chalkboard art
Annual tradition is more beautiful than ever this year.
Not all blackboard doodles are created equal.
For students all around the world, the day of a big test is one of the most nerve-racking of the entire school year. And when you’re sitting for your university exam in Japan, it’s like the final step of a long journey after months of solo studying, endless reading and many sleepless nights.
The student’s journey to the final exam has now been beautifully captured in a unique two-minute commercial that features the most fitting of canvases: the humble school blackboard. While students around the country have shown us their amazing talent for creating chalk-based works of art on classroom blackboards, this commercial brings chalkboard art to life with a moving animation that will simply blow you away.
Idle hands are the devil’s play things, so why not occupy them with a monetary prize incentive? Japanese blackboard maker Nichigaku noticed that students have been creating some very impressive artwork on school blackboards. So what better way to promote Nichigaku’s product than to sponsor a nationwide chalk art contest?
Students all over the country submitted incredible pieces of art that turned that “boring thing you stare at every class” into something beautiful that you can’t believe was created with just chalk. Join us after the jump as we show you some of the best submissions from the Nichigaku Blackboard Art contest.
With winter break over, students in Japan are looking at a straight shot with no major breaks until the end of the school year in spring. For teens in their third and final year of high school, that means it’s almost time to take the big step of going off to college or finding a job, both of which mean probably having to cut back on silly hijinks.
That’s why when one Japanese 12th grader found an empty classroom, she couldn’t resist the temptation to let loose with youthful exuberance, especially since she knew it might be one of her last chances to do so. She didn’t take advantage of the lack of adult supervision to vandalize the school, though, but decided to beautify it with some awesome Frozen chalkboard art instead.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Which convenience store onigiri rice balls are the most popular? Survey reveals surprising results
The fish in rural Fukui that rivals Japan’s most auspicious sea bream
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Put your love of tuna to the test with this displayable 3-D tuna puzzle!
Sanrio’s adorable Embroidered Badge Biscuits solve the too-cute-to-eat snack dilemma【Photo】
Starbucks vs. two popular Japanese coffee shops: Where can you get the most bang for your buck?
As more foreign visitors visit Kyoto’s top sights, Japanese travelers increasingly staying away
Weekly
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky- Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Shibuya Station’s Hachiko Gate and Yamanote Line stairway locations change next month
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan adds new sakura Frappuccino and cherry blossom drinks to the menu
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan’s new “Cunte” contact lenses aren’t pronounced like you’re probably thinking they are
Monthly
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism- The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Cute coffins now available at Tokyo’s coffin relaxation salon[Photos]
Put your love of tuna to the test with this displayable 3-D tuna puzzle!
Sanrio’s adorable Embroidered Badge Biscuits solve the too-cute-to-eat snack dilemma【Photo】
Starbucks vs. two popular Japanese coffee shops: Where can you get the most bang for your buck?
As more foreign visitors visit Kyoto’s top sights, Japanese travelers increasingly staying away
Stunning Saitama rice field art snags Guinness record
Mitsubishi’s solution for stressed office workers in Japan: fake skylight video displays
Luigi set to star in Family Mart’s latest collab event with exclusive sandwiches and blankets
New sushi train toy makes sushi for you, then delivers it, and is exactly what we want【Video】
Japanese park’s English dog turd warning minces no words【Why does Engrish happen?】
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
You call that sushi? Ukraine’s take on the Japanese classic
Hello Kitty dim sum restaurant serving up dishes of cuteness in Hong Kong
-
