibited as award nominees. Nominees will be contacted in advance.
Award Announcement & Ceremony
September 21 (Sun), 2025 at Shibuya Stream Hall

Prizes

After a final round of evaluation by all judges, prizes will be awarded based on originality, sociality, and storytelling.

* Award-nominated works will be exhibited at a certain location in Shibuya in late September 2025.
* Each award will be announced at the awards ceremony on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Grand Prize

  • Prize money of 300,000 yen
  • Broadcast rights on three outdoor screens in Shibuya
  • Wacom One 13 Touch
  • Pixel Sculpture Trophy
  • Interview article published in "thePIXEL Magazine"
  • Published in "Shibuya Pixel Art Collection Book 2025"

Excellence Prize(9 recipients)

  • Broadcast rights on one outdoor screen in Shibuya
  • Published in "Shibuya Pixel Art Collection Book 2025"
  • Pixel Sculpture Trophy

Judge's Award

  • Presented by each judge

* Details of the Judge's Award will be announced at a later date.
* If you win multiple awards, only one duplicate prize will be awarded.

Audience Award(1 recipient)

  • Published in "Shibuya Pixel Art Collection Book 2025"

* The Audience Award will be awarded to works posted on X (formerly Twitter).
* Awarded to the work supported by the most reposts as of 24:00 on September 20, 2025.
* If you win multiple awards, only one duplicate prize will be awarded.

Special Awards

  • Coming Soon...

Limited Pixel Art Award(1 recipient per category)

  • 1-year free dotpict premium membership
    * If you are already a premium member, you will receive an Amazon gift certificate for one year of premium membership.
  • Award information posted at the top of the dotpict app
  • Published in "Shibuya Pixel Art Collection Book 2025"

16×16

Most artistic work using 16×16 pixels and limited colors.

The work should be created in 16×16 pixels, and please enlarge it to a size that is easy to see when posting the image.

32×32

Most artistic work using 32×32 pixels and limited colors.

The work should be created in 32×32 pixels, and please enlarge it to a size that is easy to see when posting the image.

64×64

Most artistic work using 64×64 pixels and limited colors.

The work should be created in 64×64 pixels, and please enlarge it to a size that is easy to see when posting the image.

* If you are applying for the Limited Pixel Art Award, please be sure to specify the canvas size: 16×16, 32×32, or 64×64. If the canvas size is not specified, the work will not be eligible for the award.

Application Guidelines

This year, express your unique pixel art using one or a combination of the following themes: "Everyday Life","Shibuya","Rainbow","Destiny",and "Water".
During the submission period, follow the official "Shibuya Pixel Art" account on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, and post your original digital work (illustration, animation, video, game, sculpture, photo, etc.) with the hashtag #shibuyapixelart2025. Be sure to include the title of your work and the canvas size, and Mention the official account (X:@ShibuyaPixelArt / Instagram:@shibuya_pixel_art).

Submission Period

June 1, 2025 (Sun) 0:00 – July 31, 2025 (Thu) 24:00 (JST)

* Dates are subject to change.

First Screening

August 8 (Thu) – August 18 (Sun), 2025

→

Final Judging

Early September 2025

→

Award Nominee Exhibition

September 21 (Sun), 2025 at Shibuya Stream Hall

* Works that pass the first screening will be exhibited as award nominees. Nominees will be contacted in advance.

→

Award Announcement & Ceremony

September 21 (Sun), 2025 at Shibuya Stream Hall

Eligibility

No restrictions on nationality, age, gender, student or professional status, or whether you apply as an individual or a group.

How to Apply

During the submission period, follow the official Shibuya Pixel Art account on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, and post your work including the following information:

Submission Requirements

  • The submission must be a digital artwork.
  • The canvas size must be 512 × 512 pixels or smaller.
  • You must follow the official Shibuya Pixel Art account on X (@ShibuyaPixelArt) or Instagram (@shibuya_pixel_art).
  • Your submission must be posted on X or Instagram and include all of the following:
  • You must comply with the contest terms and conditions.

* Please do not remove the hashtag #shibuyapixelart2025 from your post until the results are announced.

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate entries based on the following three criteria:

● Originality

whether the work is unique and expresses individuality

● Sociality

whether the work expresses its relationship with or poses a question to society

● Storytelling

how well the work reflects the theme(s), and the way it is expressed

Results Announcement

Results will be announced during the award ceremony held at the 6th floor special stage of Shibuya Stream Hall on September 21, 2025.

Award nominees will be contacted directly via DM on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.

Awarded works may be featured in the "Shibuya Pixel Art Collection Book 2025." Participation in supplementary rewards is optional.

Terms and Conditions

Those who apply to the contest hosted by the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee via X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram must read and agree to the terms below. Submissions made using the hashtag #shibuyapixelart2025 during the submission period (June 1 to July 31, 2025) will be considered as agreement to these terms.

If you do not agree with these terms, please refrain from posting.

Important Notices

  • There are no restrictions on the applicant's nationality or place of residence. Prizes will be shipped domestically or internationally.
  • Posts from private accounts or those lacking the designated hashtag, artwork title, or canvas size will not be considered for entry.
  • Multiple submissions of the same artwork will be deemed invalid.
  • Only original works created by the applicant are eligible. However, for individuals under 13 years old who cannot use X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, submissions by a guardian on their behalf are permitted.
  • Submissions where the artwork is not properly uploaded, such as when Instagram is set to private mode, will be considered invalid.
  • Submissions that infringe upon copyrights, violate public order and morals, or invade others' privacy will be deemed invalid.
  • If the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee determines that a submission does not align with the contest's purpose, it may choose not to publish or to delete the post without notifying the submitter.
  • Internet connection and communication fees incurred during submission are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • By posting an image with the designated hashtag, it is assumed that you have obtained consent for portrait rights, copyrights, and all other related rights (hereinafter referred to as "portrait rights, etc.").
  • The Shibuya Pixel Art Committee assumes no responsibility for any infringement of third-party rights, such as portrait rights, that may occur due to identifiable subjects within the submitted works.
  • Participation in this contest is at the applicant's own discretion and responsibility. The Shibuya Pixel Art Committee is not liable for any damages incurred during the application process, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
  • This contest is not supported, endorsed, operated, or affiliated with X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
  • Submitted works may be featured on the websites, social media platforms, and other media outlets of Shibuya Pixel Art and its sponsoring, cooperating, and supporting companies and organizations. Please be aware of this possibility.
  • If the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee determines that an applicant has engaged in any of the prohibited actions listed below, the Committee may take measures such as withholding the publication of the submitted work or removing it after it has been posted.
  1. Acts that violate these terms and conditions
  2. Acts that interfere with the operation of this contest
  3. Acts that cause inconvenience, disadvantage, damage, or discomfort to others
  4. Acts that defame or damage the honor or credibility of others
  5. Acts that infringe upon the copyrights or other intellectual property rights of others
  6. Acts that infringe upon the property, privacy, or portrait rights of others
  7. Acts that the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee deems inconsistent with the purpose of this contest
  8. Acts that the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee deems malicious or inappropriate
  9. Posting data that is obscene, constitutes child pornography, or promotes the sexual exploitation of children
  10. Providing information, advertising, or solicitation for commercial purposes
  11. Acts that violate public order and morals
  12. Acts that violate the terms of use or laws of X (formerly Twitter)/Instagram
  13. Other acts similar to those listed above

Disclaimer & Other Provisions

  • While this contest is operated with the utmost care, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, safety, usefulness, or any other aspect of the information, programs, services, or other matters related to this contest.

    Furthermore, the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee is not responsible for damages incurred by users or third parties in the following cases:

    1. In the event of emergencies such as software or hardware accidents, fires, power outages, or deterioration of communication environments during participation or application to this contest
    2. When regular or emergency maintenance of the contest system is conducted
    3. In the event of disputes or issues between users or between users and third parties
    4. If services are interrupted or delayed, or defects occur due to interference or information alteration by third parties
    5. If information provided by this contest is miscommunicated or defective without intentional misconduct or gross negligence
  • The Shibuya Pixel Art Committee assumes no responsibility for any troubles or damages (direct or indirect) incurred by applicants as a result of their participation in this contest.
  • The Shibuya Pixel Art Committee may change or cancel this contest (in whole or in part) without prior notice to applicants. Additionally, if deemed necessary, we may change these terms without prior notice

Handling of Personal Information

  • The personal information you provide or submit will be used by the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee to send supplementary prizes to contest winners and to contact participants regarding matters related to this contest. Additionally, anonymized statistical data may be used for future contests and events as reference.
  • Your personal information will not be disclosed or provided to any third party other than contracted service providers without your consent, except when required by law.

Q&A

● What is pixel art?

Q.1 Please tell me what pixel art is.
A.1 Generally, it is considered to be "a work drawn at such a low resolution that dots (pixels), which are the smallest elements that make up an image, can be seen" or "an image composed of colors arranged in squares." However, it has not been precisely defined. Starting this year, this contest attempts to evaluate the beauty within the constraints of "Pixel Art" by stipulating that works be digital and that the canvas size be 512 x 512 pixels or less.
Q.2 What kind of software/applications are available to create pixel art digitally?
A.2 Below are some commonly used examples. There are many other types of software than those introduced here, so please choose the one that suits you best.

Aseprite (windows, macOS, Ubuntu + Steam key) / EDGE, EDGE 2 (windows) / EDGE touch (iOS) / Divoom (iOS, android) / dotpict (iOS, android) / Dottable (iOS, android) / Graphic Gale (windows) / Photoshop (windows, macOS) / Pixaki (iOS) / Pixel Studio (windows, macOS, iOS, android) / 8bit painter (windows, macOS, iOS, android) /

*There are both free and paid services. Any fees that occur must be paid by the user.

*GIF formats may not be available for output depending on the software/app.

*Please contact the manufacturers for details on the services.

Q.3 Please tell me some pixel art that I can use as reference.
A.3 Please see past contest winning works from the "Archive".

● How to apply

Q.4 How should I apply?
A.4 Create and submit your original pixel art based on one or more of the following themes: “Everyday Life”,“Shibuya”,“Rainbow”,“Destiny”, and “Water”. During the submission period, follow the official Shibuya Pixel Art account on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram. Post your digital artwork—whether it's an illustration, animation, video, game, sculpture, photograph, or other form—using the hashtag #shibuyapixelart2025, along with your work title and canvas size, and tag the official "Shibuya Pixel Art" account in your post.
Q.5 I don't use X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, but can I apply using other methods?
A.5 This contest can only be submitted via X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
Q.6 Can elementary school students apply?
A.6 X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram cannot be used by anyone under the age of 13. Therefore, parents can post on X (old Twitter) or Instagram on their behalf. In the contest held in 2019, a 7-year-old elementary school student won the category award.
Q.7 Please tell me how to apply.
A.7 Please see "How to apply".
Q.8 I accidentally posted (applied) twice.
A.8 We have confirmed the content posted by the Shibuya Pixel Art Committee, but if there are duplicate posts by mistake, please delete one.
Q.9 What kind of award is the Audience Award?
A.9 This award will be given to the work that has been retweeted the most on X (formerly Twitter) as of 24:00 on September 20, 2025.
Q.10 Are only works submitted by X (formerly Twitter) eligible for the Audience Award?
A.10 Works posted on X (formerly Twitter) are eligible.
Q.11 Is it okay to take a photo of a hand-drawn artwork and submit it?
A.11 This time, we are limited to digital works with a canvas size of 512 x 512 px or less.
Q.12 In the case of digital works, to what extent is processing allowed?
A.12 Other than the Limited Pixel Art category award, there are no particular rules, so feel free to edit them as you like.
Q.13 If I apply for the Limited Pixel Art category, do I have to upload it at the original size such as 16 x 16 or 32 x 32 px?
A.13 Please create your work in 16 x 16 or 32 x 32 px, and when uploading the image, please enlarge it to a size that is easy to see.
Q.14 Is it possible to apply with video, music, or dance works?
A.14 Of course it is possible! However, the digital work must have a canvas size of 512 x 512 px or less.
Q.15 Can I apply with works that have been published elsewhere?
A.15 Yes. However, submitted works are limited to works that have not won an award in any other contest.
Q.16 Is there a maximum number of applications?
A.16 No. You can apply as many times as you like.
Q.17 Can I apply for art works that I have created in the past?
A.17 You can apply!
Q.18 Is it possible to apply as an art work created by multiple people?
A.18 Yes, but please apply from one account.
Q.19 Do I have to live in Tokyo?
A.19 We welcome submissions not only from within Japan but also from overseas. There is no need to come to Tokyo to receive the award.
Q.20 Can I apply from overseas?
A.20 The applicant's nationality and place of residence do not matter. Prizes and prizes can be delivered both domestically and internationally. However, please note that it may take time to ship overseas.
Q.21 Is it possible to repost or post other people's works?
A.21 Only works created by yourself are eligible for submission. If you are using a third party's work or a photo that primarily features a person, please obtain permission from that person before posting.

● Examination/Results/Second Prizes

Q.22 How can I find out the screening results? How will I be notified of the screening results?
A.22 The judging results and award-winning works will be announced on the "Shibuya Pixel Art" official website and at the award ceremony. In addition, the winners will be contacted directly via DM from the official "Shibuya Pixel Art" account on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram.
Q.23 Please tell me the screening criteria.
A.23 The judges place particular emphasis on the following three points.

● Originality: "Jibun"-likeness and "individuality"

● Sociality: whether the work expresses its relationship with or poses a question to society

● Story-telling ability: "understanding" of a given theme, and the sharpness, depth, and beauty of its "expression"

The judges will select the work that most resonates with them from these three perspectives.

Q.24 Please tell me the judging method.
A.24 All awards will undergo screening checks in accordance with the application rules. After that, the first round of judging will be conducted by each judge, and the winners will be decided in a final judging by all judges. For special awards and category awards, the winners will be selected together with sponsoring and cooperating companies after the first round of judging.
Q.25 Can one person win multiple prizes?
A.25 If you submit multiple works, each work may win a prize.
Q.26 Is it possible for one work to receive multiple awards?
A.26 Yes.
Q.27 Please tell me about the judges.
A.27 Please see "Judge". Please note that the judges may change due to circumstances.
Q.28 Please tell me about the prizes.
A.28 Please see "Prizes". Please note that the judges may change due to circumstances.

Press Kit

For media coverage or publication, please use the press kit provided here.

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