MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2026 – THE HEROIC FANTASY Officially announced by KADOKAWA CORPORATION in collaboration with qdopp Inc. and MyAnimeList Co., Ltd., this English-language web novel contest will be held on Honeyfeed to seek out fantasy writers from various countries who have the potential to break into the Japanese light novel market.
This event is a continuation of last year’s contest, which featured the “isekai” theme. For the 2026 edition, KADOKAWA is introducing a new focus with the “heroic fantasy” theme, placing particular emphasis on protagonists capable of captivating a global readership.
Theme of the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2026 – THE HEROIC FANTASY
KADOKAWA has announced two main themes for this year’s contest: “Epic Heroine” and “Tragic Hero.” Both themes place the main character at the heart of the story.
Epic Heroine Theme
This theme seeks stories featuring female protagonists who possess extraordinary powers but still have flaws or human qualities that make them compelling. KADOKAWA describes the tone of these stories as having a feel similar to Secrets of the Silent Witch, especially from the contrast between the character’s great abilities and the “flaws” that make the main character all the more endearing.
The Tragic Hero Theme
This theme is intended for stories featuring male protagonists who hit rock bottom and then strive to rise from their lowest point. KADOKAWA describes the tone of these stories as Sentenced to Be a Hero, focusing on dramatic and emotional comeback stories.
In its announcement, KADOKAWA emphasized that the key to a winning entry is a compelling protagonist. The stories they are looking for are not just large-scale fantasy tales, but also ones with main characters who can keep readers engaged throughout their journey.
2026 Writing Contest Prizes
This contest offers a Grand Prize for each theme. Therefore, there will be one winner for the "Epic Heroine" theme and one winner for the "Tragic Hero" theme, for a total of two Grand Prize winners.
Here are the details of the prizes that were announced:
- Grand Prize: 5,000 USD for one winner per theme, for a total of two winners
- Second-Place Prize: 3,000 USD, awarded only if no Grand Prize winner is selected
The Grand Prize winner will have the opportunity to work with editors from KADOKAWA and professional Japanese light novel authors. They will assist with the manuscript revision process to ensure the work is ready for consideration for publication in Japan.
Works that win the Runner-Up Prize may also be offered for publication by KADOKAWA after undergoing a revision process. However, publication remains subject to KADOKAWA’s final approval.
If selected, the novel will be adapted into Japanese, illustrated by a professional light novel artist, and published in Japan as a light novel. The target release date for the selected work is fiscal year 2028, but this schedule is subject to change.
Submission Period and How to Participate
Submissions for this contest will open starting 6 Juli 2026 to 27 September 2026.
To enter the contest, participants must create and publish a new web novel on Honeyfeed. Submitted works must be original, written in English, and published with regular chapter releases during the submission period.
Some of the main requirements that participants must meet include:
- Creating a new and original web novel
- Writing in English
- Publishing work on Honeyfeed
- Releasing chapters on a regular basis
- Ending the story with a satisfying conclusion
- Reach a minimum total of 50,000 words
- Complete all requirements by September 27, 2026, at 9:00 PM PDT at the latest
The official contest page can be accessed via the following link: Contest Webpage
About the Global UGC Publishing Project
The MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2026 – THE HEROIC FANTASY is part of KADOKAWA’s Global UGC Publishing Project, an initiative created to pave the way for storytellers from various countries to be published in Japan and enter the light novel market.
In recent years, the popularity of Japanese anime has continued to grow in the global market. Many popular anime titles are also adapted from light novels. At the same time, international online writing platforms are increasingly featuring original works inspired by the storytelling style of Japanese light novels.
Through the Global UGC Publishing Project, KADOKAWA aims to discover new storytellers from outside Japan through submissions on a global web novel platform. Works deemed to have potential will be selected for publication in Japan and international markets.
This project is also part of the Global Business Acceleration Program, an initiative that supports KADOKAWA’s business ventures focused on overseas markets.
Continuation of the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2025 – THE ISEKAI
This year's contest marks the second edition of the English-language web novel competition organized by KADOKAWA. The previous edition was MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2025 - THE ISEKAI presented by KADOKAWA, which centers on the isekai theme.
In the 2025 contest, one entry won the Grand Prize, while two others received Contest Winners Prizes. More information about the previous contest can be found at KADOKAWA Global Isekai Writing Contest 2025, while details of the winner announcement are available at this link.
With a heroic fantasy theme for the 2026 edition, KADOKAWA is once again putting the main character in the spotlight. For web novel writers looking to explore opportunities in the Japanese light novel industry, this contest is an official avenue worth considering.
