New Delhi, July 25 -- The humble blackboard is serving as the canvas, and colorful chalk the paint, for young Japanese artists.

"Kokuban Art Koshien " is an annual national chalk art championship for high school students. Combining the word for "blackboard" ("kokuban") and the famous stadium where high school baseball is contested, the contest attracts artworks, all drawn on blackboards, usually over summer break, from about 300 high schools and junior high schools.

Each work - many dazzling in their artistry and often dreamlike themes - is a collaborative endeavor bringing together anywhere from one or two youngsters to dozens, all delivering a lesson in creativity and teamwork.

The images range from energetic depictions of dinosaurs,...