A clear guide to the application methods and procedures for the "#CreativeAward2026"!

The "Creative Award 2026," one of Japan's largest creative contests, has been underway since April 8th. In this article, we will explain how to submit your work.

For the Creative Award, the application requirements differ depending on the category you are entering.
In addition to note, we are also accepting submissions simultaneously on the story posting site TALES.
Please proceed with your application preparations by following the flow of this article.

1. Basic flow of the application

Step 1: Decide on the category to apply for

The Creative Award 2026 is accepting submissions in 12 categories.

1. #EssayCategory

2. #MysteryNovelCategory

3. #HorrorNovelCategory

4. #RomanceNovelCategory

5. #WorkNovelCategory

6. #FantasyNovelCategory

7. #EntertainmentOriginalWorkCategory

8. #MangaCategory

9. #ComicEssayCategory

10. #FoodCategory

11. #BusinessCategory

12. #AllCategories

You cannot enter a single work into multiple categories. Please narrow your choice down to one category.
However, it is possible to submit multiple different works to different categories.

Step 2: Decide whether to post on note or TALES

Depending on the category, some allow submissions via TALES while others do not.

Categories that accept submissions from both note and TALES
#EntertainmentOriginalsCategory / #MysteryNovelCategory / #HorrorNovelCategory / #RomanceNovelCategory / #WorkplaceNovelCategory / #FantasyNovelCategory

Categories that only accept submissions via note
#EssayCategory / #MangaCategory / #ComicEssayCategory / #FoodCategory / #BusinessCategory / #AllCategories

For categories that accept submissions via TALES, please use whichever platform you find easier to post on.

Step 3: Check the application requirements (word count, submission format, necessity of a synopsis)

Once you have decided on the category, be sure to check the application requirements for that category on the special website.

• Regulations on word count and submission format

• Whether a synopsis is required

• The hashtags to use (if submitting via note)

Checking these before you start writing will allow you to submit without rushing before the deadline.

Step 4: Post your work and submit

<If submitting via note>

• Set two tags on your article: "#CreativeAward2026" and "the hashtag specified for each category"

  • Example) If submitting to the Essay Category -> "#CreativeAward2026" + "#EssayCategory"

• If submitting a single work divided into multiple parts, include the work title + sequence number (e.g., (1), Part 1) in the title of each article (refer to "If submitting a single work divided into multiple articles" below)

<If submitting via TALES>

• Enter the contest via #CreativeAwards2026 [Category Name] under "Participating Contests" on the work editing page.

• Ensure that all episodes you are entering have been published.

• For basic operation instructions, please see the TALES help page.

2. Things you must check

Things to check for all categories

• Are you applying for only one category per work?

• Are you following the application requirements for each category?

• If you are applying for a category that requires a synopsis, is it included in the designated location?

• If you are applying with a single work split into multiple articles, does the article title include the work title and a sequence number?

Categories requiring a synopsis

For the #MysteryNovelCategory / #HorrorNovelCategory / #RomanceNovelCategory / #WorkplaceNovelCategory / #FantasyNovelCategory / #EntertainmentOriginalWorkCategory, a "synopsis" is required for each work.

<If applying via note>

• Please include a synopsis of about 300 characters at the beginning of the article (or the beginning of the first article if there are multiple).

• The character count of the synopsis is not counted toward the main text character count.

<If applying via TALES>

• Please enter the synopsis in the "Work Introduction" field on the work information page.

• In addition to the synopsis, you can also include characters, world-building, etc. (up to 10,000 characters).

If applying with a single work split into multiple articles (*New rule starting in 2026)

When applying with a single work split into multiple parts on note, please include the work title + sequence number (e.g., ①, Part 1) in the title of each article. To ensure it is recognized as the same work, please keep the position of the work title and sequence number consistent in the titles.

Final check before posting

1. Does the word count and posting format follow the category rules?

2. If the category requires a synopsis, have you included one?

3. If you are splitting one work into multiple parts on note, does the title include the work name and a sequence number?

4. Have you selected the correct category for your entry?

   • note: Have you set both "#CreativeAward2026" and the category hashtag?

   • TALES: In "Participate in Contest," is "Apply" checked? Are all episodes you are entering published?

3. Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply with a work posted on note before the call for entries began?
  → Articles published before the call for entries began are eligible for selection if they follow the application format. Please adjust them to the application format for each category before applying.

• Can I apply with a work that was previously posted on other sites or in other contests?
  → You can apply as long as the work has not been commercialized. Works that were submitted to other contests but did not win are also eligible.

• Can I apply with multiple works?
  → You can apply with multiple works. However, each work can only be submitted to one category.

For other questions, please see the special site (under "Application Requirements") or the FAQ help page.

Click here for the special site for each category

• #EssayCategory

• #MysteryNovelCategory

• #HorrorNovelCategory

• #RomanceNovelCategory

• #WorkNovelCategory

• #FantasyNovelCategory

• #EntertainmentOriginalWorkCategory

• #MangaCategory

• #ComicEssayCategory

• #FoodCategory

• #BusinessCategory

• #AllCategoryDivision

We look forward to your entries!