CODA has released the poster created based on the slogan “Be smart, don’t steal art!” which was selected for the Global Special Award (CODA Award) part of the “Digital Etiquette for Teenagers CREATIVE AWARD 2024” held at the end of 2024.
This poster was created by illustrator and character designer Megumi Mizutani as a reward for the Global Special Award ( CODA award). The design is based on the ideas and intentions behind the slogan “Be smart, don’t steal art!”, conceived by four students from Sweden’s Balder High School. Mizutani hoped that its message will reach the younger generation around the world.
In January 2025, CODA conducted an online session with Mizutani and the four students about the ideas behind the slogan and how to engage with creative works in digital society. In this poster, Mizutani vividly and energetically drew characters with various artistic expressions. In addition, she included the four students who received the award in the upper part of the poster.
Through the release of this poster, CODA hopes it will provide an opportunity for the younger generation—starting with Japan—to think about what can be done to more freely, joyfully, and appropriately enjoy digital society and deepen international understanding and sympathy for digital etiquette.
Note that this activity was part of a project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Megumi Mizutani (水谷 恵)
Illustrator and Character Designer
Megumi Mizutani worked as a character designer and illustrator. After working for video game companies, she became independent. She was responsible for part of the character design in the Pokémon game series and worked on illustration for the Pokémon card game. She is highly regarded for designing lovable characters and cute monsters. She is also responsible for the character design for “Welcome to the study club for Content and Creators!”
■ The Grand Prize for the “Digital Etiquette for Teens CREATIVE AWARD 2024” Has Been Announced!
https://coda-cj.jp/en/news/636/
■ Implementing the Educational Program “Digital Etiquette for Teens” in Sweden
https://coda-cj.jp/en/news/607/
■ Digital Etiquette for Teenagers Program
Special website: https://digital-etiquette-japan.go.jp/en/
About CODA
CODA (Content Overseas Distribution Association) was established in 2002 at the call of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to promote the overseas development of Japanese content and take anti-piracy measures. Japan’s proud content, including music, movies, anime, broadcast programs, video games, and publishing, plays an important role in enhancing the nation’s international presence and economic growth. As digital technology becomes more widespread, it is even more significant to protect Japan’s content from increasingly artful copyright infringement and promote the content industry’s development. CODA contributes to the deterrence and detection of online and other piracy, by sharing knowledge with relevant government agencies, organizations, and companies in Japan and abroad, to engage in direct and indirect anti-piracy measures, as well as public relations activities. Visit https://coda-cj.jp/en/activity/ for more information on CODA’s projects.