Exhibition of Outstanding Works from the JQA Global Children's Art Contest on the Environment to Be Held at Bandō Folk Museum Muses in Ibaraki Prefecture

The 'JQA Global Children's Art Contest on the Environment,' co-organized by the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Yuaishi Ishii) and the International Certification Network (IQNET) (Geneva, Switzerland), will hold an exhibition of outstanding works at the Bandō Folk Museum Muses from Saturday, July 11, 2026, to Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Exhibition Highlights

Fifty outstanding works from the 25th edition of the contest will be displayed in the museum lobby. Each artwork, created by children from around the world with deep reflection on nature and living creatures, radiates unique charm. The diversity of countries, regions, age groups, and artistic expressions adds individuality to every piece.

Bandō Folk Museum Muses (Bandō City, Ibaraki Prefecture) is a multifunctional cultural facility dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Bandō City. It hosts local art exhibitions, diverse themed events, and experiential programs such as daytime and nighttime astronomical observations and lectures. With an integrated library and audiovisual hall, it serves as a hub for learning and community exchange.

This exhibition offers a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of local culture while experiencing powerful environmental messages conveyed through children's art. Visitors are warmly welcome.

Exhibition Details

Dates

July 11 (Sat), 2026 – September 6 (Sun), 2026

Venue

> Bandō Folk Museum Muses (2726 Yamagata, Bandō City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Access

[By Train]

• From the west exit of 'Moriya' Station on the Tsukuba Express, take a bus to 'Iwai Kyoku-mae' (approx. 30 minutes), then a taxi (approx. 20 minutes)

• From 'Ishimichi' Station on the Kantō Railway Jōsō Line, take a taxi (approx. 20 minutes)

[By Car]

• Approximately 10 minutes from 'Bandō IC' on the Central Circular Route (Kan'ō Expressway)

※ For additional access information, please refer to the official website.

> Access

Admission

Free

Opening Hours

• Weekdays: 10:00–18:30

• Weekends and Holidays: 10:00–17:00

Closed

Mondays (closed on the following day if Monday is a holiday), the day after national holidays

About the 'JQA Global Children's Art Contest on the Environment'

Launched in 1999, the 'JQA Global Children's Art Contest on the Environment' aims to encourage children to reflect on environmental issues through drawing. The contest is held annually under the patronage of UNICEF Tokyo Office (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), with JICA's patronage starting from the 25th edition. Outstanding works are exhibited at museums and galleries across Japan to share children's environmental messages with the public.

<Highlights>

◆ Outstanding works exhibited nationwide!

Exhibition schedules and free loan programs for artworks are available.

◆ Winners and past outstanding works now online!

View the children's wonderful artworks on the contest's official website.

<Contest Overview>

Organizers

Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA)

International Certification Network (IQNET)

Patronage

UNICEF Tokyo Office

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) (from the 25th edition)

Inception

1999

Eligibility

Elementary and middle school students

Theme of the 25th Edition

Listen to the Voice of the Earth

Number of Entries (25th Edition)

9,907 entries from 72 countries and regions

About the Organizing Organizations

[Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA)]

Established in 1957, JQA is a fair and neutral third-party conformity assessment body dedicated to supporting Japan's manufacturing and service industries. It is the leading certification body in Japan in terms of total audits for management system standards such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 (as of March 2025). As a provider of national measurement standards to industry, JQA offers calibration services across the widest range of fields in Japan. Additionally, as an accredited body for domestic and international regulations and certification schemes, JQA conducts safety certification and testing for electrical products, medical devices, and automotive equipment, JIS mark certification, construction material testing and inspection, and evaluation of corporate activities aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and other sustainability goals.

[International Certification Network (IQNET)]

IQNET is an international network established in 1990, comprising 37 leading certification bodies worldwide. JQA is the sole Japanese member of IQNET.