Learn Financial and Economic Education from 'Dreams'. The 20th Elementary School 'Dream Realization' Essay Contest 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 'Dream Realization' Essay Contest from Friday, May 1, 2026. This contest is a nationwide project that requires the submission of an 'essay' depicting future dreams and a 'life plan sheet' detailing the concrete steps towards realizing those dreams. Last year, there were 1,383 entries, and it has been adopted by many elementary schools as part of their career education. We also accept requests for 'Life Planning Outreach Classes,' where financial planners (FPs) are dispatched free of charge.

Elementary School 'Dream Realization' Essay Contest

1. Background and Achievements

The Elementary School 'Dream Realization' 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 them, thereby helping them learn the importance of setting plans and working towards goals.

In an environment where correctly acquiring financial knowledge is demanded, such as the lowering of the age of adulthood and the mandatory financial and economic education in high schools, the experience of thinking about money and life planning (life plan) as a set from elementary school age forms the foundation for surviving uncertain times in the future.

This contest, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is utilized by many schools and households 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 creating a concrete 'blueprint for life' in addition to simply writing about dreams, the contest fosters the ability to view dreams as realistic goals.

Award winners (individuals and schools) will receive prizes and certificates, and all participants 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 "'Realizing Dreams' ~FPs are Supporters of Life Plans~"

*E-book version available (free)

Theme

"My Future Dream"

*The title of the essay is free.

Submission Works

One entry consists of a set of 'Life Plan Sheet (Dream Blueprint)' and an 'Essay.'

Paper and Word Count

<Essay>

*Handwritten with pencil on B4 size manuscript paper with 400 characters per page, vertical writing.

*The word count for the essay body should be 400 to 800 characters (2 pages) for lower grades and 600 to 1,200 characters (1.5 to 3 pages) for upper grades (the life plan sheet is not included in this page count).

<Life Plan Sheet>

*Handwritten with 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 (postmark valid on the day)

How to Apply

By mail (please see the website for details)

Organizer

NPO Japan Association for Financial Planners

Co-organizer

Japan Education Press

Sponsors

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Financial Services Agency, Financial and Economic Education Promotion Organization, National Federation of Prefectural Boards of Education, National PTA Association of Japan, National Federation of PTAs of National University Affiliated High Schools, National Local Newspaper Association, Gakken Co., Ltd., Japan Society of Financial Planning (including those currently applying)

Awards

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 'Dream Realization' Essay Contest_Upper Grades Division_Grand Prize Work

List of Essay Contest Winners

View the award-winning works of the 19th Elementary School 'Dream Realization' Essay Contest here.

Learning Support Content

1. Designated Book "Realizing 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 materialize those dreams.

The e-book version is available on the association's website (free).

Designated Book (E-book version)

2. Website for Elementary School Students "Realize Your Dreams! Kids Life Plan Park"

We have launched an online financial and economic education website "Realize Your Dreams! Kids Life Plan Park" (aligned with curriculum guidelines and financial literacy).

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