Winners of the Inaugural '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 that value. 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, a total of 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 designated 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 65ml serving size that is easy for children to finish and a flavor they enjoy, it was recognized as a reliable ally for children's health, garnering many votes to win the 'Grand Prize.'

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