JIA Future Artists Award

Discovering future talents globally and collecting illustrations from children all over the world.

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2025 Winner List：Age 6-8

Gold Award

Ikkei Harada

Silver Award

Yuhang Yuan , Elyse Ma , Zhuang Yize

Bronze Award

Ann Sunaga , Qingran Chen , Zimu Zheng , Qiaozhi Zhou , SU WEN , Sun yueyao , wang ning , Zhang Xirui

Shortlist

Zhu Zhiye , Murat Gabidullin , Chen zhe xi , Du Yinuo , Fang Xima , Ho Wanshu , yangziyu , CHEN JO HSI , Jinxuan Sun , Maggie

General Review

Japan Illustrators' Association

This age group showed an abundance of free ideas, rich use of color, and uninhibited composition. Many works depicted animals, nature, or dreamlike landscapes, capturing the children’s pure perspectives with charm and freshness that resonated with the judges.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze-winning works demonstrated strong thematic cohesion and expressive techniques—especially in composition, color use, and character portrayal. While some Honorable Mention works still showed technical immaturity, their unique perspectives and imaginative ideas were highly promising for future growth.

Belle Lee

It was truly enjoyable to see how children in this age group interpreted and explored their chosen themes. While the ideas may seem simple, many of the artworks show a good impact in a very pure and honest way. Their creativity feels instinctive and deeply meaningful.

Victo Ngai

I enjoyed the work in this group this most. The young artists displayed delightful creativity, confidence, and a strong sense of play. Their bold self-expression and imaginative energy are truly inspiring and enviable. I hope they carry this joy in art-making with them as they grow.

GOLD AWARD

Ikkei Harada（Japan）

1. Invisible person

Acrylic paint

I hope to meet an invisible person someday, become good friends with them, and show them this picture.

2. My friend who’ s good at dodgeball

Acrylic paint

My friend’ s face turns red while playing dodgeball. He’ s so cool—he throws fast and dodges quickly so he never gets hit.

3. My friend who’ s good at swimmin

Acrylic paint

This is my friend from swim school. When we compete to see who can stay underwater the longest, our faces look wavy. Sometimes he makes funny faces to make me laugh.

Sophie Blackall

Ikkei’s characters jump off the page with their vibrant personalities and bold lines and colors. I love the way the artist considers the backgrounds with equal attention.

Victo Ngai

Ikkei’s work overflows with warmth, humor, and curiosity. Whether imagining invisible friends or honoring his real-life companions through expressive portraits, his decisive brushwork and color choices bring personality and life to every figure. His ability to observe and portray emotion—especially through playful details and color choices—demonstrates a rare sensitivity and storytelling instinct for someone his age. A truly charming and cohesive body of work. I hope Ikkei carries forward the bold confidence that’s so evident in his work as he continues his journey in art.

Belle Lee

I can't believe he is only 7. It is a simple subject but he expressed it very well. Consistent style and concept of 3 art pieces reminded me of Andy Warhol and Michel Jean Basquiat.

Each character with unique emotions and different background describes each friend's different identity well. Very unique bold strokes and big faces.

SILVER AWARD

SILVER AWARD

Yuhang Yuan（China）

SILVER AWARD

Elyse Ma （Australia）

SILVER AWARD

Zhuang Yize （China）

The Tiny Superher

Marker pens, Fineliners

Monsters invade and the Earth is in peril. Humans fight back but they seem far too small. Just then our little superhero descends from the sky with a parachute and bravely steps in to save the world.

Sophie Blackall

This is one of my favorite pieces in the entire competition. I love the juxtaposition of the bold graphic shapes of the spider with the fine lines of the figures , ladders and helicopters.

Victo Ngai

Yuhang creates a bold and imaginative world where even the smallest hero can make a difference. His dynamic sense of movement and clear skill in story-telling shine through his work. I also love the graphic quality of the work and the visual rhythm created by the interplay of dense and open compositions.

Belle Lee

How fun and creative! I can see a clear story throughout the drawing. The red monster was fiercely expressed and drawn.

1. The Defense of the Kingdom of Nostrils

White cardstock, outline pen, colored pens. Outline pen, acrylic markers

In this tiny world, there is a mischievous boy who, due to poor hygiene, has brought big trouble to his nostrils \ bacteria have invaded! Fortunately, there is a group of brave nasal hair warriors. They are very courageous. With the help of the “Gatling Processing Plant,” each one is full of energy and has engaged in a fierce battle with the bacteria. In the end, the nasal hair warriors emerged victorious, driving all the bacteria out of the Kingdom of Nostrils and defending the peace and tranquility of the kingdom.

2. Grandpa’ s Vegetable Garden

White cardstock, outline pen, colored pens. Outline pen, acrylic markers

The inspiration comes from the picture book story “Grandpa’ s Vegetable Garden.” The old man has an interesting and magical vegetable garden where the vegetable babies are all alive, including carrots, eggplants, pumpkins, and so on. Grandpa is holding a large basket and wearing a hat, with the vegetables still playing tricks on him.

Sophie Blackall

This is one of my favorite pieces in the entire competition. I love the juxtaposition of the bold graphic shapes of the spider with the fine lines of the figures , ladders and helicopters.

Victo Ngai

The joy in Zhuang’s work is truly contagious—his characters are full of personality, energy, and humor. His command of visual storytelling is especially impressive; each piece feels like a storybook page come to. I hope he continues to love drawing as wholeheartedly as that love shines through in his work now.

Belle Lee

Even though the artist is only 6, the overall drawing is very creative and fun. He knows how to show imagination and story through his drawing.

1. Big Celebration, for the Birth of the Royal Princess

Acrylic paint, acrylic markers, colour pencils on painting paper

Big Celebration, for the Birth of the Royal Princess is an imaginative scene. It shows everyone in the cat kingdom gathering together to celebrate the birth of the Princess Meowty, who is so pure and beautiful. The King and the Queen are standing in the middle, surrounded by the royal orchestra, performers, and fairies.

2. My and My Cats

Acrylic paint, acrylic markers, colour pencils on painting paper

My and My Cats, is a painting of me and my two cats! The one on the left is named Munch, who wasn't feeling good for a long time, so I wanted to make him look super happy in the painting. Sadly, he went to kitty heaven just a few days after I finished. My parents rescued both of my cats and brought them all the way to Australia from China! Everyone in my house is allergic to cats, but we love them so much, and they are like family to us. My painting will always remind me of Munch and how much fun we had together.

Sophie Blackall

This image of a celebration is a feast for the eyes! The details of all the faces in the crowd, the musicians and fairies are wonderful!I can imagine this illustration took a long time to complete.

Victo Ngai

Elyse dazzles with her rich world-building and sense of fantasy. Her regal cat kingdom is filled with delightful details, joyful energy, and layered storytelling.It’s such a joy to discover all the different faces in the crowd, each with its own distinctive character.

Belle Lee

Love how the royal family was walking down the aisle and all the crowds welcoming and celebrating. The feeling of festival and cheerfulness are well described.

BRONZE AWARD

BRONZE AWARD

Ann Sunaga（Japan）

BRONZE AWARD

Qingran Chen （China）

BRONZE AWARD

Zimu Zheng （China）

A chimney bird and a space rabbit

Acrylic paint, pencil, and colored paper

In a sunset sky with drifting clouds, a bird with a chimney is guiding a space rabbit.

Sophie Blackall

A surprising combination of college and painting makes the viewer look twice to realize the intriguing characters and story being told in this image. I love the shapes and colors and the idea of a bird with a chimney!

Victo Ngai

Ann blends surreal charm with visual poetry. Her twilight dreamscape of chimney birds and space rabbits feels like a page from a modern fairytale. Her composition and color sensibility reveal a unique voice and artistic maturity beyond her years.

Belle Lee

I love the texture of the background. Every element of this drawing harmonized together very well.

The Fluffed Up Baboon

Gouache

A baboon with fluffed up fur and wide eyes stares ahead. What on earth just happened?

Sophie Blackall

I love this baboon with my whole heart! It is painted with such verve and spirit and I hope the artist is able to retain these qualities as they get older.

Victo Ngai

Zimu’s baboon bursts with energy and mystery. With bold brushstrokes and a strong color palette, he captures a freeze-frame moment full of humor and curiosity. His work is both playful and inviting.

Belle Lee

Bold stroke and right usage of color is the key to this painting. I can feel the bravery of confidence.

The Upset Little Cat

Oil pastels, Soft pastels

This Siamese cat has clear blue eyes and a curled tail. It gazes at its owner with a sad pleading look as if to say I did not do anything wrong. Its tiny figure is full of grievance and quiet hope.

Sophie Blackall

The pose of this sad little cat is well drawn to convey emotion, and the different materials used make for an interesting image.

Victo Ngai

Qingran captures quiet emotion with sensitivity. Her upset little cat, rendered with soft, expressive strokes, conveys vulnerability and tenderness. A beautiful example of subtle storytelling through posture and gaze.

Belle Lee

The expression of the cat is very unique. The overall cat shape can be rough but very appealing

BRONZE AWARD

Qiaozhi Zhou（China）

BRONZE AWARD

SU WEN（China）

BRONZE AWARD

Sun yueyao（China）

The Joyful Sailor

Gouache

With waves splashing and seagulls dancing nothing brings more joy to a sailor than this shimmering moment at sea.

Sophie Blackall

Any artist of any age would be proud of this sailor, who is indeed joyful and vivacious! I love the bold brush strokes and colors.

Victo Ngai

Qiaozhi paints joy with movement and light. The sailor’s expression, the splashing waves, and soaring seagulls all come together to evoke freedom and happiness. His use of color and rhythm creates a vivid, immersive scene.

Belle Lee

I could feel the sailorman's dance movement throughout the painting. Very cheerful and a good vibrant color.

Microscopic Guangzhou

Marker pens

The various cultural elements of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area through the eyes of a child.

Sophie Blackall

This microscopic world is a feat of observation and imagination, and the artist has taken pains to document their neighborhood, food and culture.

Victo Ngai

Su Wen transforms urban elements into a lively, imaginative world through a child’s lens. “Microscopic Guangzhou” is both detailed and charming (and delicious!), showing how everyday scenes can inspire wonder when seen with creative eyes.

Belle Lee

Various cultural elements of the food gives the audience the pleasure to explore the drawings. Very imaginative and detail oriented.

The Whisper of Mountain Spirits: A Flower Journey Through Time and Space

Watercolor

In the morning twilight, shrouded in a misty haze, Mount Fuji stands in its millennia-old silence, soaking up the vitreous morning light. The snow-capped summit refracts a prismatic spectrum of light, casting the entire scene in a thin, ethereal glow that blurs the line between reality and dream. At the foot of the mountain, a girl in a blue furisode stands barefoot on the mossy plain. The starlight falling from her hair and the camellia she holds in her hands create a rhythm of interwoven warmth and coolness. Strange beasts beyond the biological catalog \ creatures like the crested ibis with iridescent tail feathers and the spiritual monkeys with fur that shimmers like stardust \ are gathered around her in a reverent pose. Their pupils reflect the faint, ancient Jomon script on the mountain’ s surface.The overall artistic style leans towards fantasy illustration. The artist uses rich colors and diverse elements to construct a beautiful world where humans and nature, modern life and fantastical imagination, intertwine. This work conveys a longing for freedom and a wonderful outdoor life, as well as a yearning for the fantastical world.

Sophie Blackall

This artist has packed so much into this vibrant, colorful landscape that portrays animals and fantastical elements from a tiny flower to snow-capped mountains to outer space.

Victo Ngai

Layered with symbolic detail and rich imagination, Sun Yueyao’s work reads like a visual poem—bridging nature, time, and fantasy with elegance and sensitivity.

Belle Lee

Nice completed piece where you can see a good story and good characters. I like composition and color usage.

BRONZE AWARD

wang ning（China）

BRONZE AWARD

Zhang Xirui（China）

1. Tom and Jerry

Colored pencils, Chinese painting pigments

Tom and Jerry are good friends. One evening, when they were hungry, they went out to look for something to eat. They saw a bean oil lamp, and the oil smelled delicious. Tom said, “How can we climb up and eat the oil?” Jerry replied, “Watch me!” After looking around, Jerry saw a copy of the Book of Songs on the desk. He carefully pushed the book next to the lamp, jumped onto the book, and then leaped onto the lamp handle. Seeing that one more jump would get him to the oil, Tom was both happy and admiring, clapping his hands excitedly.

2. A Midsummer Night’ s Dream
Colored pencils

On a summer night, I dreamed that I was sleeping on a lotus leaf. Frogs, little fish, and the little boy from next door were all around me, gently rocking the leaf like a cradle.

Sophie Blackall

This artist is exploring materials and illustration styles in interesting ways to create very different images that tell engaging stories.

Victo Ngai

Wang Ning’s gift for storytelling shines through in both of her whimsical works. Though distinct in medium and visual style, each piece is infused with warmth, humor, and a genuine sense of wonder.

Belle Lee

With minimum brush stroke and color, the artist expressed the story well. For second one, really love the composition where the main characters are framed within the big lotus leaf. The line drawing is very appealing and the expression of characters is fun.

The Water World in the Nozzle

oil pastels

:I was taking a shower in the bathroom, and it felt like little people were bouncing out of the water from the showerhead. The little people in blue clothes represented that the water quality was very clean; the one in yellow was a great dancer; the one in orange was playing on a slide, and the one with blue hair was saying: “Please cherish water resources...”

Sophie Blackall

This artist seeks inspiration from the every day experience (taking a shower) and uses their imagination to make a painting that is playful and vibrant.

Victo Ngai

Zhang Xirui reimagines a simple daily scene with brilliant creativity. Her vision of a tiny world inside a showerhead—filled with dancing, sliding water sprites—is clever, joyful, and full of life. A delightfully original concept executed with heart and a refreshing composition.

Belle Lee

Story of this drawing is fun. Splash of the water is well described.

SHORTSHIT

SHORTLIST

SHORTSHIT

Zhu Zhiye（China）

SHORTSHIT

Jinxuan Sun（China）

SHORTSHIT

Murat Gabidullin （Russian）

1. The Peacock Flies to the Southeast

Watercolor

The author combines peacocks with tropical flowers and ethnic totems to create a rich and colorful ethnic style of art.

2. Blue and White Porcelain Enters the Dream, Orchid Fragrance Wafts Around the Beams

Watercolor

The techniques and decorations are not only a microcosm of the history of ceramics but also a window for the world to understand Chinese civilization.

The Secret of The Castle

felt pen, coloured pencils

An ancient castle with strong walls is hit by a thunderstorm. A man who collects lightning lives there, and he turns lightning into diamonds.

Bodhisattva in the Cave

Printmaking

Chinese grotto art is a magnificent cultural legacy that combines Buddhist faith sculpture and mural painting showcasing the brilliance of ancient artistic achievement and East West cultural exchange.

SHORTSHIT

Chen zhe xi（China）

SHORTSHIT

Du Yinuo （China）

SHORTSHIT

Fang Xima（Chian）

Small World

Watercolor

At first glance, it looks like I’ ve painted a gorgeous little flower. But take a closer look, and you’ ll find that my painting hides many little worlds. Each petal has its own unique little universe!

My Drea

Colored pencils, pastels

One day, I had a dream: In the dream, I arrived at the underground parking lot. The parking lot was pitch black, and the cars had turned into little chicken rocking rides. I saw a hole by the guardrail. I was holding my phone to light the way, but unexpectedly, the phone slipped from my hand and fell into the hole, and I fell in after it...

Artist Hotel

Colored pencils, pastels

The artist hotel I painted is like a palette. This hotel welcomes guests from all over the world. I believe that even though we may not speak the same language, art can bring us together!

SHORTSHIT

Ho Wanshu（Taiwan. China）

SHORTSHIT

yangziyu（China）

SHORTSHIT

CHEN JO HSI （Taiwan. China）

A Loving Home for Animals

Watercolor, Poster Paint, Marker, Metallic Pen

This artwork depicts a cozy, magical room where I live happily with my animal friends. A curious cat lies beside the table, watching the colorful guppies swim and dance inside a sparkling fish tank. On the table are fish food, the cat \ s favorite toys, and miniature pretend-play items. Behind us stands a cabinet that looks just like the furniture from my favorite fairy tale castle.I used watercolor and poster paint to build up the colors, then added details with markers and shimmering highlights using metallic pens. I paid special attention to the glass tank, carefully painting its transparency and glow to make the fish look like they \ re truly swimming in water.Through this drawing, I hope to express my love and respect for animals. They are not toys \ they are family. I wish for every animal to have a warm, happy home filled with kindness and care.

Mayuko Utanishi:

The smooth lines of this painting are impressive. The little artist's use of paint and colored pencils is very skillful and elegant. Close-ups and long shots are well drawn, and the long shots are particularly bold.

Mai Zi:

This work sees the children's understanding of Chinese countryside, the picture is beautiful, harmonious, delicate and real, the details are full of childlike interest, and the overall picture gives people a comfortable and pleasant experience.

Chuo Quan：

Romantic colors, complete and reasonable layout make the work very skillful. Give a relaxed painting feeling.

The Enchanted Forest at Moonlight

Watercolor

The theme of this painting is the harmonious coexistence of humans and the fantastical natural world, blending realistic and imaginative elements. The girl in the painting is surrounded by lush vegetation and strange animals, such as wolves, birds, cats, and rabbits. There is also a bright moon and numerous stars hanging high in the sky, creating a fantastical natural scene. This illustrates the harmony between humans, animals, and nature, presenting a dreamlike and imaginative world.

Mayuko Utanishi:

By contrasting the presentation of the two screens, the work successfully merges the message it is trying to convey into a single work. The contrast of characters is a good expression of the passage of historical time.

Mai Zi:

This work shows children's thinking and concern about world problems. The contrast composition gives people an impact, the scene expression is accurate, and the emotion expression is delicate and real. Remind every citizen of the Earth Village to care about the present and the future.

Chuo Quan:

The unique composition makes the work full of story sense. The color is simple and generous, and the idea is novel.

Cat looking at fish tank

Watercolor Pen

Cat looking at fish tank

Mayuko Utanishi:

The use of color and composition in this work is excellent. The placement of the confetti and the way the plants are drawn highlight the overall atmosphere and create a good atmosphere.

Mai Zi:

From this work, I can see the joy and happiness of children, the color is harmonious, the color is simple but accurate, and the children's interest reveals the understanding and expression of the trend elements.

Chuo Quan:

The picture is rich, the lines are bold and smooth, the color is unified, the picture is dynamic, and it is very attractive to the eye. The shape of the car can be rich in details, and the work will be more perfect.

SHORTSHIT

Maggie（China）

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1. The Dragon of the Forest

Watercolor

The dragon soul that keeps diving deep into the forest.

1. Whales in the Milky Way

Watercolor

The whale fell into the starry galaxy.

To Check Out More Winner Groups

Age 9-12

Gold Award

Lo Hsin Ni

Silver Award

Xiaomi Han , gen sunaga , zhanghajing

Bronze Award

Fan Yi , XUE JINGTIAN , koto tanaka , Lucia Tsai , Chunxi Jia , Xi Chen , Runyi Long , Zishu Zhou

Shortlist

Emma Zhang , Zitong Ye , Chloe Ho , Shiyuan Yang , Hongyu Ye , Zhuoxiao Zhang , Camille Fu , Zou Jianing , Freya Luo , Ju Jiayu

Age 13-18

Gold Award

Zhu Xinye

Silver Award

Ema Yamazaki , himari , Huang Hsi-Yu

Bronze Award

ine takiyama , Austen Maybee , SINMAN LI , Bemaia , Yuma Fukui , Danyi Zhang , Jiaming Zhang , Luoshengya

Shortlist

Koto Sakama , Mika , ARIA , Manrui He , Damla Iren Unluakin

Age 19-22

Gold Award

Li Ruen Shin

Silver Award

Suzu Ito , zeronull , NIHONBASHI UKIYO

Bronze Award

Shao Ruofei , Jiajun Li , CHERRY FAIRY , huangyuxuan , Minatsu YUI , Yang Jingyi , Zhan Chaoming , chenxinsheng

Shortlist

Ala Sersniova , aruto Kihara , Aaron Gao , Yi Xuanchen , Daiki Ikukawa