The JAGDA International Student Poster Award 2025, organized annually by the Japan Graphic Design Association (JAGDA), represents a prestigious global platform dedicated to showcasing the creativity and innovation of young graphic designers. Each year, the competition invites students from around the world to submit original posters interpreting a timely and thought-provoking theme. For 2025, the chosen theme is "Safe," inviting participants to explore and visually express their perspectives on security, protection, comfort, or related concepts through impactful, B1-size poster designs.
This esteemed international competition serves not only as an opportunity for students to demonstrate their artistic talents but also as a critical step toward professional recognition in the design community. Participants gain exposure to prominent industry leaders, scholars, and designers who comprise the distinguished judging panel. Submissions are carefully evaluated based on originality, conceptual depth, visual communication effectiveness, and overall design quality, ensuring only the most outstanding posters receive recognition.
Selected works earn extensive visibility through exhibitions held at renowned venues such as the National Art Center, Tokyo, and through publication in prestigious annual design catalogs like "Graphic Design in Japan." This exposure provides invaluable opportunities for aspiring designers to launch their careers, network internationally, and position themselves prominently within the global creative industry. By fostering young talent and celebrating visionary creativity, the JAGDA International Student Poster Award continually enhances the global discourse on graphic design, while championing innovation and thoughtful communication through visual art.
Entry fee: Each submission costs ¥1,000 per poster.
Eligibility
Open to individual students worldwide currently enrolled in high school, technical/vocational college, university, or graduate school as of 1 January 2025.
Prize
The awards include a Grand Prix (1 certificate + commemorative gift; winners plus Gold recipients get invited to Tokyo in November with travel/accommodation covered), two Gold, five Silver, ten Bronze, five Jury Awards, eight Committee Member Awards, and around 20 Special Sponsor and Supporter Awards; approximately 200 works are selected, with Grand Prix/Gold/Silver published in Graphic Design in Japan 2026, and all winning and selected posters exhibited at the National Art Center, Tokyo, in late November–early December 2025 and featured in the official exhibition catalogue.
