New Picture Book Award announces 45 finalists

The second annual ‘New Picture Book Award,’ organized by Ehontabi and Kodansha’s Children’s Business Division, has announced its finalists. A total of 45 works have been selected to move forward in the competition.

The finalists are divided into several categories: Picture Books, Videos, Illustrations, and Hand-play Songs. Following the selection process, the public will be able to participate in an online voting period starting October 7, 2026, which will run through November 8, 2026.

The judging panel includes notable figures such as singer and actor Daisuke Yokoyama, illustrator Tsumupapa, researcher Akiko Tsuji from the University of Tokyo, and Ehontabi Editor-in-Chief Sonoko Isozaki. The final winners and grand prize recipients are scheduled to be announced in December 2026.