Share your creative ideas with peers worldwide through 1-minute animations!

• Are you passionate about drawing, curious about science and environmental issues, or excited to talk with people from around the world?
• Ani-Connect Animation Connecting Global World is an international project that brings together your unique talents and interests to co-create one-of-a-kind message animations.

• Launched in 2021, this collaborative online initiative brings together high school students in Japan and Japanese language learners from around the globe.
• To date, over 100 participants from 6 countries have taken part.

• Art × Science × Global Exchange!
• Connect with the world using your unique strengths through Ani-Connect.

Main Events of Ani-Connect

• Ani-Connect Workshop
  • Team up with international peers to co-create a message animation around the theme of “Water“.
  • Dates: Dec 20, 2026 (Sun) – Feb 28, 2027 (Sun) | Fee: Free
  • 6 main sessions + team collaborative work.
  • Participation in the pre-event Animation Training is not required.
  • Applications Open: October 1, 2026

• Ani-Connect Exchange Sessions (optional event)
  • Lectures and interactive discussions with guest experts and alumni.
  • Period: Dec 2026 – Mar 2027 | Fee: Free

• Ani-Connect Showcase
  • The final presentation event where you share your message animation with a global audience.
  • Present your 1-minute animation to the world!
  • Date: March 2027 | Fee: Free
  • Guest Presenter Applications Open: December 1, 2026

• Guided by experts, college student mentors, and fellow teammates, dive deep into the theme of “Water” and share your 1-minute animated story with the world!

• check more>>

Which Type Are You?

• If any of these apply to you, please do not hesitate to apply

• I want to create animation!
  • I love making things and want to shine using my creative talents in a team.
  • I want to express feelings and ideas that words alone cannot capture through animation!

• I’m passionate about science, water, and environmental issues!
  • I’ve done poster presentations before, but want a more engaging “language” to tell my story.
  • I want to share your research, project, or passions with peers my own age worldwide!

• I want to connect with people and make a positive social impact!
  • I want to collaborate with diverse people using animation as a universal language.
  • I want to explore my potential beyond just practicing English!

Alumni Voice

• Very few high school students can say, ‘I created an animation with peers from other regions and countries.‘
• The workshop gathered diverse people where everyone found a role that fit them.
• I focused on drawing storyboards and creating presentation slides, which helped me grow my strengths.
• I also gained deep knowledge about ‘water’ that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise—that was the true highlight for me!

• You can read the full account here>>

What You Will Experience at Ani-Connect

• Cross-Border Teambuilding
  • Form mixed teams with participants from various regions and countries. Mixing different perspectives—art, science, and global culture—sparks creative ideas you could never reach alone.
• Co-Creating a 1-Minute Message Animation on “Water”
  • Reflect on the current state and future of water, and condense your core message into a powerful 1-minute animation.
• Broadcasting at the “Ani-Connect Showcase” (Mar 2027)
  • Share your work in an open dialogue space with experts and a global audience.
  • You can also join the planning team for the Showcase event!
• Communication Beyond Language Barriers
  • No need to be perfectly fluent! Using “Easy Japanese” (やさしい日本語), diagrams, and translation apps, you will discover the joy of truly connecting. College mentors support each team throughout the journey.

Deep Dive – Why “Water”?

• Turn the tap, and you’re connected to the world… Why does Ani-Connect focus on “Water”?

• Water coming out of a tap seems completely ordinary.
• Yet, that single drop holds endless creative possibilities, travels around the globe, and shapes the lives and futures of people everywhere.

• Since 2022, “Water” has been the core theme of Ani-Connect. Why water? The answer depends on what inspires you:

• • For Science & Environment Enthusiasts
    • Scientists define water as H2O.
    • Transforming between liquid, vapor, and ice, it circulates Earth and makes up 60% of our human bodies—the essence of life.
    • Yet, in January 2026, the UN University warned that global water systems have reached an irreversible tipping point, entering an era of global “water bankruptcy.”
    • Water sustains life, but also triggers global conflicts. How will you approach this grand Earth story?

• • For Art & Animation Enthusiasts
    • Transparency, ripples, reflections, silence… Water has no fixed shape, making it the ultimate canvas for your artistic vision.
    • Every single drop looks different depending on who draws it.
    • How does water look through your eyes?

• • For Global Communicators
    • Water is a universal theme shared across cultures.
      • “How is water connected to daily life and scenery in your country?”
      • “What does water mean to you in everyday life?” 
    • Starting from water, you’ll discover fascinating cultural differences and shared values.

• Watch a past participant work
• “Water Passed from Hand to Hand” 

Quick Information about Ani-Connect Workshop

Dates and Times

• 6 Main Sessions + Group Work
  • Main Sessions: Dec 20 (Sun), Dec 27 (Sun)/2026, Jan 10 (Sun), Jan 31 (Sun), Feb 14 (Sun), Feb 28 (Sun)/2027.
  • Starts at 17:00 JST (approx. 2.5 hours).
  • Group work shall be scheduled upon need.

Format

• Online (use Zoom and Slack).
• Group work of around 5 participants.

Participation Fee

• Free.

Certificate

• Official Certificate of Completion issued for Workshop and Showcase participants.

Key Activities

• Learning about “Water”: Explore water from diverse angles, create a “One-Pager” illustration of your core idea, listen to guest lectures, and conduct research.
• Story Development: Define team messages, use animation pre-production methods (like storyboarding), and critique ideas together.
• Co-Production: Even if you can’t draw, you can contribute through research, scriptwriting, sound design, editing, or directing!
• Presentation & Outreach: Design presentation slides and outreach strategies to prepare for the Ani-Connect Showcase in March 2027.

• • Check More>>

Eligibility

• Japanese Language Learners: age between 15 up to around 22, living anywhere in Japan or overseas.
• High School & Technical College Students in Japan (age between 15 up to around 18).
• International exchange students in Japan and group applications (e.g., school clubs/teams) are warmly welcome!

• If you fall outside these categories but wish to join, please contact our secretariat.
  • Contact Us

Language

• Workshops are conducted in Easy Japanese (やさしい日本語).
• Japanese language learners should have conversational ability equivalent to JLPT N3 or above.

• If you fall outside these categories but wish to join, please contact our secretariat.
  • Contact Us

Requirements

• Internet connection.
• Devices with a camera (either 2 of PC, Tablet, Smartphone). *It is advisable to have two devices ready.
• Basic animation tools/apps, and printouts. *Free apps are perfectly adequate.

Experts who support your activity

• • *Additional instructors & guest speakers to be announced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Queries from students

Q: I am not good at drawing. Can I still create animations?	A: Don’t worry at all! First-time animators are extremely welcome. There are many ways to make animations. Anyone can create “stop-motion animation” by moving everyday items, clay, or paper cutouts step-by-step and capturing them with a smartphone. Using AI or digital creative tools is completely fine, too! Above all, the most important elements of animation are ideas and storytelling. Animation involves various roles such as research, scriptwriting, directing, sound design, and editing/finishing, so you can contribute to your team using your strengths and interests.
Q: Is it okay if I have no prior experience in making animations?	A: Absolutely! Almost all participants start as complete beginners, and animation creation here is done as a team. There are many roles available: researching topics about “water,” brainstorming ideas, writing scripts, gathering sound effects, facilitating group discussions, or communicating with international teammates. You can start simply by sharing any idea that comes to your mind with your group!
Q: I’m not confident about discussing things in Japanese.	A: This program is suitable for learners who have conversational Japanese skills (roughly JLPT N3 level or above). Lectures and discussions will be conducted in “Easy Japanese (やさしい日本語),” but fast conversations between native speakers might sometimes be hard to catch. When that happens, feel free to use translation apps or ask teammates: “Could you speak a bit slower?” or “Could you say that in Easy Japanese?” Using English is also fine. In the online interview, we evaluate applicants holistically—not just on Japanese language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing), but also on your curiosity about “water,” motivation to learn, past activities, artistic expression, and conceptual thinking.
Q: Will I feel left out if I apply by myself?	A: Applying by yourself is very welcome! Participants join from all across Japan as well as overseas to form collaborative teams. You will get to enjoy brand-new connections and friendships precisely because you joined individually.
Q: Can I apply together with my friends or school club members?	A: Yes, you can! If you are a group of around 4 people, feel free to apply together. Note: Each person must fill out their own individual application form. Workshops are generally conducted in mixed teams that include other participants. Building on the comfort of having familiar friends around while collaborating with newly met teammates is a unique and valuable experience at Ani-Connect. If you are considering participating with a larger group or have any questions, please contact our secretariat: http://ani-connect.alljp.org/contact/
Q: I am researching water quality and environmental conservation in my school club. Can I turn my research into an animation?	A: Yes, please share your research and passion with your team! Ani-Connect gathers high school and college students with diverse interests from across Japan and around the world. Your desire to share your research findings with the world will become a powerful drive for creating a wonderful animation. Ani-Connect Showcase (Final Presentation) in March 2027 is not the end line, but a prime opportunity to share your message globally and use the feedback received to fuel your future research and activities!
Q: I have zero knowledge about “water” or environmental issues. Can I still participate?	A: Starting with zero knowledge is no problem at all! In the workshop, we will start from simple, everyday questions—like “Where does tap water come from, and where does it go?”—and enjoy learning about water circulation, global connections, history, and culture together. Come and share your thoughts with peers who are interested in science, the environment, or global issues!
Q: Are there any participation fees or material costs?	A: Joining the Workshop, Exchange sessions, and Showcase is completely free of charge. Participants need to prepare their own internet connection and two devices (such as a smartphone, tablet, or camera-equipped computer). Tools, materials, or apps required for animation making are covered individually, but there is no need to purchase expensive software. You can create animations using free, easy-to-use apps, stationery, or everyday items around you.
Q: I’m busy with school clubs and exams. What if I can’t attend every session?	A: The 6 main workshops and the Showcase in March 2027 take place on Sundays. If you need to miss a session, please consult with us in advance so we can accommodate your schedule. If you already know dates you cannot attend, please let us know during the post-application online interview. Individual work and team online meetings can be carried out flexibly at times that suit you, and session archives are available for self-study. College student mentors will also support you along the way.
Q: What is the overall schedule?	A: The 6 main workshop sessions and Ani-Connect Showcase in March 2027 are held online on Sundays. Since animation making takes time, activities consist of group work and individual tasks. Group work utilizes communication apps (such as Slack), allowing you to work at your preferred times just like individual tasks. Lectures can also be caught up on via archived materials.
Q: Are there age limits or eligibility requirements?	A: The program mainly targets youth aged 15 to 18 (high school and technical college students, etc.) as Japanese speakers. As well as, Japanese Language Learners (age between 15 up to around 22, living anywhere in Japan or overseas) Anyone eager to explore topics and create animations together with peers of the same generation across Japan and overseas is welcome to apply, regardless of experience. For any inquiries, feel free to contact the secretariat: http://ani-connect.alljp.org/contact/

• Queries from parents and educators

Q: What organization runs this program?	A: The program is organized by Animated Learning Lab in Japan (ALLjp), established in 2018. Launched in 2021, this project has received grant funding for 6 consecutive years from the Children’s Yume Fund (under the National Institution for Youth Education / MEXT), with over 100 high school and college students from 6 countries participating to date. This fiscal year, it is also funded by The Japan Forum for Public Interaction (TJF) under its 1st “TJF Grant Program for Opening Futures.” Operations are conducted in collaboration with Animated Learning Lab, the research division of The Animation Workshop – VIA University College (a higher education institution in Denmark, a leader in progressive education), managed by our secretariat, instructors, and college student mentors.
Q: Can this program be utilized for school Inquiry-Based Learning or university admissions ?	A: Yes, it is highly effective! An official Certificate of Completion will be issued. This project is a practical inquiry program combining Environmental Inquiry × Global Co-creation × Digital Expression. As an initiative to foster 21st-century skills such as creativity and collaboration, it can be used to expand on school inquiry work or added to university application portfolios and self-PR achievements.
Q: Are security and privacy safe during online interactions with international participants?	A: All interactions take place strictly within secretariat-managed online platforms—Zoom for video meetings and Slack for team communication. Staff or college student mentors are always present during overall sessions and group work to prevent issues. Additionally, applicants must obtain parental consent and agree to the participation rules to join.
Q: How are created works, photos, and videos managed and published?	A: We strictly operate based on prior consent, prioritizing privacy protection and digital ethics guidance: Public Relations & Media: Activity photos and created animations may be used in ALLjp’s public relations and reporting (website, social media, press releases, etc.). All usage is limited strictly to the scope agreed upon in advance by the participant and parent/guardian via the Participation Rules. Special requests or considerations can be discussed with the secretariat upon application. Personal Data & Media Ethics: Instructors and staff provide guidance during workshops regarding the handling of personal data, preventing unauthorized re-posting on social media, and respecting copyright and portrait rights.
Q: Are there any costs or preparations required from parents?	A: Participation is free of charge. Families will need to provide an internet environment and two devices (such as a smartphone, tablet, or camera-equipped computer – It is advisable to have two devices ready). Other tools and apps for animation creation are planned to be accessible using free tools or everyday household items. Since sessions are held on Sundays, scheduling conflicts with regular school days are minimal.

Workshop Activities & Schedule

• All main workshops (6 sessions in total) will be held online.
• Collaborating with peers from various locations, you will brainstorm ideas online and create a “1-Minute Message Animation.”

Advance Preparation— Start at Your Own Pace!

• Before the workshops officially begin, let’s get ready step-by-step on the online community platform (Slack)

Introduce Yourself

Feel free to share your nickname, club activities, favorite foods, interests, or hobbies! Create a “Face Animation” Use everyday objects around you to create a stop-motion animation of your own “face,” and post it to Slack. Create a “One-Pager (Idea Sheet on ‘Water’)” Summarize your interests, research, and thoughts on the theme of “water” into a “One-Pager” (a single-page document) using illustrations and photos. You will present this on Day 1 of the workshop.

Workshop Schedule & Overview

Day 1 | Sun, Dec 20 Meet & Get to Know Your Peers	Start by learning the rules of Ani-Connect and ways to communicate (such as using “Easy Japanese”). Meet your team members and share the “One-Pagers” you created in advance. ● Orientation ● Learn various animation techniques and modes of expression ● Self-introductions & presentations of “Face Animations” and “One-Pagers” ● Icebreaker activities in your working-group. Get to know each other!
Day 2 | Sun, Dec 27 Deepen Ideas & Discussions/Chat	Learn tips on how to convey your message through a “1-minute video.” Discuss your personal strengths and daily concerns/questions regarding water with your team. ● Lecture: What can be communicated through a “1-minute video”? ● Hands-on Session: Develop a plot for a 1-minute video based on your One-Pager in using a “circular storyboard” ● “Show-and-Tell” Time: Learn from the unique skills, activities, and research of your peers and university student mentors ● Discussions/Chat: Share and discuss frustrations or something feels off or wasteful practices related to water in daily life
Day 3 | Sun, Jan 10 Interim Presentation 1 What We Want to Convey	Organize the reasons and causes behind your water-related frustrations, and define what your team wants to convey through animation. Give an interim presentation and receive advice from instructors. In the second half, begin designing your animation. ● Deepen “what you want to convey” (your team theme and action) based on your frustrations and something feels off ● Interim Presentation 1: Team presentations on “what we want to convey” followed by instructor feedback ● Lecture: How to write and use an animation blueprint (storyboard) ● Animation Design: Role assignment, target goals, and group work scheduling
Between Day 3 & Day 4 Production Time	Stay in touch with your team and create your storyboard together.
Day 4 | Sun, Jan 31 Interim Presentation 2 Storyboard	Present your storyboard and receive feedback from instructors. Refine your storyboard based on their advice, and move on to actual animation production! ● Interim Presentation 2: Team storyboard presentations followed by instructor feedback ● Storyboard refinement and finalization ● Task allocation for individual production work and schedule review
Between Day 4 & Day 5 Production Time	Work at your own pace on your assigned roles (e.g., object making, drawing, stop-motion shooting, sound creation, presentation slides, or scripts).
Day 5 | Sun, Feb 14 Bring Your Animation Parts Together	Bring together the individual animation sections and presentation slides, then discuss how to assemble and finish the overall project. Improve the quality of your work and presentation with guidance from instructors. ● Progress check & showcase of each component (animation assets, presentation slides, etc.) ● Instructor advice and determination of editing/finishing methods ● Talk on “what we want to convey” and strategies to spread your message animation ● Final confirmation of role distribution and schedule toward completion
Between Day 5 & Day 6 Finalizing Time	Finalize the animation and presentation slides, and plan the presentation flow.
Day 6 | Sun, Feb 28 Pre-Presentation Showcase (Preview Event)	Show your message animation and give your presentation! Prepare for the public release at the “Ani-Connect Showcase” in March by checking if your intended message is clearly communicated and making improvement plans. ● Rehearsal & Pre-presentation ● Joint Review (Instructor feedback and comments from other teams) ● Team & Overall Reflection (Was the message successfully conveyed? Planning for the “Ani-Connect Showcase”)

• Note: In addition to the main workshops on Sundays, there will be online group consultations and individual production time.
• Note: Schedule and content are subject to change and updates as needed.
• Note: Leading up to the “Ani-Connect Showcase” in March, we plan to hold several online “Ani-Connect Exchange” sessions with guest speakers. Participation is free, so please feel free to join if you find a guest or theme that interests you!

Organizers & Sponsors

• Organizer
  • Animated Learning Lab in Japan (ALLjp)

• Cooperation
  • Animated Learning Teachers Group (“AWN”)
  • Musashino Art University “Tabi-Musa” Project
  • Tokyo Gakugei University Environmental Education Center
  • Yachiyo Engineering Co., Ltd.
  • Animated Learning Lab / The Animation Workshop, VIA University College (Denmark)

• Grants

What is Animated Learning Lab in Japan (ALLjp)?

• Animated Learning Lab in Japan (ALLjp) is an organization dedicated to empowering youth to express and share their ideas through animation.

• We offer a learning method called “Animated Learning,” a unique learning style born in Denmark—a country known for its innovative education centered around dialogue and inquiry.

• At Ani-Connect, you’ll not only gain animation skills, but also polish your communication and self-expression as you work with teammates to bring your ideas to life—from everyday questions to global challenges. A creative experience unlike your typical school class awaits you: “Expressing your thoughts through animation.”

• In close partnership with Danish educational specialists, Animated Learning Lab、The Animation Workshop – VIA University College, ALLjp creates spaces where high school students in Japan can connect with a whole new world

Applications

• Ani-Connect Worshop Applications open on October 1, 2026

• English Application Form (Google Form)>>

• Check more>>

• Please ensure you read the following important notes before applying.
• <Regarding Photography, Video, and Audio Recordings>

• 1. Recording during the Event
  • The organizer, Animated Learning Lab in Japan (hereinafter referred to as “the Organizer”), will take photographs, video recordings, and audio recordings during this event.

• 2. Purpose of Use and Publication
  • The Organizer may publish the aforementioned photographs, videos, and audio recordings in reports uploaded to the internet (including social media services) for the purpose of research, development, and public relations regarding Animated Learning. They may also be published in printed materials, related events, or academic conferences.

• 3. Privacy Protection Measures
  • When publishing as described in item (2), the Organizer will blur or edit faces so that individual participants cannot be identified, and participant names will be displayed using nicknames or initials only.

• 4. Deletion Requests
  • If a participant requests the deletion of published photos, videos, or recordings, the Organizer will promptly remove them. However, please understand that printed materials cannot be deleted or recalled once published.

• 5. Reporting to Funding Organizations
  • This project is supported by grants from the “Children’s Yume Fund” (National Institution for Youth Education) and “The Japan Forum, TJF Grant Program”, and photos showing project activities will be submitted to these organizations. Any personal information (such as photos) submitted for reporting purposes will be managed in accordance with each organization’s personal information management regulations and will not be used for any purpose other than grant-related operations.

Contact & Inquiries

• For questions, feel free to email us in English or Japanese.

• Email: info@alljp.org
• Subject Line: Ani-Connect 2026
• Contact Person: Hitosan

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• This workshop is planned and managed by ALLjp (Animate Learning Lab in Japan) for the purpose of promoting the spread of Animated Learning in Japan. This page may be copied or reprinted without our permission for the purpose of promoting the spread of Animated Learning and its practice. When doing so, please clearly state the source (such as the URL of this site) and the following copyright.

• © 2026 一般社団法人アニメーテッドラーニングらぼ／Animated Learning Lab in Japan-ALLjp. All Rights Reserved.