Holding the 5th Art Contest with Official Partner "Paralymart" - Theme is "Individuality"

Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigehiko Kahara) will hold the 5th Art Contest with the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Independence of Persons with Disabilities (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Akihiro Matsunaga, hereinafter "Paralymart"), with whom we have an official partner agreement.

Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. is sponsoring us as a Gold Partner.

As with the previous four contests, the theme will be "Individuality," and participants will express their own concept of individuality through flat artwork and explanatory text. The method of expression is free within the scope of the application guidelines, and we hope to gather creative works born from diverse perspectives.

Mitsubishi Pencil aims to be "the world's best company for innovation in expression" that unleashes the individuality and creativity of all people worldwide. We want to transform differences such as gender, culture, disability, and innate human variations into possibilities, creating rich expressions and new connections. Based on this philosophy, we will not only engage in business activities but also support the expression experiences of all people through "writing and drawing," contributing to the realization of a free and borderless society colored by each individual's "uniqueness."

This initiative began in 2022 as one of our activities to provide opportunities for expression.

[Art Contest Overview]

◆ Art Contest Theme

Expressing "Individuality"

Please express your own "individuality" through art.

◆ Eligibility

- Individuals who are registered as artists with Paralymart or meet the conditions for registration.

* Artist registration with Paralymart is optional.

- Those who have read and agreed to the application terms and conditions.

* There are no restrictions on age, experience as an artist, etc.

* Anyone with a disability can apply.

◆ Artwork Submission Format

- Flat artwork sized A4 or larger, but A3 or smaller (less than 1cm thick).

- In the "Please describe your thoughts on the artwork" section of the artwork submission form, please write an explanation of 100-200 characters about your submitted work, such as "What is individuality = my own personality?" and "Why did you choose this expression?"

- In the "Art Materials Questionnaire" section of the artwork submission form, please answer about the "art materials" you use. The content of your answer to the "Art Materials Questionnaire" is not related to the artwork judging.

◆ Application Requirements

Applications must include a set of "flat artwork," "explanatory text for the artwork," and "art materials questionnaire."

◆ Artwork Submission Period

- July 1, 2026 (Wed) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

◆ Results Announcement

- Scheduled for early October 2026.

◆ Prize Money/Number of Winners

- Grand Prize: \100,000 - 1 winner

- Excellence Award: \50,000 - 2 winners

- POSCA Award: 5 winners

* POSCA Marker Pen Medium Tip 15-Color Set

- EMOTT Award: 5 winners

* Water-based Marker EMOTT 10-Color Set

- uni Award: 20 winners

* Pencil uni x 2

<Event URL>

https://uni.paralymart.or.jp/apply_top

About Paralymart (General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Independence of Persons with Disabilities)

"Paralymart," operated by the General Incorporated Association for the Promotion of Independence of Persons with Disabilities, is a social contribution business that supports the social participation and economic independence of persons with disabilities by providing artwork by artists with disabilities to companies, organizations, and individuals, and returning a portion of the usage fees as remuneration to the artists.

Artist registration is free, and as of June 2026, approximately 500 artists with disabilities nationwide are registered. Paralymart creates opportunities for persons with disabilities to demonstrate their talents and to continuously challenge themselves, while also providing new revenue opportunities through art.

Currently, we are supported and utilized by many partner companies. Art by artists with disabilities is used for various purposes, including product planning, novelties, advertising and promotional materials, IR and sustainability reports, events, and spatial design. In addition, it is adopted by many companies as an initiative that contributes to CSR, SDGs, and DE&I promotion, as well as corporate branding, PR, and improvement of internal engagement.

Moving forward, Paralymart will continue to expand opportunities for artists with disabilities to thrive together with companies, supporting their social participation and economic independence, and contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.

◆ Homepage: https://paralymart.or.jp/association/