BENGALURU, April 1, 2026 – In a landmark move for the global creative industry, IMAGE Infotainment Limited (IMAGE Group of Companies) has officially announced the launch of “The GIANT Hunt.” This unprecedented global anime and manga art contest aims to set a new benchmark by attempting the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Largest Anime Art Contest.’
Unveiled today at a press conference in Bengaluru, the initiative positions India as a central hub for the burgeoning global anime culture. With a staggering ₹3 crore prize pool—the largest ever recorded for an anime art competition—the event is designed to provide massive international visibility and life-changing opportunities for artists worldwide.
Championing Human Creativity in the Age of AI
The GIANT Hunt is a direct response to the rise of generative technology, placing a firm stake in the ground for traditional artistry. The contest is open to participants aged 8 and above, divided into three distinct categories:
- Junior: 8–15 years
- Youth: 16–24 years
- Senior: 25+ years
The competition will be conducted entirely online to ensure global accessibility. However, the organizers have established a strict “No AI” policy. Submissions must be original hand-drawn or digital works; AI-generated or assisted entries are strictly prohibited to ensure the platform remains a pure celebration of human imagination.
Unprecedented Rewards and Recognition
The GIANT Hunt offers rewards that go far beyond typical trophies. The prize structure includes:
- Grand Prize: A 2BHK home for the best overall artwork.
- Category Prizes: Cars, motorcycles, gold coins, and PlayStation consoles.
- Cultural Exchange: An exclusive trip to Japan for nine winners (specifically for Indian entries).
- Global Credentials: All eligible participants will receive Guinness World Records participation certificates upon the successful completion of the record attempt.
Furthermore, the first 100,000 Indian registrants will receive ₹250 e-vouchers redeemable at Lego Certified Stores across India.
A Visionary Global Stage
“Our vision is to build the world’s largest stage for human creativity,” said Mr. K. Kumar, Founder and CEO of IMAGE Group. “At a time when AI is reshaping the landscape, it is critical to reaffirm the value of the human hand and mind. The GIANT Hunt is about giving creators the opportunity to be seen, valued, and quite literally, to become part of history.”
To support artists of all skill levels, the platform provides over 50 hours of guided tutorials and multilingual content, ensuring the contest is as much a learning journey as it is a competition.
World-Class Adjudication
Entries will be evaluated by a prestigious international jury featuring industry titans from Japan, the USA, and India, including:
- Tomoyuki Arima: Creative Director, Nippon Design Centre (worked on Pokémon and Netflix projects).
- Fumio Iida (SUEZEN): Animator/Director (Sailor Moon Eternal, Record of Ragnarok).
- Hiroshi Takane: CEO of Studio ONI Inc.
- Lē Yamamura: Senior Creature Designer (Leviathan).
- Anil NM Wanvari: Founder of Animation Xpress.
Key Dates
- Registrations/Submissions: April 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026.
- Results Announcement: Late July 2026.
- Awards Ceremony: August 8–9, 2026, at The GIANT Hunt Anime Festival in Chennai.
The GIANT Hunt is more than a contest; it is a cultural movement intended to redefine how creative talent is discovered and celebrated on a global scale.
For more information and to register, visit www.thegianthunt.com.
