Seibu Gas Group Launches 31st Edition of 'Words of the Earth: Children's Poetic Expressions' Contest (Approx. 82,000 Entries to Date)

Seibu Gas Group is once again hosting a poetry contest for elementary school students in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki Prefectures, themed around nature, people, and discoveries in everyday life.

Launched in 1997, this year marks the 31st edition of the contest, which aims to nurture children's creativity and expressive abilities by encouraging them to express their emotions from interacting with nature and their daily observations through poetry.

To date, approximately 82,500 entries have been received. Each poem reflects heartfelt insights and sincere sensibilities unique to children—perspectives that adults often overlook.

We look forward to encountering fresh, vibrant expressions and uniquely colored works shaped by each child's individuality.

Outstanding Work from FY2025

Contest Overview

Submission Period:

June 17, 2026 (Wed) – September 18, 2026 (Fri) (postmark valid on the day)

Eligibility:

Elementary school students residing in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, or Nagasaki Prefectures

Submission Theme:

Poems centered on 'discoveries in nature, people, and daily life'

Submission Method:

By mail (using the company's official entry form or A4/A3-sized paper)

Results Announcement:

Scheduled for February 2027

Judges:

Suma Hayashida (Announcer)

Makoto Mori (Professor, Basic Education Center, Kyushu Sangyo University)

Kentarō Tsukazaki (Commentary Board Member, Nishinippon Shimbun)

Awards:

Certificates, commemorative gifts, and a poetry anthology featuring the 50 selected outstanding works will be presented.

Organizers:

Seibu Gas Holdings Corporation, Seibu Gas Co., Ltd., Seibu Gas Kumamoto Co., Ltd., Seibu Gas Nagasaki Co., Ltd., Seibu Gas Sasebo Co., Ltd., Shimabara G-Energy Corporation, Omuta Gas Co., Ltd., Kurume Gas Co., Ltd.

Supporting Organizations:

Fukuoka City, Kasuga City, Ōnojō City, Itoshima City, Fukuoka City, Kokura City, Munakata City, Miyawaka City, Asakura City, Naka River City, Kitakyushu City, Nakama City, Omuta City, Kurume City, Kumamoto City, Kōshi City, Nagasaki City, Sasebo City, Shimabara City, Kasuya Town, Shingū Town, Shime Town, Mizuwake Town, Kanda Town, Onga Town, Ashiya Town, Okagaki Town, Kikuyō Town, Ōzu Town, Mifune Town, Nagayo Town, Togitsu Town, and respective municipal education boards

Certificate, gift, and poetry anthology

※ For details, please visit the official website.

Official Website: Children's Poetic Expressions