After viewing all submissions, our panel of five judges choose the winners in each of the following categories:
- Best Script (Anime), Best Script (Live Action): Creativity and originality are the critical factors. All topics, genres, and forms are welcome.
- Best Acting (Live Action), Best Voice Acting (Anime): This is self-explanatory,
- Best Original Idea (Live Action or Anime): The judges will be looking for originality and overall creativity – something truly unusual.
- Best Technical Work (Live Action or Anime): This category may include camerawork, sound effects, artwork and/or special effects.
- Best All-Around Japanese Shorts Festival Film: The judges will know it when they see it.