As Kinugawa continues to create products for the future, we invite you to become part of that journey. Whether you are a GULL user, student, artist, designer, or creator, we hope to discover new possibilities together through your ideas and creativity.
Theme:
Design a scuba diving or snorkeling fin.
Eligibility:
Open to all applicants worldwide.
*Applicants under 18 years of age must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian before applying.
Submission Requirements:
- All entries must be original works created by the applicant.
- Multiple submissions are permitted.
- Unpublished works only.
- Entries submitted to other contests are not eligible.
Reference Products:
AQA Snorkeling Fins Lineup ▶︎GULL Diving Fin Lineup ▶︎
*Conceptual designs that may not be suitable for mass production are also welcome.
Accepted Submission Formats:
- Hand sketches
- Digital illustrations
- 3D models
- Renderings
- Other visual design concepts
File Formats:
- JPEG: Long side 4,000 pixels or greater
- PDF: A3 size
How to Apply:
Submit your entry using the online application form below, or download the application sheet, complete the required information, and send it by mail together with your design materials.
- Application Form
- Download Application Sheet (PDF)
*Google account login is required to upload files through the online form.
*For postal submissions, shipping and postage costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
Rules:
- The use of generative AI is permitted. Applicants must disclose any AI tools used and clearly indicate which portions of the work involved AI assistance when submitting their entry.
- Entries consisting solely of AI-generated output are not eligible. Submitted works must demonstrate the applicant’s own ideas, design intent, and creative direction.
- Entries that may infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, design rights, or other intellectual property rights of third parties will not be accepted.
Submission Deadline:
Until 23:59 on Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Awards:
Grand Prize:
- GULL Category: 1 winner
- AQA Category: 1 winner
Prize: Travel voucher valued at ¥50,000
Excellence Award
- Several winners
Prize: One pair of Gull fins
Honorable Mention
- Several winners
Prize: One item of original Gull merchandise
Participation Award
- All eligible applicants
Prize: Original GULL novelty item
Judging Criteria:
- Originality
Introduction of new perspectives, ideas, or concepts. - Design Quality
Visual appeal, creativity, and overall aesthetic value. - Feasibility
Consideration of how the design could be applied to future product development.
Results Announcement:
Results will be announced in November 2026 through the official GULL website and social media channels. Prize winners will also be contacted directly by email.
Intellectual Property Rights:
All rights associated with entry work, including but not limited to patents, utility models, design rights, trademarks, copyrights, and all related rights worldwide (including the rights specified under Articles 27 and 28 of the Japanese Copyright Act), shall be transferred to and belong exclusively to the organizer.
Postal Submission Address:
Kinugawa Co., Ltd. – Design Contest Office
1-14-2 Higashikomagata,
Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0005
Japan
Contest Inquiries:
Kinugawa Co., Ltd. – Design Contest Office
Tel: +81-120-055-510
Business Hours:
Weekdays 9:00–12:00 / 13:00–17:00 (JST)