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Studio ONI & The GIANT Hunt: Win a Home in India's Largest Anime Contest

This editorial explores the monumental partnership between Anime India, Tokyo’s Studio ONI, and The GIANT Hunt. As part of a global movement to preserve traditional artistry, this collaboration highlights a Guinness World Record attempt with a massive ₹3 Crore prize pool. The contest is strictly limited to human-made art, offering life-changing rewards including a 2BHK home, luxury vehicles, and all-expenses-paid trips to Japan. Readers will gain insight into the philosophy of Studio ONI’s Sumi-e animation and learn how to have their work reviewed by industry legends like Fumio Iida. The registration window is open until June 30, 2026, for artists of all skill levels.

By T Jawakar Maruthi
Join the ₹3 Crore GIANT Hunt with Tokyo’s Studio ONI. Win a 2BHK home, cars, and a trip to Japan. 100% human-made art only.
Join the ₹3 Crore GIANT Hunt with Tokyo’s Studio ONI. Win a 2BHK home, cars, and a trip to Japan. 100% human-made art only.

Bridging Tradition and Tomorrow: Studio ONI and "The GIANT Hunt" Launch a Global Search for Artistic Excellence

In a landmark moment for the Indian anime and cosplay community, we at Anime India are proud to spotlight a unique collaboration involving Tokyo’s Studio ONI and IMAGE Infotainment Limited, the official organizers and main hosts of 'The GIANT Hunt'. While the IMAGE team leads the execution and hosting of this global initiative, Studio ONI serves as a vital bridge to the Japanese industry, providing international jury expertise and creative community support.

This isn't just a contest; it is a global movement to celebrate the human touch in an era of automation, led by visionaries who believe that the heart of anime lies in the stroke of a brush.

What is "The GIANT Hunt"?

Organized by IMAGE Infotainment Limited, The GIANT Hunt is a global anime and manga art contest that is currently attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the largest anime art contest ever held.

The Giant Hunt prize pool

Meet the Host: IMAGE Infotainment Limited

Image Infotainment Logo

The driving force behind this historic movement is the IMAGE team from IMAGE Infotainment Limited (IMAGE Group). As the main hosts of the contest, they bring decades of expertise as pioneers in creative education within India.

  • Main Hosts & Organizers: The IMAGE team is solely responsible for the overall execution, management, and hosting of the global competition.

  • Visionary Leadership: Under their leadership, the contest aims to bridge the global skill gap and provide Indian artists with direct access to international platforms.

  • Event Execution: The team is also the primary organizer of the culminating GIANT Hunt Anime Festival in Chennai, where the final awards will be presented.

Key Highlights of the Contest:

  • The Prize Pool: An unprecedented ₹3 Crore (approx. $360,000) is up for grabs.

  • Grand Prize: The overall winner will receive a 2BHK home, while other top performers can win cars, motorcycles, gold coins, and PlayStation consoles.

  • Trip to Japan: Nine winners from India will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the heart of the anime world.

  • Categories: The contest is inclusive of all ages, with categories for 8–15, 16–24, and 25+ years.

  • Strict "No-AI" Policy: In a bold stance for artists, AI-generated or AI-assisted entries are strictly prohibited. The focus remains 100% on original human creativity.

Timeline: Registrations are open from April 1 to June 30, 2026.

How to Participate: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Giant Hunt Participation infographic

Participating in "The GIANT Hunt" is designed to be accessible for both seasoned artists and absolute beginners.

  1. Registration: Sign up through the official portal at thegianthunt.com.

  2. Skill Development: Registered users gain access to 50+ hours of guided tutorials covering manga drawing fundamentals, anime character design, and visual storytelling.

  3. Creation: Develop an original anime-style character. Artwork can be created using Japanese traditional ink painting techniques, sketching, or digital painting software.

  4. Submission Standards:

    • Completed artwork must be photographed or scanned clearly.

    • Files must be in JPG or PNG format only.

    • The maximum file size per submission is 10 MB.

    • Participants are permitted only one final artwork submission.

  5. Deadline: All submissions must be uploaded through the official portal by June 30, 2026.

Events & Opportunities to Get Involved

The Giant Hunt Promotional pic

Beyond the main contest, a series of regional and online events offer more ways for the community to engage.

The GIANT Hunt Anime Festival

The culmination of this global movement will take place in Chennai on August 8–9, 2026.

  • Awards Ceremony: Winners of the ₹3 Crore prize pool, including the 2BHK home and trips to Japan, will be honored here.

  • Industry Networking: The event will host a distinguished jury including Hiroshi Takane (Studio ONI), Fumio Iida, and other global creative leaders, providing a unique meeting point for talent and industry.

Spotlight: Studio ONI – The Masters of Traditional Ink

Studio Oni Works

Studio ONI has produced a hand-drawn Japanese ink painting animation titled
“The Tale of Azai Nagamasa and His Family”

A key creative bridge in this initiative is Studio ONI, a studio that represents the pinnacle of Japanese artistic heritage. Based in Tokyo, Studio ONI specializes in a style rarely seen in modern commercial animation: Japanese traditional ink painting animation. They have recently showcased this mastery in their production, 'The Tale of Azai Nagamasa and His Family'.

A Philosophy of "Human Hands"

Led by CEO and Creative Director Hiroshi Takane, Studio ONI is dedicated to the "Flight of Traditional Beauty." Takane-san brings over 20 years of storytelling expertise, having worked with global giants like NHK, Sony, and Nintendo (Fire Emblem).

The studio's unique approach blends:

  1. Traditional Aesthetics: Utilizing digital and analog ink-wash techniques to create a timeless, textured look.

  2. Modern Narrative: Applying these ancient styles to feature films like Operation ONI, music videos, and even high-end Vtuber models.

  3. Humanity over Algorithms: Like The GIANT Hunt, Studio ONI maintains a strict policy against generative AI, ensuring every frame carries the weight and soul of the artist.

To ensure the highest standards of artistic integrity, the IMAGE team has assembled an elite panel of international judges. This distinguished jury includes Hiroshi Takane (CEO of Studio ONI) and the legendary animator Fumio Iida. These experts participate as members of the international jury, offering their professional evaluation to the participants of this IMAGE-hosted initiative.

Why This Matters for India

The collaboration between Anime India, Studio ONI, and The GIANT Hunt signals a new chapter for Indian creators. For too long, Indian anime fans have been consumers; now, they are being invited to be creators on a global stage.

"I respect what you are building," says Hiroshi Takane in a message to Anime India. "I think your platform plays an important role in supporting the anime and cosplay community in India."

This editorial feature is the first step in a long-term bridge between Japanese mastery and Indian talent. By participating in The GIANT Hunt, Indian artists aren't just competing for prizes, they are being seen by the industry’s elite in Tokyo.

How to Get Involved

the Giant Hunt Categories

Are you ready to be part of history? Whether you are a digital illustrator or a traditional painter, the world is waiting for your vision.

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