Learn Financial and Economic Education from "Dreams." The 20th Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest to be Held! Fostering Life Skills through Life Plan Creation

The Japan Association for Financial Planners (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Toshiharu Shirane) will begin accepting applications for the 20th Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest from Friday, May 1, 2026. This contest is a nationwide project where participants submit an "essay" depicting their future dreams and a "life plan sheet" outlining the concrete steps to achieve them. Last year, there were 1,383 entries, and it has been adopted by many elementary schools as part of career education. In addition, "Life Planning Outreach Classes" where financial planners (FPs) are dispatched free of charge are also being accepted. Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest 1. Background and Achievements of the Contest The Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest not only teaches elementary school students the importance of having dreams but also provides an opportunity to think about concrete plans and processes for realizing those dreams, thereby teaching them the importance of setting plans and working towards goals. In an environment where acquiring correct financial knowledge is required, such as the lowering of the age of adulthood and the mandatory financial and economic education in high schools, the experience of considering money and life planning (life plan) together from elementary school age forms the foundation for surviving in an uncertain future. This contest, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is utilized by many schools and families as part of career education and financial and economic education in elementary schools. Last year, a total of 1,383 enthusiastic works were submitted from 48 elementary schools nationwide and individuals. 2. Contest Overview To apply for this contest, it is necessary to submit two items as a set: an "essay" and a "life plan sheet." By not merely writing about dreams but also creating a concrete "blueprint for life," students cultivate the ability to view dreams as realistic goals. Individuals and schools that win awards will receive prizes and certificates, and all applicants will receive an original clear file from the association as a participation prize. Eligibility Elementary school students nationwide who have read the designated book. Designated Book Manga "Achieve Your Dreams ~FPs are Supporters of Life Plans~" * Electronic book version available (free) Theme "My Future Dream" * The title of the essay is free. Submitted Works One entry consists of a set of a "Life Plan Sheet (Dream Blueprint)" and an "Essay." Paper and Word Count * Handwritten in pencil on B4 size manuscript paper with 400 characters per sheet, vertical writing. * The word count for the essay body on manuscript paper is 400 to 800 characters (2 sheets) for lower grades and 600 to 1,200 characters (1.5 to 3 sheets) for upper grades (the life plan sheet is not included in this count). * Handwritten in pencil or mechanical pencil on the association's designated A4 size life plan sheet. The life plan sheet can be downloaded from the website along with a sample entry. Application Deadline Saturday, October 31, 2026 (postmarked by this date) Application Method By mail (Please see the website for details) Organizer NPO Japan Association for Financial Planners Co-organizer Japan Education Press Supported by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Financial Services Agency, Financial and Economic Education Promotion Organization, National Federation of Prefectural Boards of Education, Japan PTA National Council, National Federation of PTAs of National University Affiliated High Schools, National Federation of Local Newspapers, Gakken Co., Ltd., Japan FP Association (including applications in progress) Prizes Individual Awards (Lower Grades Division / Upper Grades Division) Grand Prize (1 winner): Certificate and 50,000 yen book card Excellence Award (10 winners): Certificate and 30,000 yen book card Special Award (1 winner): Certificate and 30,000 yen book card Encouragement Award (10 winners): Certificate and 10,000 yen book card School Awards Best School Award (1 school): Certificate and 100,000 yen book card Excellence School Award (10 schools): Certificate and 30,000 yen book card each Special School Award (1 school): Certificate and 30,000 yen book card Participation Prize All applicants: Special clear file for the essay contest Life Plan Sheet Life Plan Sheet (Lower Grades Division) Life Plan Sheet (Upper Grades Division) 3. Examples of Past Award-Winning Works 19th Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest_Upper Grades Division_Grand Prize Work List of Essay Contest Winners Award-winning works from the 19th Elementary School "Achieve Your Dreams" Essay Contest can be viewed here. Learning Support Content 1. Designated Book "Achieve Your Dreams ~FPs are Supporters of Life Plans~" This manga clearly introduces elementary school students to the wonder of having dreams and the importance of creating a "life plan" to realize those dreams. The electronic version is available on the association's website (free). Designated Book (Electronic Version) 2. Website for Elementary School Students "Achieve Your Dreams! Kids Life Plan Park" We have launched the online financial and economic education website "Achieve Your Dreams! Kids Life Plan Park" (learning guidelines, financial literacy...