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[#CreativeAward2026 Briefing Report] We have answered questions from creators

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The "Creative Award," one of Japan's largest creative contests, kicked off on April 8th. Over the past four years, we have received a total of 170,000 entries and realized the media adaptation of 32 works. This year, 34 media outlets are participating in the selection process, and we are accepting works in a wide range of genres, from essays and novels to entertainment originals, business, and food.

In this article, we have summarized the answers to questions submitted in advance by creators during the "Creative Award 2026 Briefing," held on X Spaces on April 15th. The session was presented by Nakano from the Creative Award Secretariat (moderator), Hagiwara, Representative of Tales & Co. and Editor-in-Chief of TALES, and Urushibata from the Creative Award Secretariat.

For application requirements, schedules, and more, please check the special website and the FAQ help page.


1. About how to apply

Q1. I am currently writing my manuscript in Word. In what format should I submit it once it is finished?

A. The Creative Award requires you to post your work on either the note or TALES platform. We do not accept submissions in PDF, Word, or other file formats. If you are new to this, please first create a note account and post your work on either note or TALES.

[If applying via note]
Please publish your entry article with two hashtags: "#CreativeAward2026" and the hashtag for your entry category, "#CategoryName." Even for serialized works, you must include the hashtags on each article.

[If applying via TALES]
Select the category you are applying for under "Participate in Contest" on the work information page. Set the publication settings for each episode and ensure that all episodes subject to selection are published.

For a detailed explanation of the application method and procedures, click here.


Q2. Can I add other hashtags like "#Script," "#MangaOriginal," or "#Scenario" in addition to the application hashtags?

A. It is perfectly fine to add any hashtags you like, provided you have included the two required ones: "#CreativeAward2026" and the "application category hashtag." Adding extra tags can help editors better understand the image of your work.

However, please do not forget the two basic ones. Every year, there are cases where "#CreativeAward2026" is included, but the category hashtag is missing. Please make sure to include both.


Q3. Is it more advantageous to post on note or TALES?

A. There is no advantage or disadvantage to posting on either platform. The Novel and Entertainment Original categories are open for applications on both, and ultimately, they will be judged together within the same category.

TALES allows you to divide your work into episodes and post them individually, which is suitable if you want to use a serialized format. note functions as a flat space without rankings, where one article equals one work. We hope you will choose the place that suits you best.

2. About application requirements

Q4. Is the synopsis at the beginning included in the character count of the main text?

A. Please rest assured that the character count of the synopsis is not included in the main text character count. For both the Novel and Entertainment Original categories, please ensure that the main text, excluding the synopsis, meets the application requirements for each category.


Q5. Can I apply with a paid article? Is it a disadvantage if it is not free?

A. You can apply with a paid article. However, only the parts that can be read for free will be subject to selection. Please note that anything beyond the paywall will not be considered.


Q6. If a single work is divided into episodes, is it necessary to include the work title and a sequence number in each episode title?

A. It differs between note and TALES. If you are submitting a novel on note, please include a common title plus a sequence number such as "Chapter 1" or "Episode 1" so that it is clear they are part of the same series. In the case of TALES, since a container is created for each work, you are free to choose the episode names.

Also, for note, we recommend organizing all articles into a magazine, as this makes it easier for readers and judges to read through them. For information on the magazine feature, click here.


Q7. Is the submission method different for a "linked short story collection" versus a "short story collection"?

A. Yes, it is different. A "linked short story collection" is treated as a single work because it follows one large story through smaller short stories using the same world view or characters. One synopsis is sufficient. Please submit it as a single work in a way that meets the submission requirements.

On the other hand, if you want a "short story collection" (a collection of unrelated works) to be judged with each short story independently, you must meet the submission requirements for each short story, and each will require its own synopsis and title.


Q8. Will works that exceed the specified character count be excluded from judging?

A. They will not be excluded from judging. The specified character count simply defines the scope of the review; even if it significantly exceeds the limit, it will still be subject to judging.

However, the scope for judging novels is "20,000 characters or more excluding the synopsis, up to 140,000 characters for review." For example, if a mystery novel has its climax beyond the 140,000-character mark, that portion will fall outside the scope of the review. We recommend polishing your work so that the interesting parts fall within the judging scope.


Q9. I have organized the chapters of a three-part series in the All-Category division into magazines. Should I combine the whole thing into one magazine?

A. Organizing into magazines is a recommendation, so there is no problem whether you organize them by chapter or combine them all into one.

When posting a series on note, as long as you include the hashtag on all articles and include the work/series name and sequence number in the title of each article, you will be fine.


Q10. I would like to submit a script-format work for the Entertainment Original Work division. Should I follow formatting rules such as indenting the first character or indenting stage directions by three spaces? Which format is better, a film script or a game script?

A. There is no rule stating "this format is better." If it is interesting and easy to read, we will not disqualify it based on formal rules like indentation. Please consider whether it is interesting and easy to read.


Q11. Will it be a disadvantage in the judging if there is variation in the character count for each episode?

A. It will not be a disadvantage. Even in published novels, chapter lengths vary. There are times when a chapter of only 10 lines is used as an interlude, and it effectively enhances the story. It is more elegant if there is an intention behind having a mix of long and short chapters, so please try to think about that while you write.


Q12. Is it possible to include an English translation of the same content after the Japanese text?

A. Including an English translation is not prohibited, but the content subject to judging is what is written in Japanese. Please write in Japanese.

3. Regarding how to choose a division

Q13. If a work falls into two or more divisions, may I choose one at my discretion? Will works that span genres be excluded?

A. You can enter one work into only one category. Even if your work spans two genres, you must choose one category. As long as you meet the application requirements, you will not be disqualified for spanning genres.

In the case of the Creative Award, what makes it different from other contests is that there are editorial departments that can publish your work after you win. Each editorial department has released comments saying, 'We are looking for works like this,' so it is a good idea to look at those comments and submit your work to the editorial department that fits it. Since each editorial department ultimately chooses whether to award a prize, please use these as a reference when you are unsure about which category to choose.

▼ Click here for comments from participating media


Q14. If I submit three independent essays separately, is it correct to assume that the impression of reading them in succession will not be considered and that the judging will be done individually?

A. That is correct. There is no problem with posting links to other works within your article, but the judging will be conducted on a per-article basis.

Also, although this is not limited to the Creative Award, if your note account profile is well-developed and written in a way that shows your usual thoughts, it will be easier for the editorial department to use it as a deciding factor. The Creative Award judging is done on a per-work basis, but keeping your account active and well-developed daily may be important for getting noticed by the editorial department.

▼ How to write a profile article

4. Regarding submissions to other sites and self-published works

Q15. Can I apply with a work that I have posted on another submission site?

A. Yes, you can. However, works that have already been published in commercial magazines, on commercial websites, or as books are not eligible for selection. Also, if you are entering a contest at another company simultaneously, please check the terms and conditions of each company, as some may not allow multiple contest entries.


Q16. Can I also apply with works distributed at events like the Literature Flea Market or Comitia? What about works consigned to bookstores as doujinshi?

A. You can also apply with works distributed at events like the Literature Flea Market, Comitia, or Comiket. Even if you have consigned your doujinshi to a bookstore, it is fine as long as it is not through a publisher. If you have a manuscript for an event, we would be happy if you could also submit it to the Creative Award.


Q17. What happens if I have an exclusive contract for a specific work on a submission site?

A. Works under an exclusive contract are not allowed (they are treated as commercialized works). However, you can apply with other works for which you do not have an exclusive contract.

Regarding works that were previously turned into e-books on a submission site but are now out of print and for which you hold the rights, please refrain from submitting works contracted with commercial companies, or check the terms of your contract.


Q18. If I receive an offer for book publication or commercialization from another site while applying, will the Creative Award side claim priority for publication?

A. If it is before the award decision, it is up to the creator to decide how to proceed. We do not claim priority for publication. You can withdraw simply by removing the hashtags required for the Creative Award application (the note hashtag / TALES contest participation flag).

However, after you have been notified of winning, consultation is required. If commercialization is decided elsewhere, please contact the management office (application guidelines page) according to the instructions on the creativeaward@note.jp宛にご連絡ください。

※ The management office email address only accepts notifications after commercialization has been decided.

5. Regarding AI usage and expression

Q19. Is it a violation to have an AI read a scene I thought of and wrote, and then copy and paste the text written by the AI directly into my manuscript?

A. Yes, that is not allowed. Please refrain from submitting works output by AI as they are.


Q20. What is the acceptable range for depictions when a romance novel includes sexual scenes?

A. Having sexual depictions is not inherently prohibited. However, none of the selection labels for this event focus primarily on adult works. If the depiction is meaningful for making the story interesting or for a deeper understanding, it is acceptable, but works that present the act itself as entertainment may be difficult to pass. Please also check the standards in the TALES and note Terms of Service.

6. About Selection and Awards

Q21. When, by whom, and how will the selection be conducted?

A. For all categories, the note management office will conduct the first round of selection. After that, for the All-Category division, the note management office and participating media will conduct the second round of judging, and for divisions other than the All-Category, each participating media will conduct the final selection to determine the winning works.


Q22. How much of the submitted work will be read? Is it ever judged based solely on the synopsis?

A. It is never judged based solely on the synopsis. Although the number of submissions increases every year, we are working as a team to ensure we have a proper system in place.

However, the synopsis is extremely important. Just like the series of actions when picking up a book—reading the title, the obi, and the synopsis to think 'this looks interesting' before diving into the content—a compelling synopsis makes readers excited to start reading, so it is likely to be evaluated positively.


Q23. To what extent are the number of likes, comments, and views of a work considered? I have few followers and am lagging behind in likes, so I am hesitant to participate.

A. Reactions are one piece of reference information for selection, but they are not an absolute indicator. If you look at the list of last year's winning works, they are not in order of likes or followers. There are works that won even after being submitted at the very last minute before the deadline. Ultimately, it comes down to whether it is interesting or not.

Even on note, not limited to the Creative Award, there are cases where works that did not have many likes before winning end up winning. It would be a waste to give up for that reason, so if you are hesitant, please do try.


Q24. If I win, when will the form of commercialization and the label be decided? Is it possible for a work to be published by a label not listed?

A. It will be decided after the final selection results are out, following discussions between each media outlet and the creator, so it is a case-by-case basis at this point. The same applies to commitments for series production; these will be decided during discussions.

In the past, there have been cases where a work that won the Shincho Bunko nex Award was published by Shincho Bunko, and a work that won the MediaWorks Bunko Award was published by KADOKAWA.


Conclusion

At the end of the briefing, Hagiwara and Urushibata shared a message for the creators who will be applying.

Hagiwara: 'Please read the application requirements carefully' is a prerequisite. On top of that, I want you to imagine your work being released into the world. If it's a book, what kind of packaging would it have? If it's a video, in what form would it reach people? Try to fantasize about which publisher it will come from or which magazine it will appear in. Each label has released comments saying 'we want to read works like this,' so please read them and get excited while you write. A writer friend of mine once said, 'While I'm writing, I sit at my desk with the intention that this is the most interesting work in the world.' If you are that excited, I think it will become a work that reaches someone. Also, a strength of web posting is that you can fix things during the application period. I want you to use these two steps: get excited and write with momentum, and then revise calmly.

Urushibata: I think there are many factors that might make you give up on applying or block you from doing so. Not having followers, not getting likes, never having posted before, or not having enough time due to preparations for other events. But if you have a work that 'only you can write,' I hope you will bet on that possibility and submit it. We are waiting for works that you have polished until the very last minute.

You can listen to the archive of the briefing session here.

Creative Awards Schedule

  • Application period: April 8, 2026 (Wed) 11:00 - July 8, 2026 (Wed) 23:59

  • Intermediate announcement: Early September

  • Final results announcement & Award ceremony: Early November

Related events during the submission period

During the submission period for the Creative Awards 2026, we are also planning events that will provide hints for your creative work. All events are free to attend, will be streamed online, and in-person viewing is also available. You can apply even if you do not have a note account.

For event details, please check note event information or our official SNS (@note_PR).

Frequently Asked Questions

For other frequently asked questions regarding how to apply and the selection process, please see the help page below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the "Creative Awards"