KADOKAWA Corporation has launched a new global English writing competition titled the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2025 – THE ISEKAI, aimed at discovering original English-language light novels in the popular “isekai” genre. Submissions will be accepted starting July 7, 2025, on the English-language web novel platform Honeyfeed, with public voting hosted by MyAnimeList.
The contest is part of KADOKAWA’s Global User-Generated Content (UGC) Publishing Project, which seeks to uncover emerging storytelling talent outside of Japan. Writers from around the world are invited to submit stories that re-imagine the well-known tropes of isekai, typically stories in which protagonists are transported or reincarnated into fantasy worlds. The contest is hosted on Honeyfeed, a web novel platform operated by qdopp Inc., in partnership with MyAnimeList and KADOKAWA.
The project also“aims to discover fresh talent who can craft stories with the potential to stand alongside industry-defining titles like Overlord, Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-, The Rising of the Shield Hero, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and Sword Art Online.”
Contest Schedule:
- Submission Period: July 7 – September 29, 2025
- Judging Period: September 30 – November 16, 2025
- Public Voting: November 17 – December 15, 2025
- Results Announced: February 9, 2026
Prizes:
- Grand Prize: $5,000 and possible Japanese publication by KADOKAWA. No winner may be selected if they do not meet the standard for publication.
- Additional Winner(s): $3,000 and possible publication in Japan. There will be one additional winner, or two in case there is no Grand Prize awarded.
Aneko Yusagi, best known for the hit isekai light novel series The Rising of the Shield Hero, will serve as a guest judge for the contest. Shield Hero, which began as a web novel, was later adapted into a best-selling light novel series and anime, which will have its Season 4 premiere next month.
Satoshi Arima, Project Manager and Editor in Chief of MF BOOKS, commented:
“In recent years, Japanese anime has seen a surge in global popularity. Many of these popular anime titles originate from light novels. At KADOKAWA, we are constantly seeking new talent to create the next big hit. Amid this trend, an increasing number of stories styled after Japanese light novels are being posted on overseas novel submission platforms. These platforms are emerging as hubs for content and creators with the potential to achieve widespread success not only in Japan but around the world.
The collaboration with MyAnimeList and Honeyfeed has previously had a similar contest by Shogakukan’s NOVELOUS, which is now accepting public voting for the top 10 finalists.
Submissions and full guidelines are available at: https://mhwc.myanimelist.net/202507
Source: Press Release
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