Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture: Ippitsu Keijo Award "Letter of Happiness" — Submissions Wanted

With 40 Characters, Hoyamaru Also Says "I'll Apply!"

The 34th (2026) theme for the Ippitsu Keijo Award, known as Japan's shortest letter contest, has been decided as "happiness." Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, and the Maruoka Cultural Foundation, the organizers, announced this at a press conference on April 7 at the "Letter Museum" in Maruoka-cho, Sakai City. "Happiness" is a theme that has never been used before. Submissions are being accepted until October 16.

The theme "happiness" is one that seemed to have existed but had not been used until now. Norio Tanaka, Chairman of the Maruoka Cultural Foundation, explained the reason for choosing this theme: "Actually, it had been considered as a theme candidate in the past but was put aside. We thought this was the right time to decide. It's an era of global conflicts and rapid environmental changes. I believe everyone has different kinds of happiness. I want people to write letters about the happiness they feel when they are busy, when they eat something delicious, and in every moment of their lives."

Furthermore, as this 34th award coincides with the 20th anniversary of Sakai City's municipal organization, Mayor Sadayoshi Ikeda also called for many applications, saying, "As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our city, our city's policies also aim to create a city where people can truly feel happiness. I would like people to express forms of happiness in letters that can bring a little warmth to their hearts."

Sakai City's official character, "Sakai Hoyamaru," also attended the announcement to help with PR. During the theme announcement, along with Mayor Ikeda and four others, including Mr. Tomofumi Suzuki, a director of the Sumitomo Group Public Relations Committee's Ippitsu Keijo Department, who is a special sponsor, Hoyamaru played a role in lowering a roll screen with the Ippitsu Keijo Award image design featuring a four-leaf clover. When the mayor asked, "Will Hoyamaru also apply?" Hoyamaru nodded cutely with a gesture.

To apply for the award, write a letter of 40 characters or less on a designated form or letter paper. One person can submit any number of entries. Write the recipient of the letter and your name on the application form or letter paper and send it to: 〒910-0298, 3-10-1 Kasumicho, Maruoka-cho, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, Ippitsu Keijo Award "Happiness" Section. The application deadline is October 16. Winners will be announced in late January next year. For inquiries, contact the Maruoka Cultural Foundation at ☎0776 (67) 5100.

Mr. Hitoshi Komuro Becomes Honorary Selection Committee Member

On this day, the Maruoka Cultural Foundation also announced regarding the Ippitsu Keijo Award selection committee that "Singer-songwriter Hitoshi Komuro, who served as a selection committee member for many years from the 9th to the 33rd last year, has retired from the selection committee and will become an honorary selection committee member from this time."