3rd National High School Newspaper Contest Confirmed! Now Accepting Submissions

The 'All Japan High School Newspaper Education Research Association' (President: Koji Matsui, hereinafter 'Zenkoushin'), which aims to promote exchange and technical advancement in newspaper education, and the certified NPO 'Journalism Practitioners Forum' (Director: Shiro Segawa), which operates training and networking platforms for reporters and editors, will accept applications for the '3rd National High School Newspaper Contest' starting June 8. This contest aims to honor outstanding high school newspapers. We look forward to receiving your applications.

High school newspapers are researched, written, and edited by high school students themselves. Students step out into the field to gather diverse voices, creating articles on themes such as active community members, local issues, school life, culture, and social problems.

The High School Newspaper Contest is a nationwide event that recognizes these student efforts. Professional journalists active on the front lines will participate as judges. In addition, outstanding schools will be invited to the 'National High School Newspaper Selection Research Convention (National High School School Journalist Summit)' (tentative name) to be held in November.

We highly encourage you to submit the newspapers you have produced.

[Eligibility]
We will evaluate school newspapers created under the guidance of teachers by students belonging to high schools nationwide (including students up to the 3rd year of secondary schools and technical colleges). As a general rule, applications must be submitted by teachers of the school-related organizations issuing the paper. Individual applications from students will not be accepted.

[Application Period]
Monday, June 8, 2026 – Friday, June 19, 2026 (Postmark valid)

[Eligible Papers]
We will evaluate one issue of your choice that was published on or after August 8, 2025.

[Application Procedure]
Please apply following steps A then B. The application is complete upon the arrival of the physical paper in step B.

A. Application via Google Form
Please fill out the necessary information in the Google Form accessed via the application link for the '3rd National High School Newspaper Contest' on the Zenkoushin website by Friday, June 19.

B. Mailing the Physical Paper
Download the application slip from the link above and fill in the required details. Prepare 6 copies of the one issue you wish to have evaluated, clip a completed application slip to each, bundle them together, and send them to the reception center (Postmark valid until June 19).

[Mailing Address]
National High School Newspaper Contest Reception Center
c/o Matsuyama High School, 1-6-10 Matsuyamacho, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Saitama 355-0018
National High School Newspaper Contest Reception Center (Contact: Yuki Yano)

[Results and Presentation Events]
Results will be sent by early September to the email address registered during application, regardless of whether an award is won.
The award ceremony will be held for top-ranking schools (especially Gold Award winners) at the National School Newspaper Leaders Training Session in Kanazawa on October 10.
Furthermore, top-ranking schools will be invited to the 'National High School Newspaper Selection Research Convention (National High School School Journalist Summit)' (tentative name, scheduled for the 22nd), which is a session within the 'Journalism Practitioners Forum 2026' held at Waseda University in Tokyo from November 21 to 23. Representative students from each school will deliver presentations. Travel and accommodation expenses for inviting the relevant schools to both events will generally be covered by the organizers according to regulations.

[Important Notes]
Applications must be submitted in physical paper format; digital data submissions are not accepted. Submitted papers will not be returned. Information obtained through the application process will be managed appropriately and may be used for various announcements from Zenkoushin. In addition, newspapers from winning schools may be utilized—with due consideration for personal information and copyright—for publication on the Zenkoushin website, PR activities for this contest, and introductions or critiques at training sessions and research conventions hosted by Zenkoushin. By applying, schools agree that the applicant organization's information may be used by Zenkoushin within the necessary scope, including the above.

[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Release]
c/o Matsuyama High School, 1-6-10 Matsuyamacho, Higashimatsuyama-shi, Saitama 355-0018
National High School Newspaper Contest Office (Contact: Yuki Yano)
TEL: 0493-22-0075
Email: yano.yuuki.02@spec.ed.jp

[Organizers]
・All Japan High School Newspaper Education Research Association
・Certified NPO Journalism Practitioners Forum
This project is implemented with a grant from the Common Purpose Fund of the Society for the Administration of Remuneration for Public Transmission for School Lessons (SARTRAS).