Winners of the First 'Kids Mirai Award' Announced; 'Jury Special Award' Selected by Yuno Nagao Revealed

Asahi Gakken Synquest Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Maruyama), a group company of Gakken Holdings Co., Ltd. (Shinagawa, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Miyahara), announced the winning companies and products for the 'Kids Mirai Award' on March 22, 2026. The award recognizes the 'people, products, and things' that support children's learning and growth across seven categories.

This award aims to raise momentum for supporting children's futures across society and to share the value of such initiatives. Public voting was held on a special website from February 6 to March 1, and a 'touch-and-try' real-world voting event was held at Gotenyama Elementary School in Tokyo on March 1, gathering a total of 3,500 votes. As a result, in addition to the Grand Prize and Excellence Awards, seven category awards were determined, along with the Jury Special Award selected by actor Yuno Nagao and others, as well as the Kids Net Award and the Asahi Shogakusei Shimbun Award.

Special Website: https://kids.gakken.co.jp/mirai-award2026/

■ Winning Companies and Products

【Grand Prize】

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. - "New Yakult"

This is a fermented milk drink containing 20 billion 'Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota' that reach the intestines alive, and is recognized as a Food for Specified Health Uses (FOSHU). Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota has been reported to improve the intestinal environment and regulate stomach conditions by increasing good bacteria and decreasing bad bacteria. With a volume of 65ml per bottle, it is easy for children to finish, and its flavor and ability to regulate stomach health made it a strong ally for children, earning it the 'Grand Prize' with many votes.

【Excellence Award】
Kokuyo Co., Ltd. - "Homework Motivation Pen (Shukudai Yaruki Pen)"