AI Use Welcome! A 24-Hour-Only Art Contest for Professionals and Amateurs of All Ages to Express Their “Love for Kushikatsu” Freely Kicks Off on September 4

2026.07.24 10:30

一般社団法人日本串カツ協会

The Japan Kushikatsu Association (a general incorporated association based in Joto Ward, Osaka City) is hosting a one-day kushikatsu art contest to turn this day into a celebration of food culture across Japan.

Exclusively on September 4—"Kushikatsu Day"—this art contest will open for submissions from across the country.Entries can be submitted via social media or by mail, and all forms of expression—including AI-generated art—are permitted. Centered around the official mascot “Kushinyoro,” this is a playful, one-day-only creative festival where professional creative directors and sponsoring companies will judge the entries with the utmost seriousness.

串カツ記念日アートコンテスト

Kushikatsu Memorial Day Art Contest

■The 5th Annual September 4 “Kushikatsu Day” Art Contest

▼I. Concept: For everyone who loves kushikatsu.

To commemorate September 4, “Kushikatsu Day,” we are accepting art submissions from across the country featuring “Kushinyoro,” the kushikatsu fairy, and kushikatsu as the theme.

This contest values “love for kushikatsu,” “fun,” and “free expression” over technical skill.

串カツの妖精クシニョロ

Kushinyoro, the Kushikatsu Fairy

[Story]

“Kushinyoro,” the Kushikatsu Fairy, is a “lucky charm of kushikatsu” born during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Created on September 4—known as “Kushikatsu (meaning ‘victory’) Day”—this character continues to work to spread the appeal of kushikatsu culture and bring smiles to people all across Japan.

This contest is

Organized by: Japan Kushikatsu Association (General Incorporated Association),

Co-hosted by: Soai Gakuen Educational Corporation, Soai University,

Sponsored by: (in no particular order) Asahi Breweries, Ltd., Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd.,

　　　 Joitas Co., Ltd., Hartley Co., Ltd., Bell Kanka Co., Ltd.,

　　　 LeapLab, Tsunagari Factory

Through “Kushikatsu Day” on September 4, we aim to rediscover the rich Japanese culinary culture of kushikatsu and share its appeal with as many people as possible.

[Message from Chairman Yoshino]

“Why kushikatsu? For me, kushikatsu is not just fried food. It is ‘hope’ itself—the vitality that powers us to face tomorrow. On September 4 this year, I want to see the ‘forms of love’ expressed by everyone who loves kushikatsu. We look forward to seeing your ‘love for kushikatsu.’ We can’t wait for you to discover your very own ‘Kushinyoro.’”

▼II. Contest Overview

Eligibility: No restrictions on age, experience, or professional/amateur status.

　　　　　 Anyone who loves kushikatsu is welcome to apply.

　　　　　 Drawings by young children are also very welcome.

Theme: “Your Vision of Kushinyoro, the Kushikatsu Fairy”

　　　　　 “Moments When Kushikatsu Brings a Smile & Kushikatsu Culture”

　　　　　 Please create your artwork based on one of these themes.

　　　　　 [Kushikatsu Association Remix MV] Please refer to the video below.

　　　　　 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLov8igyewXZBuYF_QW2LAZ8_wwRzCGzxL&si=O-zRoNRAouxkQNln

Submission Period: Friday, September 4, 2026, 0:00–23:59

Submission Deadline: ・Social Media Submissions: Posts must be made by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026

　　　　　・Mail-in entries: Must be received by Friday, September 4, 2026

　　　　　　(Address: 2-15-10 Nagata, Joto-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 536-0022)

Number of Entries: Up to 5 entries per person (combined social media and mail-in entries)

Announcement of Results: Scheduled for late September 2026; results will be announced on the Japan Kushikatsu Association’s official social media accounts

Awards: (In no particular order)

　　　　　 Best Kushikatsu Artist Award, Asahi Beer Award, Otafuku Sauce Award,

　　　　　 Hartley Award, LeapLab Award, (Kids’ Division: Bell Wanka Award),

　　　　　 Tsunagari Factory Award, Special Award

Prizes: Winners of each award will receive a certificate or a commemorative gift.

*If the recipient of the Asahi Beer Award is a minor, the prize will be modified.

Additionally, we will verify the winner’s age at the time of prize delivery.

Judging Criteria: We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of not only technical skill but also “passion for kushikatsu,” “fun,” “alignment with the theme,”

“originality.”

コンテスト

Contest

▼III. How to Enter

[A: Social Media Submission (X, Instagram, etc.)]

・Please post a photo or image.

● Deadline: Posts must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026

Please include the following information in your post along with your entry image.

[Entry Requirements]

1. Follow one of the Association’s official social media accounts and post the following along with your entry image:

・Instagram (Japan Kushikatsu Association)

https://www.instagram.com/nkushi94

・Instagram (Kushinyoro)

https://www.instagram.com/94makoto94

・X (formerly Twitter) (Japan Kushikatsu Association)

https://x.com/jpkushikatsu

・TikTok (Kushinyoro)

https://www.tiktok.com/@nyoro.94

・Threads (Japan Kushikatsu Association)

https://www.threads.com/@nkushi94

#KushikatsuDay (required hashtag),

・"Title of the Work" or "Kushinyoro's Name"

・"Pen Name"

・"A brief comment."

2. [Important] When drawing “Kushinyoro,” please do not draw its arms or legs.

Since Kushinyoro is a free-spirited fairy, its arms and legs exist only in your hearts!

Please draw them using your own creative imagination.

3. Recommended: Use the official BGM, “The Kushikatsu Anniversary Song.”

4. Note: Please do not delete or set your post to private until the selection process is complete.

*Please post from a public account. (Entries from private accounts are ineligible.)

*Posts that cannot be verified via hashtag search may be disqualified.

* Please do not delete or set your post to private until the results are announced.

5. Regarding the Use of AI

You may use AI tools.

However,

・Please clearly state the name of the AI tool used.

・Entries that infringe on third-party copyrights or other rights are not eligible.

・Even if AI is used, the applicant must be the primary creator of the final work

6. Regarding Submitted Works

・Art materials and methods of expression are unrestricted.

　(Hand-drawn, digital, watercolor, colored pencils, paper cutouts, prints, etc.)

・There are no restrictions on the size of the submitted work.

・Please submit a photograph or digital image file.

[B: Submission by Mail]

● Deadline: Must be received by Friday, September 4, 2026

*Entries must be no larger than A3 size (A4 recommended).

* Any art materials and techniques may be used.

*Entries received after the deadline will not be considered for judging and will not be returned.

　The organizers will dispose of them appropriately.

*The organizer assumes no responsibility for accidents, loss, or damage during shipping.

*Submitted works will not be returned.

*Professional artists are encouraged to submit copies. Submitted works will not be returned.

▼IV. Selection and Announcement of Results

Announcement of Results: Late September 2026 (tentative)

　　　　　　 *Results will be announced on the Japan Kushikatsu Association’s official social media accounts.

　　　　　　 *Winners will be notified individually.

Social Media Submissions: Via direct message (DM) from the official account.

Mail-in Applications: Please contact the email address provided at the time of application.

Transfer of Rights: If a nominee does not respond by the specified deadline after being notified, their rights will be deemed invalid, and the rights will be transferred to the next eligible candidate.

*Please be wary of DMs from non-official accounts (impersonators).

●Judging Panel

To ensure that passion for kushikatsu and design is fairly evaluated in this contest, we have appointed the following individuals to serve as judges.

Mr. Makoto Yoshino (Chairman, Japan Kushikatsu Association)

Mr. Junichi Inoue (Creative Director, Japan Kushikatsu Association; Kyojin Co., Ltd.)

Representatives from sponsoring companies (in no particular order)

(Judges from various companies, including Asahi Breweries, Ltd. and Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd.)

串カツ協会理事長吉野誠

Makoto Yoshino, Chairman of the Japan Kushikatsu Association

▼V. Entry Rules and Legal Matters

By entering this contest, you are deemed to have agreed to all provisions of these terms and conditions.

1. Copyright

Submitted works may be used free of charge by the organizer, co-organizers, and sponsoring companies solely for purposes related to this contest and the promotion of kushikatsu culture, including publicity, exhibitions, the official website, social media, and printed materials.

When using the entries, the creator’s name or pen name will be displayed whenever possible.

2. Data for Exhibition (For Winners)

If winning entries are to be used for exhibitions or other purposes, we may request the submission of high-resolution data (300 ppi or higher).

We ask for your cooperation if you are able to submit such files.

3. Personal Information

Personal information collected will not be used for any purpose other than the administration of this contest, judging, notification of winners, shipment of prizes, and responding to inquiries.

We will manage this information appropriately and will not disclose it to third parties except as required by law.

4. Entries by Minors and Consent

There are no age restrictions. Entries from minors will be deemed to have obtained parental consent.

Please note that winners will be required to submit a “Parental Consent Form” at a later date.

5. Prohibited Actions

The following entries will be deemed invalid:

・Reproduction or plagiarism of another person’s work

・Imitation of existing characters, etc.

・Submissions made under a false identity

・Infringement of third-party rights

・Works that violate public order and morals

・Works that violate the AI usage rules

6. Judging

We cannot respond to inquiries regarding judging results.

Judges and contest organizers are not eligible to enter.

7. Disclaimer

The organizer assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any problems arising from the submission or disputes with third parties, except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence.

The same applies in the event of project cancellation or changes due to platform specification changes or force majeure. Regarding issues with submissions caused by accidents, loss, or damage during mailing, or by social media or communication failures,

unless there is intentional misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the organizer.

This contest may be modified or canceled due to natural disasters or other unavoidable circumstances.

List of Sponsors (in no particular order)

・Asahi Breweries, Ltd.

https://share.google/abQQOMZ87LFaj8694

・Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd.

https://share.google/an3tpZWOZfy35h7lS

・Hartley Co., Ltd.

https://share.google/HLChf3wlB7uqcopFn

・Bell Kanka Co., Ltd.

https://share.google/Uwkpo9nAaQ6ieQ3tj

・Joytas Co., Ltd.

https://share.google/nZJdYNjxlBREuFqT2

・LeapLab

https://share.google/EC5PJoXOSvZotgqLQ

・Tsunagari Factory

https://www.fmc-osaka.com/tf-main

▼Contact Form

Japan Kushikatsu Association Official Website

https://japan-kushikatsu.jp/

▼Official Social Media (Direct Links)

This is where you can check out Kushinyoro’s exciting activities.

・Instagram (Japan Kushikatsu Association)

https://www.instagram.com/nkushi94

・Instagram (Kushinyoro)

https://www.instagram.com/94makoto94

・X (formerly Twitter)

https://x.com/jpkushikatsu

・TikTok (Kushinyoro)

https://www.tiktok.com/@nyoro.94

https://www.threads.com/@nkushi94

▼ Merchandise & Other Items

Official Online Store (CASEPLAY)

https://caseplay.shop/collections/japan-kushikatsu

[Kushikatsu Day!]

From the smartphone accessory shop caseplay, a total of 10 new items—including an art panel speaker and a smart grip stand featuring “Kushinyoro,” the official mascot of the Japan Kushikatsu Association—will be released on September 4, Kushikatsu Day!

https://share.google/oWxsNJD3BBfox36M8

[Official Smartphone Cases]

Biliken × Kushinyoro - caseplay for iPhone, Pixel, Galaxy, Xperia, AQUOS, etc.

https://share.google/37uTcoxMm0kK1AXK4

[Official Phone Cases]

Kushinyoro Series 3 - caseplay iPhone/Pixel/Galaxy/Xperia/AQUOS, etc.

https://share.google/Uw3jj42HifG5FLYwu

Online Store for Original Items from Kushikatsu World (kushikatsuman) ∞ SUZURI

https://suzuri.jp/kushikatsuman #suzuri

▼ Kushinyoro Digital Artworks

HACKKTAG

https://hackktag.com/9426