Crypton Future Media, which operates "Domingo," a website that provides local information about Hokkaido, is hosting the SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 - Song Edition, a song contest as part of its support for music creators. The 2025 contest received a record 1,135 entries, and talented winners who will lead the next generation were selected. In this article, we introduce the winning works and messages from the artists. Why not experience the expanding world of creativity through music?

What is "Sonicon"?

This DTM (Desktop Music) song contest is open to all creators, regardless of professional or amateur background. SONICWIRE, a download store for digital creators, has been hosting the contest since 2022 with the aim of discovering the next generation of creators and supporting their creative activities. The 2025 SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 – Songs Edition – is accepting entries for songs of up to five minutes. A panel of esteemed judges will decide the grand prize winner based on a wide range of criteria, including melody, chords, development, sound, and song idea.

Grand Prize Winner: "Sunset Notebook / hinode°"

Message from hinode°

I wrote this song while remembering the times I spent on the way home from school and after school in junior high. I think the highlights are the fun chord progression and the ever-changing developments (and of course the melody too!). It's a nostalgic, heartwarming song that brings back memories of the excitement I felt back then every time I listen to it.

Excellence Award "Sinking into a Kaleidoscope / Mochiko"

Message from Mochiko

I have taken the conflict and despair caused by the disconnect with those around me that I have endured since childhood and put it into a dizzying yet beautiful kaleidoscope world. I paid particular attention to the depiction, and put a lot of effort into how I expressed the glass-like transparency and color, as well as the feeling of being sunk in a chaotic world. Although the lyrics were not part of the judging process, as a singer I was very particular about choosing words that would capture the worldview.

Excellence Award: "Ethical Inappropriate / Ohanabatake Kotobuki (composition and arrangement), Lyrics by Lylli.J"

Message from Ohanabata Kotobuki

I created this song with the idea that it would sound like something you'd hear in a cosmetics commercial from a while back. I tried to combine slightly erotic lyrics with a melody and orchestra that has a slightly nostalgic feel.

Message from Lylli.J

It has been exactly one year since I started collaborating with Ohanabata Kotobuki, and I am extremely happy to receive such a wonderful award at this milestone.

Excellence Award: "RE:PEAT / Manatriad (Lyrics and composition: Yamashita Masakazu / Vocals: Amane)"

Message from Manatriad

This song was composed with the image of a coming-of-age anime in which the main character repeatedly time-leaps and stands up to save someone. The highlight of the song is Amane's singing style, which perfectly captures the warmth of the lyrics in each section! In fact, the electric bass is rampant throughout the song, so I hope you'll pay attention to that as well.

Watanabe Sho Award "New Days / Tomoki Inoshita (composition and arrangement), Tenuu (lyrics)"

Message from Tomoki Inoshita

I created a sound that gives off a sense of nostalgia overall. I think I was able to successfully combine a strong melody with the floating feeling of the chords. I hope it gently touches the hearts of those who listen to it.

Message from Tenuu

There are many ways to sublimate bitter love, but I don't think it necessarily has to become a beautiful memory. I'm glad the lyrics allow you to say, "Ah, it was bitter!" while still feeling bitter. I wish you all happiness in love!

Yamazo Award "You are a miracle / Yuune"

Message from Yuune

I was looking at my child's sleeping face and suddenly thought I'd try to put the feelings I had into a song, so I wrote this song. I like the melody of the chorus and the way it develops from the interlude to the end. I hope it gives you gentle, warm feelings.

Shota Tani Award "Secret Rhythm / Kairi Takanashi"

Message from Kairi Takanashi

I wrote this song with the aim of combining pop rock, big band jazz, and a cute love song. I used a catchy melody and bluesy arrangement to express the feelings of a girl whose heart is beating fast while being close to a man. I hope you will also pay attention to the lyrics when you listen to this song.

Hamada Kouki Award "True! True!! / Ichikawa Masaya (Lyrics: Kakinuma Masami / Composition and Arrangement: Ichikawa Masaya)"

Message from Masaya Ichikawa

This song was created with the theme of "small happiness and growth in the course of everyday life," as well as "hope for the future" and "believing in one's own individuality and moving forward positively." At first glance, it may sound like a simple pop song, but in fact, the chord progressions and developments are sprinkled with many subtle devices. In terms of the arrangement, I was conscious of making all the instruments lively and dynamic. I hope it will be a piece that will remain in everyone's memories!

SONICWIRE Award "Kimiiro Memory / Kurose"

Message from Mr. Kurose

I created a song with my favorite worldview using my favorite band and string arrangement. I put together the melody and arrangement without destroying that worldview, aiming to create a song that would reach directly to those who listen. I love the string arrangement and chord progression, so I hope you will pay attention to it.

We have introduced the winning entries of the "SONICWIRE CONTEST 2025 - Song Edition." Please listen carefully while reading the winners' messages and find your favorite song and favorite creator. In addition to song information, the special page also features comments from the judges, so if you're interested in professional song evaluations, be sure to check it out!