Since its inception in 1984, the Morisawa Type Design Competition has been dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity in type design, providing a prestigious platform for both emerging and established designers. This year’s competition has expanded its scope to include five distinct categories: Japanese, Latin, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Hangeul. This diversification underscores Morisawa’s commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of global typography and promoting the art of type design in various linguistic contexts.
The competition invites designers to submit their most innovative and adventurous works, challenging them to push the boundaries of typeface design. The rigorous judging process is conducted by a panel of renowned experts in the field, ensuring that each submission is evaluated fairly and anonymously. This year’s judges include distinguished professionals like Laura Meseguer and Ilya Ruderman for the Latin category, and Zhu Zhiwei and Chen Rong for the Simplified Chinese category. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise promise a comprehensive and multifaceted assessment of the entries, ensuring that the best designs are recognized and celebrated.
In addition to the competitive aspect, the Morisawa Type Design Competition 2024 serves as a global forum for typeface designers to exchange ideas and showcase their talents. The competition not only offers substantial financial rewards but also provides winners with significant exposure in the design community. Gold Prize winners in each category will receive JPY 1 million, with additional prizes for Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mentions. The Fan Favorite award, determined through public voting, adds an interactive dimension, allowing the broader community to engage with and appreciate the entries. By fostering such a dynamic and inclusive environment, Morisawa continues to inspire and elevate the art of type design worldwide.
There is no entry fee.
Eligibility
Open to individuals or groups worldwide.
Prize
The competition offers substantial prizes in each category. The Gold Prize winners in each of the five categories will receive JPY 1 million. Additionally, Silver and Bronze Prizes of JPY 500,000 and JPY 300,000, respectively, will be awarded, along with Honorable Mentions receiving JPY 50,000. A Fan Favorite award will also be determined through public voting, honoring the most popular designs with certificates and trophies. The results will be announced in February 2025.
