Toy Photography Contest
"A great toy is like a good book. It opens up an array of possibilities and lets the imagination soar."
"Toys & Games are the most elevated form of investigation. Every move, every decision, is a leap into a universe of possibilities."
In the past 5 to 10 years, the interest in toys and action figures in the U.S. market has expanded exponentially. So much so, that media and industry analysts estimate that almost 25% to 40% of toys sold domestically in the United States are bought by adult enthusiasts and collectors. Interestingly enough, this phenomenon has been prevalent in Japan since the mid to late 1980’s. The toy collecting hobby among adults has also spawned a related Hobby… TOY PHOTOGRAPHY!!!
2025 is here, and because our Toy Photography Contest was a success in 2024, IT’S BACK! Are you a Japanese Toy Nerd, or a Gunpla Fanboy! Do you like to take Photos of your Toys, or browse others Photos on Social Media, and want to try your hand at the hobby? If so, then this Contest may be the motivation you need!
This year, Animazement will be hosting our second annual Japanese Toy Photography Contest. There will be three categories: Professional, Amateur, and Junior. There are only two rules for all three categories.
#1. All toy photo’s must be related to Anime, Japanese media, or Japanese Culture.
#2. Keep your photos PG-13. No nudity, and no excessive violence or blood. If the photo is NSFW then it will be disqualified.
The Professional Contest: If your toy photography has been used in any way for promotion of a licensed product, if you have ever been paid by any toy company or retailer (monetarily or through free product), or if you have a monetized toy photography social media account of any type, then we ask that you submit your entry under this category.
The Amateur Contest: Are you already doing toy photography and want to spread the word about your work? Are you new to the hobby, and want to see if have you what it takes? Then submit your entry here!!!
**Judged By The Fans: For 2025, all entries will be presented as a reel set to music at the opening of the Professional and Amateur AMV Contests, and will be judged by a panel of attendees that will be chosen prior to the viewing. As a bonus, when placing your Toy Photo Entry, please let us know two songs you love, and staff will vote on what song to set the reel to for the AMV Contest presentation.
Votes will be tallied and the Winners will be announced during Closing Ceremonies with the AMV Winners.
The Prizes: All winners will receive Prize Merch donated by Retailers & Sponsors of Animazement 2025.
Note: The reel of contestants & winners for the 2024 Toy Photo Contest will be shown during the 2025 AMV Contest as well.
How to Enter
NOTE: For the “Professional” and “Amateur” Photo Contest, you can only enter in one or the other, NOT BOTH. You either consider yourself a professional toy photographer, or an amateur, and the two shall not mingle or collide in the contest arena!!!
Please Email Entries To: ToyPhoto@Animazement.org
Your Subject Line Should Be: Toy Photo Contest Entry 2025
Please Include The Following:
- Your first and last name
- Your email
- Category (Professional, Amateur, Junior)
- If you are entering the Professional Contest, please include credentials
- A maximum of 3 photos per contestant
- Any social media account(s) where you feature your photography (if you have
one). - Your two suggested songs (artist name/song title)
Submissions Close Friday May 15th 2025.
Contest Coordinated By:
- plastic_action_punk on Instagram
- Toyeephotography on Instagram