Aki Kojima​
Kyoto City University of Arts Graduate School
Graduate School of Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts

Judge's comment
Treating anatomical knowledge and the segmented body as signs and symbols has been a common practice in the long history of artistic expression, but in Akira Kojima's work, it is a way of expressing the missing self and family. They function as parts of a circulation system that complement each other. This uniqueness stems from the fact that the author, who has worked as a nurse for many years, has witnessed situations where people mutilate bodies in order to survive. An interdisciplinary perspective that does not fall into the trap of art for art's sake will be a great weapon for artists who seek to make an impact on modern society.
(Yokohama Museum of Art of Art Chief Curator/Eriko Kimura)

Kanako Shintaku
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School

Mizuki Ashikawa
Musashino Art University Graduate School
Graduate School of Art and Design, Musashino Art University

Judge's comment
The comic panels depict the extraordinary feeling of opening your mouth at an ordinary scene. In addition to the contrast between realism and manga, the work also develops into a collision of elements such as matter and image. In a rapidly changing world, smooth transitions are not allowed in all aspects, leading to contradictions and conflicts. This work seems to symbolize this current situation.
(Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo Curator/Reiichi Noguchi)

Muku Kobayashi
Kyoto City University of Arts Graduate School
Graduate School of Arts, Kyoto City University of Arts

Judge's comment
A crude-looking object made of resin spins, a blurred image captured by a video camera is displayed on a monitor, and it begins to move. We try to somehow grasp the meaning of the events in front of us, but this work seems to have been created in such a way that it is easy to avoid assigning meanings or naming them. This object, which can be called both a sculpture and a scientific model, evokes new sensations in us. I want to pay close attention to this work and the artist.
(Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts/Yusaku Imamura)

Moeko Kageyama
Musashino Art University Graduate School
Graduate School of Art and Design, Musashino Art University

Judge's comment
The forms that are born from going back and forth between image and reality may seem unrealistic, but gradually it becomes clear that they are actually an extension of everyday life. I hope that he will take advantage of this ability to develop his imagination and further develop his style.
(Yokohama Museum of Art of Art Chief Curator/Eriko Kimura)

Fukumi Nakazawa
Kyoto University of Art and Design
Kyoto University of Art and Design

Judge's comment
We highly value the way in which he brilliantly expresses the radical themes of human physical deformation, pleasure, and machines in an extremely open system using oriental line drawings, animation, two-dimensional (drawing), and three-dimensional installations. I look forward to more radical developments.
(Editor, Creative Director, Professor, Kyoto University of Art and Design/Shigeo Goto)

Tomomi Taniguchi
Musashino Art University Graduate School
Graduate School of Art and Design, Musashino Art University

Judge's comment
The boundary between the skin and the outside world and its expansion into the outside world. Mr. Taniguchi's works, which are always created using his own body, are a combination of the tactile sensations of time and materials, leaving traces of quiet, honest truth. I felt a sense of hope as my actions continued to connect and I turned toward the outside world that surrounded me.
(Representative of Tomio Koyama Gallery, Representative Director of Japan Contemporary Art Dealers Association/Tomio Koyama)

Yui Nakane​
Tokyo University of the Arts Graduate School
Graduate School of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts

Judge's comment
A minimalist setting that is symmetrical with the large space of Shin-Marunouchi Bldg.. However, the work does not feel dwarfed; on the contrary, it gives the impression of a different dimension of size. A humorous scene in which the images of "paintings" shared by people paradoxically form a painting.
(Director of Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo /Akiya Takahashi)

Ryo Takahashi
Tokyo Zokei University
Tokyo Zokei University of Arts and Design

Judge's comment
Although the portraits and landscapes are depicted in restrained, almost monochrome screens, the work also has a somewhat disturbing and mysterious feel to it. It is also interesting that he mixes the methods of photography, painting, and drawing. His high technical ability, which deepens the possibilities of painting, will also be appreciated.
(President of Tama Art University, Director of Saitama Museum of Modern Art/Akira Tatehata)

Takuya Iwamura
Kyoto City University of Arts
Kyoto City University of Arts

Judge's comment
In a world of artistic expression where ``whatever you want to create'' is allowed, there must have been some hesitation and conflict. If the author's courage in response to this is true, it will vividly reach us as an antagonist that approaches us as viewers of the work.
(Members of contemporary art activity team “mé”/Akika Kojin, Kenji Minamikawa)

Nana Shibuya​
Tohoku University of Arts and Crafts Graduate School
Graduate School of Art and Design, Tohoku University of Art And Design

Judge's comment
There were several painters I liked, but I chose Shibuya-san because I felt like she could draw lines that only she could draw. I hope that it will continue to grow in the future.
(Artist /Izumi Kato)

Yuta Niwa
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School

Judge's comment
He seems to respect Tohaku Hasegawa the most. While using traditional dimensions, specifications, techniques, and painting materials, he effortlessly depicts the threat of today's abnormal weather. I believe that he will continue to create a rich world view with the Japanese spirit of humor, which replaces the fears of modern people with the catfish folklore of the Edo period. I want you to take the time to hone your skills and mind.
(Keiko Ito, Managing Executive Officer, Nihon Keizai Shimbun)

Shohei Yamamoto
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School
Kyoto University of Art and Design Graduate School

Judge's comment
Shohei Yamamoto's work is based on a relatively simple process. Motifs, silhouettes, signs and figures from art history are reproduced on colored or monochrome gradient backgrounds. In a very balanced way, he invokes different layers of art history through motifs (Renaissance, ancient sculpture, etc.), processes (pop art) or effects (abstract painting). Thanks to Yamamoto's advanced technical skills, numerous artistic philanthropists are brought together in an original composition, each of which is secretly engaged in dialogue.
(Cultural Attaché of the French Embassy/Institut Français Japan Art Department Chief Sanson Sylvain)