Article 1: Contest Description
The Japan Expo International AMV Contest 2026 is a competition for amateur music videos created using music and footage from anime (Japanese animated series). This contest is free of charge and non-profit.
Article 2: Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for AMVs is set for June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM. AMVs must be submitted in full before this date.
Article 3: Contest Organizer
The contest is organized by AMV France (www.amv-france.com) for Japan Expo.
Article 4: Registration Conditions
4.1 The contest is free and open to everyone except jury members (both preselection and final judging).
4.2 Submitted AMVs must be exclusive to this contest. They must not have competed in any prior contest, been showcased at a previous convention, or been published online before the results are announced on the AMV France website.
4.3 Only one solo entry and one collab per person will be accepted, you can also participate to max 3 MEPs this year. Participants are allowed to submit a solo AMV, a collab and 3 MEPs tracks.
4.4 The video footage used must have a direct and clear connection to animation. Footage from video games is also allowed. It is permitted to mix these visuals with non-animation sources (drawings, 3D, etc.). Any AMV that raises debate will be subject to validation to determine whether it qualifies as an AMV.
4.5 The video must not contain subtitles or logos unless they are an integral part of the AMV’s concept. Subtitles added by the AMV creator for accessibility reasons are allowed, but it is preferred that they can be disabled (soft subtitles).
4.6 The AMV must not have distorted aspect ratios, interlacing artifacts, or unwanted black bars visible throughout the entire video.
4.7 Commercial or promotional videos will not be accepted due to public broadcasting restrictions.
4.8 Footage exclusively from theatrical releases is prohibited.
4.9 If the video contains explicit scenes (gore, sexual content, or anything unsuitable for a young audience), you will be required to provide a censored version for public screening.
4.10 Participation in this contest implies full acceptance of these rules.
Article 5: Registration ProcedureEach participant (individual or group) must complete the interactive registration form available exclusively on the contest registration page.
Article 6: Technical Requirements for AMVs6.1 AMVs must comply with the following formats:
- Containers: AVI, MP4, MKV, MOV, MPEG, MPEG2, WMV
- Video Codecs: H264, H265, XviD, DivX (5, 6, and 7), MPEG, MPEG2, WMV9
- Audio Codecs: MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis
- Framerate: Up to 60 frames per second
6.2 The video must be at least 1 minute and 30 seconds long for a solo, and 2 minutes for Collabs and MEPs. If it exceeds 4 minutes, the staff may request a shortened version for broadcast purposes. If refused, the staff reserves the right to adjust the video’s duration for public screening. However, your AMV will always be judged in its entirety, not in its shortened version.
6.3 The file size must not exceed 500MB or a maximum bitrate of 30Mbps, unless an exceptional request is granted (contact the organizers for authorization).
6.4 You must clearly indicate the contest title: Japan Expo 2026. It is mandatory to use the Japan Expo 2026 logo, which will be provided to you. You are free to modify its color, 3D effects, texture integration, etc., so that it blends well with your AMV, but it must remain legible for at least 3 seconds.
Article 7: AMV SubmissionSubmissions will be made via FTP (the address will be provided upon registration) or the AMV-France website.
If you encounter issues while submitting your AMV, a tutorial is available for you.
Article 8: Guarantees8.1 Each participant (individual or group) submitting an AMV guarantees that they are the sole and exclusive creator of the work and that it does not infringe any third-party rights.
8.2 By entering the contest, all participants agree that their AMV may be:
- Publicly broadcasted
- Displayed on the AMV France and Japan Expo websites, as well as on AMV France’s YouTube channel, within a maximum of two weeks after the contest results are announced (no exceptions).
- Used at various events attended by AMV France.
8.3 Any adult participant agrees to be photographed during the convention and allows their image to be used in promotional materials and communications related to AMV France and Japan Expo.
The jury for this contest will consist of three experienced AMV editors.
However, the association reserves the right to modify this as necessary.
Article 10: Judging CriteriaThe submitted AMVs will be evaluated and ranked according to criteria defined by the judges. These criteria will be made public after the contest.
Article 11: Results Announcement and PrizesAbout thirty of the best AMVs will be ranked. The announcement of results and prize distribution will take place at the 25th edition of Japan Expo.
Many prizes will be awarded, thanks to our partners "Rêves de Manga" as well as community donations.
Article 12: Disqualification Reasons12.1 Disqualification is at the sole discretion of the contest organizers and cannot be appealed.
12.2 The use of content that is pornographic, racist, defamatory, or harmful to physical or moral integrity will result in immediate disqualification.
12.3 Failure to comply with one or more of these rules will also be grounds for disqualification.
Article 13: Contest Modification or CancellationAMV France reserves the right to modify, extend, or cancel the contest without prior notice. This decision, made at the sole discretion of AMV France, cannot be contested.
Article 14: Participant RightsIn accordance with the French Data Protection Act No. 78-17 of January 6, 1978, you have the right to access, modify, or delete your personal data. To exercise this right, please contact the AMV France Staff.
Article 15: Interpretation of the RulesAny issues related to the interpretation of these rules will be resolved exclusively by AMV France.