Shohei Ohtani Award Established! Call for Entries for the 51st Yucho Idea Piggy Bank Contest

School Entry Period: Friday, August 14, 2026 – Monday, September 28, 2026

Individual Entry Period: Monday, August 3, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026, 19:00 JST

Japan Post Bank Co., Ltd. (2-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Director and Representative Executive Officer, Takayuki Kasama) is pleased to announce the launch of the 'Yucho Idea Piggy Bank Contest' for this year.

Since 1975, this contest has been a beloved staple of elementary school craft projects for half a century. It aims to nurture children's creative and sculptural abilities through making piggy banks, while also fostering interest in saving.

* Official Website: https://www.idea-chokinbako.jp/

● New Shohei Ohtani Award Established!

To commemorate Shohei Ohtani's appointment as brand ambassador for Japan Post Bank, a new 'Shohei Ohtani Award' will be introduced in this year's contest.

● Summer Craft Projects Are Ideal for Family Education!

In recent years, as children increasingly engage with digital content and devices, this hands-on contest offers a valuable opportunity to develop imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. By using various materials to bring their ideas to life, children can strengthen their sense of agency and self-confidence through the joy of 'making things'.

● Individual Entries Accepted Directly from Families!

In addition to school-based submissions, individual entries are also accepted directly from households. (Note: Duplicate entries from both school and individual channels are not permitted.)

● Submissions Overflow with Children's Unique Creativity!

Entries reflect children's personal experiences, favorite things, and local scenery, showcasing a wide range of imaginative ideas.

Examples of Last Year's Award-Winning Entries:

'Popcorn Piggy Bank', 'Learnable! Human Body Piggy Bank'

'So Hot I Can't Stand It, But Money Still Saves!', 'Earthworm'

* Last year's award-winning entries can also be viewed here:

<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00MLi6H3t18>

【Contest Overview】

* Entry Period

[School Entry] August 14, 2026 (Fri) – September 28, 2026 (Mon)

[Individual Entry] August 3, 2026 (Mon) – September 18, 2026 (Fri), 19:00 JST

* Entry Methods

[School Entry] Entries must be submitted through teachers via the official 51st Yucho Idea Piggy Bank Contest website or by mail.

Each school may submit up to 2 entries per grade, for a maximum of 12 entries total.

* Schools with entries from special support classes may submit an additional 2 entries (14 total).

[Individual Entry] Individuals can submit one entry per person through the dedicated individual entry page on the official contest website.

* Entries by mail are not accepted.

* All individual entries will undergo a pre-screening before the first round of judging.

* The individual entry page will open on Monday, August 3, 2026.

* Eligibility

Elementary school students nationwide (via school or individual entry)

* For schools with integrated elementary-junior high programs, students up to the equivalent of 6th grade are eligible.

* Entry Guidelines and Work Requirements

- Materials are free to choose, but fragile or perishable items should be avoided. Works must be portable.

* Use appropriate adhesives suitable for the materials and ensure secure bonding.

- Size limit: no side longer than 25 cm.

- One entry per person. Do not include personal names, photos, or identifying information on the artwork.

- Works must be original creations by the child. Excessive assistance from parents or guardians is not permitted.

- Entries must not have been previously submitted to other contests or exhibitions.

- Works incorporating copyrighted materials (e.g., characters, designs) created by others will not be eligible unless prior permission from the copyright holder has been obtained.

- For individual participation, submit via the official website. For school participation, submit to your teacher.

* Contact Information

Yucho Idea Piggy Bank Contest Secretariat

TEL: 0120-296-285 (toll-free) ■ Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00 JST

* Awards and Winning Entries