The results of the major contest "Netflix × World Maker Anime Contest," a collaboration between the Shonen Jump+ editorial department (Shueisha) through their app service "World Maker" and Netflix, have been announced. Among the finalists, 12 works were selected, resulting in one grand prize winner and five honorable mentions.

.The grand prize went to "Kiichi no Ayamachi" by Hikari, while the honorable mentions were awarded to "Would Aliens Wear Hats?" by Shidoni Katombo, "Arisugawa-san to Arisukawa-san" by Usagi, "CLOVER" by Gyusuke, "Surviving as a Zombie [Video Edition]" by Sanmonshu, and "Reply Hero!" by Yakan.

The grand prize-winning work, "Kiichi no Ayamachi," is set to be animated by Netflix.

■Comment from Hikari:

Ever since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a manga artist, though it seemed like a distant, unreachable dream. I had all but forgotten that dream until 2023, when I discovered the app "World Maker," which reawakened the child in me, bursting forth from my heart. Since then, I've reveled in the joy and fun of being able to output the fantasies in my head into manga names and storyboards without needing drawing skills, working alongside my younger self.

I'm overwhelmingly grateful to "World Maker" for providing me with such a joyous opportunity, and receiving this award is an honor that nearly left me faint. Despite having no experience or track record, being chosen fills me with a humble joy that I shared with my younger self!! I hope "World Maker," a savior app for those with dreams and hopes bubbling in their hearts, spreads even further. Lastly, as the original creator and as a viewer, I'm truly looking forward to seeing Kiichi's Mistake and Ayaka come to life in animation. Thank you very much for selecting me for the grand prize.