Global / English
Winning Works from the 14th Contest (2023)
Thoughts and Wishes in the Paintings
“eco together” - Planet Earth Grand Prix:
"Buuat Pa" - The Buddhist ritual to conserve forest
Age: 14
My painting depicts "Buuat Pa", the Buddhist ritual in that trees become monks. Because of the faith in the religion, people believe that one of the ways to sustainably conserve forests is to treat trees in the same way as monks, to respect them, and to carefully grow and protect them.
“I’m amazed by the culturally-inspired theme and composition, and the color harmony is excellent!” —50s
“I thought it was a wonderful idea because I had never heard that trees became monks. I would love to display the painting in my room. It was a pleasant experience to see it.” —40s
“The painting is filled with the power of the amazing forest.” —60s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
Butterflies in the Sky
Age: 12
Every living thing becomes a beautiful butterfly. A butterfly clasped by human hands will die and disappear, but if we take our hands off and plant flower seeds to create a flower garden for the butterflies, they will be free, happy, and beautifully soaring in the sky forever.
You will see fish and flowers depicted in the wings of each butterfly, as if each and every life of nature is represented in the butterfly. It is wonderful that the work symbolically conveys the importance of cherishing of fragile butterflies and protecting nature.
"It is a wonderful painting and I like it. Please keep on drawing.” —50s
"It's my favorite.” —30s
"The way the butterflies, sea, and sky blue all come together is just amazing and soothing.” —20s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
Plant a forest
Age: 10
Nature is beautiful with the cooperation of everyone participating in promoting sustainability in nature and the importance of living things.
The painting depicts children planting trees and the shadowy, alternative view of the world that is projected onto the scene. One can sense the upward thinking of the children as they look up at the trees with smiles on their faces. Also, the composition and use of color are unique, which can be clearly seen from a distance.
"I think we, who were born and live in the most peaceful and blessed country in the world should help suffering children and refugees around the world." —60s
"I felt the freedom of a perspective. Is it the painter's other oneself? That one may be a good friend! " —50s
"It's my favorite." —30s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
Bath the Tapirs together
Age: 10
My friends and I are bathing the Malaysian tapir. They are our national animal. We should keep them safe and clean.
The scene of the children washing the Malaysian tapir expresses the coexistence between people and living things in nature. This one scene reminds us of the story before and after, and we can imagine the relationship between the animals and the children.
"I could feel how much you care about Malayan tapir. Please remember that feeling even when you grow up.” —40s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
MY HORSE
Age: 9
I love animals so much. I want to become a veterinarian. I love dogs, cats, cows, rabbits, horses very much. My father is a vet and I want to work with him and treat sick animals. I wish to make a shelter for stray animals.
The horse's gaze toward humans is fresh and leaves a strong impression. We tend to think that the world as humans see it is the environment, but this is just one way of looking at it. This painting conveys in a significant way that how animals see this world is what is important.
"I was fascinated by the dynamic composition and colorful tones. Please keep up the good work with the animals." —50s
"Hello Melek! I liked your yellow horse! I also like animals! I hope you will be a great veterinarian." —40s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
The fragile Earth that we must protect
Age: 11
I believe that the Earth that we live on is fragile like a soap bubble. I want to keep it beautiful and help it continue in the future, without breaking it. I think that we humans must use our collective wisdom together to protect the Earth, so that the Earth, nature, and animals can all live together.
What the world should do is represented by hands and animals of various skin colors from around the world, without depicting the earth or people. A soap bubble in which everyone's thoughts are entrusted is drawn on the palm of each person, giving the work an unprecedented view of the world.
“The light-colored bubbles were well depicted to give the feeling of soap bubbles. The animals are lovely, and I think it is wonderful to see a world where many hands are cradling soap bubbles called the earth. I hope you will continue to draw pictures in the future.” —60s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
Clean Water
Age: 11
Clean water. We live on a beautiful planet that has many rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. We must keep the water clean for our lives and the lives of the many creatures that live in and around the water.
This is an interesting work that honestly depicts dragonflies, which only fly where there is clean water., The distribution of colors—cold for the dragonflies and warm for the giraffes—reveals a rich sense of color, and the balance between the dragonflies and the animals that coexist with them is also excellent.
“Colorful dragonflies with impact. It grabbed my attention. All the animals drinking water together. It was a wonderful painting that made me think of a future that I hope will last forever.” —50s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
Planting trees for the future
Age: 9
Trees are plans that create the ecosystem of our planet and makes the air refreshing and a plentiful of water. My family and I joined together to help plant trees to create a perfect natural environment for the future of our children and animals so they will have a place to live.
It is interesting that trees which everyone planting together have grown and are depicted as shadows of future trees spreading over the grass. This work shows us that through the years, this relationship with trees has been firmly rooted in our lives.
"I hope that wonderful painting like this will inspire people to take action on environmental issues.”—40s
“eco together” - Kao Prize:
The World of the Future
Age: 7
In the future, if you want to live there, you will be free to choose any place, no matter how high it is, and you will be able to live there safely.
The warm colors and various animals and buildings brightly depict the future, and the color scheme and composition are ingenious. The many stories existing in a single painting are intricately woven together to create one large positive worldview.
“We can be excited about the future.” —50s
“The color orange cheered me up! When I looked closely, I was soothed to see people and animals living in harmony among the flowers.” —50s
“I hope we can work together to create a brighter future.” —50s
Chair of Juries Fumikazu Masuda Selected
COWS
Age: 11
This is a curious work in which two people seem to be disguised as cows with cloths over their heads. The background also brings up the image of a cage, and the confused look shows that the situation is not happy. The interpretation of this enigmatic painting, including the relationship between the cows and the humans, seems to be left to the viewer.
“Did the painter wish for the happiness of the cows? I could sense from the painting how much the painter cared for the animals.” —30s
Jury Sumiko Okubo Selected
Lotus Fragrance
Age: 6
The colors of the leaves are varied with only shades of green even though few colors are used, and pink is used as a point of interest against the cold background. The tadpoles swimming in the background and the changing colors of the water give the work a rhythmic and descriptive feel.
"The gragrance really seemed come from this painting.” —20s
"As beautiful as the painting is, it is profound, quaint, and very attractive.” —60s
"I've never considered the scent of lotus flowers before. Thank you for showing me a new perspective. Your artistic sensibilities are amazing!” —20s
Jury Kei Matsushita Selected
Let's make a sustainable harvest in my garden
Age: 6
This work expresses the fact that the world is one by combining various elements, both negative and positive, on one screen. It is interesting that it is like a Sri Lankan curry with many different items on one plate.
“I could feel how food is carefully nurtured and gratefully brought to the table. The free use of color is also wonderful.” —60s
Jury Yoko Oyamada Selected
Rebuild The Ice
Age: 15
This work contains the artist’s own thoughts and ideas about global warming. We hope that this painting will help people learn about the existence of scientists who are addressing the problem of melting ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, and their attempts to use technology to restore and regenerate them.
"It was a nice painting." —50s
"I think the idea of stitching together ice is amazing!” —50s
Jury Andreas Schneider Selected
STUDY WITH FIELD TRIP
Age: 9
The work depicts the own experience on a trip to the Vaitarna River, where the painter and friends planted trees to grow the forest and enrich nature. It contains a strong message about the children’s sense of responsibility for environmental issues. The way trees and water mix, becoming one, reflects a profound sense of connectedness.
“I thought it was wonderful to see how everyone cared for the river and the forest, expressed in vivid colors.” —50s
Jury Yasunori Hosokawa Selected
Cleaning up the penguins
Age: 10
This work depicts the environmental problem of the melting of Antarctic ice due to global warming, which is reducing the places for penguins to live. I received a message to live kindly because the work seemed to be working on the penguins who were shedding tears, and it struck my heart.
“I was impressed that the painter, who probably lives in a hot country, depicted environmental issues through ice and the place of penguins.” —50s
Jury Naoto Katahira Selected
HARVEST FROM NATURE WITHOUT PLASTIC
Age: 8
The artist straightforwardly expresses the reduction of plastic, saying that vegetables and fish are blessings of nature, so they should be packaged in natural materials rather than plastic. Each food is drawn with looking tasty, and the work as a whole has a very strong touch.
“I’m captivated by the colorful fruit in this painting. I’d love to frame it and display it in my house.” —30s
Eco Friend Prize:
I LOVE MY ENVIRONMENT
Age: 12
A magical tree is depicted by the artist’s imagination, but it is as lifelike as if it were real. The more we look at the work, the more we appreciate, with the white outlines and the spongy coloring of the leaves.
“The exquisite gradation expresses the beauty of nature with a profound charm. It's a work I could admire forever, and I'd love to see more of your other works.” —60s
Eco Friend Prize:
Let’s all protect the environment!
Age: 13
Adults and children work together hand in hand to pick up trash-like objects floating in the river. The humans and the river are all drawn in curved lines, and the colors of light and shadow are well expressed rhythmically, making the work very joyful in its movement.
“I’m impressed with the distinctive colors, brushstrokes and the composition are unique.” —50s
Eco Friend Prize:
THE SCENT OF THE RICE FIELD BETWEEN YOU AND ME
Age: 13
It depicts the nature that is close to the artist's heart, a rice field in the countryside, and skillfully captures a memorable scene from an ordinary daily life of an ordinary person. The depiction of light shining through the scene is outstanding in that it evokes a sense of hope for the future.
"The colors are amazing. I can almost smell the rice fields." —60s
"The rich color palette conveys a sense of love for nature in everyday life. It makes me want to take a closer look at my own life and reflect on my surroundings." —30s
Eco Friend Prize:
My Modern, Industrial city - impression
Age: 10
The black border around the picture makes it feel like the opening scene of a movie and attracts the viewer's attention. The black-and-white areas, such as the moon and birds, as well as the colored flowers, are also interesting to look at. It makes us think that the work looks different depending on the angle from which we look at it.
"I was surprised to see cherry trees blooming even in your country, which is far away from Japan. In Japan, cherry trees are rarely depicted with rain, so your painting was very fresh." —20s
Eco Friend Prize:
Let’s Protect the Environment and Sow Green Seeds
Age: 10
Instead of using perspective to express the depth of the trees, the artist has chosen to depict the trees in such a way that they do not overlap, so that each tree appears to have a sense of life and stand on its own. However, when viewed from a distance, the work appears to be one world.
"I was surprised and impressed by his imagination and artistic ability to depict the forest in such a fun way. I respect you.” —20s
Eco Friend Prize:
Our little Brothers - impression
Age: 14
It is a very enigmatic work, but if you look at it carefully, you will see only eyes in various organisms. The fact that the artist describes unidentifiable creatures as their "brothers" is very interesting, and the work is both philosophical and fascinating.
"I'm deeply moved by the sense of harmony and diversity conveyed among all living creatures. Your artistic sensibility is the one and only!” —50s
"I was moved by seeing the impressive work.” —60s
Eco Friend Prize:
Friends gathering around a tree with sweet sap
Age: 6
We wonder if it was the first time during summer vacation for the artist to spread honey on a tree and to see the insects gathering around it. Very impressed scene is depicted freely. This joy is well expressed with a simple touch, reminding me of my own childhood.
"I'm really touched by the sense of compassion and kindness towards the creatures around us, and the desire to coexist with them in peace. Please hold onto that feeling." —30s
Eco Friend Prize:
Memories of Bicycles
Age: 6
This work conveys the message of riding bicycles instead of cars. The originality of this work is that it depicts a scene as seen from a bicycle, without clearly outlining the scene. The artist honestly expresses the sense of happiness conveyed by a life filled with bicycles that emit no exhaust gas.
“I was impressed with the spontaneous painting, which showed the care and concern for nature, and the hard work of calling out to everyone!” —50s
Eco Friend Prize:
Sustainable environment
Age: 9
The work is painted with a bright touch, taking only the most vibrant colors from the palette and smashing them into the painting without using muddy colors. Each small sense of blessing is gathered and overflows from the entire painting and is conveyed to us.
“The vivid colors and intricate details made me feel happy.” —50s
Eco Friend Prize:
Environmental Protection
Age: 15
It is as if several paintings are combined in the work although it is a single painting. Despite the black and white, the use of fine lines depicting the richness of nature and the expression of the story are excellent.
“While many of the works are colorful, I was fascinated by this black-and-white painting that conveys a feeling for nature through its meticulous depiction.” —40s
Eco Friend Prize:
Lotus Field
Age: 10
The lotus leaves and the human hat are drawn in a similar circle, as if the human were blending into nature. The artist's approach to the environment is expressed in the fact of trying to express the environment in a way that incorporates the human being, rather than having the environment around the human being.
“I think the colorful and rhythmic depiction of the lotus leaves and flowers from a bird’s-eye view makes this painting delightful.” — 40s
“The painting is very beautiful, and it cautgh my eyes from 100 m away. Colors are also beautiful. It looks like it is full of water, and the expression ohe color of f leaves in the sunlight is wonderful. I am a florist and my job is to express with flowers. I want to create works filling vivaciously with feelings like your painting. I hope many people will see your painting.” — 40s
Eco Friend Prize:
The tree in big city
Age: 9
It expresses the idea that in a big city with many different things, it is important to help and coexist with each other in order to take care of trees and greenery. The work is painted in a variety of colors and is eye-catching.
“The colorful trees seem to represent the diversity of a vast city, and it's very beautiful.” —20s
Eco Friend Prize:
A Family Effort for the Environment
Age: 13
Many customers gather at a store where recycling and remaking is a family affair. From the real daily life, the artist suggests things that could be done immediately in any country to solve environmental problems. It is a work that makes us want to emulate this kind of lifestyle.
"I was impressed by the vivid depiction of everyday life around children.” —60s
"I love how the whole family is coming together to take care of the environment. The colorful bags and outfits are also a fantastic touch!” —60s
Eco Friend Prize:
Sparrow
Age: 15
The coloring is unique, like a classical oil painting. The artist's gaze is very low, perhaps painted from the perspective of the bird in the foreground. The way that the environment is seen with the animal’s eyes is unique, and there are many things to make aware of.
"The mother and child watching over the sparrows as they eat in peace impressively conveyed the preciousness of peace. I was very drawn in." —50s
"The color of spparows were wonderful, and I loveed it." —30s
"It's artistic and I like it.!" —10s
Eco Friend Prize:
An environmentally conscious family
Age: 11
At first glance, there seems to be a separation between the human parent and child and the natural world outside, bordered by a door, but it appears that they are trying to open the door to talk and understand about nature. It is a powerful work that seeks to deepen our understanding of the environment.
“I was touched the appearance of the beautiful family that they care for nature and the environment and it can be felt in their ordinary daily life. The bright and beautiful colors are pleasant to see it.” —50s
“The conversation between parent and child harmonizes beautifully with the outdoor scenery, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.” —50s
“It's a good work with a lot of though put into. Good luck with the next one.” —50s
“I like the painting itself.” —50s
Eco Friend Prize:
PEACE IN OUR ENVIRONMENT!
Age: 10
Birds and fish are painted in a beautiful green world centered on mangroves. The work is a model of the kind of nature that we should strive for. The artist message, "Through this painting, I want to help make the environment more sustainable" attracts us.
"I'm really struck by the beautiful yellow background, and the way the trees and animals seem to come alive. This is a truly powerful and energetic work of art!" —40s
The gradation of sky blue and the contrast with the smaller painted humans surrounding the large tree express the special existence of the tree. We felt a strong message that people have cherished trees for a long time and will continue to do so in the future.