Sponsoring the newly-created “Nippon Animation Shorts Award” and
Hosting Hands-on Creative Booth at Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm
April 22, 2026 (Tokyo) -- Wacom Co., Ltd today revealed exciting details regarding its participation in the Nippon Connection Film Festival, scheduled from June 2 -7, 2026, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
Nippon Connection is the world’s largest platform for Japanese film. It aims to connect audiences with Japanese culture by showcasing a wide range of Japanese films, from shorts to feature-length productions. The festival has been organized by the non-profit association Nippon Connection e.V. since 2000.
In December 2025, Wacom announced that it is sponsoring the newly-created “Nippon Animation Shorts Award*1” at the Nippon Connection Festival, with a focus on supporting emerging creative talent from Japan. A diverse international jury is in the process of selecting the award winner and a prize of 2,000 Euros will be presented during the festival.
Between June 4 and 7, Wacom will also have a booth in Künstler*innenhaus Mousonturm, where various types of digital drawing tablets and pen displays, widely used in many animation studios worldwide, are on display. Two workshops are planned at the booth, and the details are as follows:
- Beginner Workshop with Wacom: Drawing Manga
From the first stroke to your very own manga page: In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of visual storytelling using digital tools and how to use them creatively. You will also be able to gain the skills you need to bring your own creative ideas to life on paper or a tablet! No prior experience is necessary.
- Workshop with Wacom: Drawing Manga
Want to take your manga skills to the next level? Together, we will work on expression, movement, and professional techniques using Wacom’s digital tools—from the initial sketch to the final artwork.
*1The award is aimed at animated short films with a maximum running time of 20 minutes that were produced between 2024 and 2026. Productions from Japan or films directed by Japanese filmmakers are eligible.
About Wacom
Wacom Co, Ltd., is a global “Technology Leadership Company” that develops digital pen and ink solutions, combining hardware, software, and services to enable natural and intuitive expression. Since its founding in 1983, the company has continuously advanced its proprietary pen and ink technologies, creating and crafting “instruments” which allows people to stay fully focused on what they do in a seamless way.
Wacom’s pen tablets and products support the creative work of a wide range of creators, from professional creators such as film production and industrial design studios, designers, and manga artists to individuals who enjoy illustration and photo editing as a hobby.
In addition, Wacom’s technologies are increasingly used across various fields, including education, healthcare and finance. The company also provides its digital pen technologies as OEM solutions to leading device manufacturers, with its technology embedded in a wide range of PCs, smartphones, and other digital devices worldwide.