“Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix North Wave Selection 2026-2027” to be held to select “Next-Generation Hokkaido Souvenirs”!

Hokkaido's radio station, FM NORTH WAVE Co., Ltd. (Sapporo, Hokkaido), will host the "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix North Wave Selection 2026-2027" again this year, aiming to further invigorate the souvenir industry, which plays a crucial role in Hokkaido tourism.

In this competition, entries will undergo a rigorous review by the executive committee to select "next-generation souvenirs" representing Hokkaido. Award-winning companies will receive the "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix Certification Emblem," a testament to product quality and appeal. Certified products can utilize the emblem and the "Grand Prix Winner" title for promotional activities for one year, starting from July 1, 2026. This aims to enhance product reliability and brand value.

Furthermore, we offer benefits to support the expansion of sales channels for award-winning companies.
The benefits are as follows:

- Product improvement and sales channel development advice from souvenir wholesalers
- Acquisition of sales rights at "Sky Shop Ogasawara" within New Chitose Airport
- POP UP sales opportunities at commercial facilities in cooperation with Culture Convenience Club Co., Ltd.
- Free exhibition booth at the 9th Tourism, Hotel, and Food Service Industry Exhibition -HOKKAIDO 2026- "Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix"
*Conditions apply for obtaining benefits.

We practically support your chance to grow as a Hokkaido-born brand.
Let's nurture your product into a souvenir representing Hokkaido.

## Schedule
- Entry Period: April 1, 2026 (Wed) - May 31, 2026 (Sun)
- Selection Period: Early June 2026
- Results Announcement: Mid-June 2026 (scheduled)
- Certification Emblem and Title Usage Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - June 30, 2027 (Wed)

## Entry Categories
The selection will be conducted across four categories: "Sweets Category," "General Food Category," "Goods Category," and "Challenge Category." One Grand Prix winner, one Semi-Grand Prix winner, and Gold and Silver awards will be determined for each category.
The General Food Category includes items other than sweets (e.g., seafood, retort products, alcoholic beverages, etc.).

## Selection Criteria
Considering the appeal as a "souvenir," judging will be conducted by genre. Each judge will evaluate each genre on a 10-point scale, with a total of 50 points for product selection. The most outstanding product will receive the Grand Prix, the runner-up will receive the Semi-Grand Prix, and Gold and Silver awards will also be determined based on other criteria.

- Visual: Appearance of the package (exterior) / Is it a product that catches the eye at first glance?
- Name: Is the naming appropriate to represent a souvenir?
- Texture/Feel: Does it embody Hokkaido's essence when eaten, touched, or used?
- Portability: Is it easy to carry as a souvenir?
- Intuition: As a consumer, would I want to buy it?

## Judges
### Head Judge
- Hideyuki Kato, Director, FM NORTH WAVE Co., Ltd.

### Judges
- Taku Ogasawara, President and CEO, Ogasawara Shoten Co., Ltd.
- Kenichi Yoshida, Manager, Sales Planning Group, Fujiya Honten Co., Ltd.
- Akiko Yamamoto, Representative Director, Hokkaido Omiyage Research Institute L-Eyes Co., Ltd.
- Kazunori Ishimaru, Consulting & Producer, Hokkaido Food Communications Project LLC
- Ritsuko Itaya, Culinary Concierge, Ebetsu Tsutaya Books
- Kaori Masuda, FM North Wave DJ, Urahoro Tourism Ambassador

*As special judges, all students of Keisen Gakuen Hokkaido Tourism College will cast one vote. Please note that judges may change due to circumstances.

## Application Conditions
Products must be generally marketable and originate from companies located in Hokkaido.

## Application and Inquiries
FM North Wave Hokkaido Souvenir Grand Prix North Wave Selection 2026-2027 Secretariat

Grand Prix Introduction HP: https://www.fmnorth.co.jp/topics/1612/
Application-only HP: https://www.fmnorth.co.jp/nwselection-2026-2027/

- Address: Shin-Hokkaido Building 8F, Nishi 4-chome 3-banchi 1, Kita 7-jo, Sapporo
- Phone: 011-707-8250
- Inquiry-only email address: grandprix_omiyage@fmnorth.co.jp