From "Manuals" to Evaluating All "User Information". Renamed "TC Award Japan 2026" - Special Seminar on 4/9 & Accepting Submissions
The Technical Communicators Association renamed its long-standing manual award to "TC Award Japan," broadening its scope to include SaaS UIs, video tutorials, and all digital "user information."
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 31, 2026 at 23:04
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 13:39 (14h 35m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 07:35 (497h 56m after Collected)
The Technical Communicators Association (Location: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Chairman: Masayasu Watai) has renamed the "Japan Manual Award," which has continued since 1991, to the "Technical Communication Award Japan (TC Award Japan)" starting this fiscal year.
A "TCA Special Seminar" explaining how to utilize the TC Award Japan and offering tips on information design will be held on Thursday, April 9 at Waseda Hoshien (hybrid format).
Background of the Name Change: From "Manuals" to Evaluating All "User Information"
Information for using products and services correctly and safely is rapidly diversifying from traditional "paper instruction manuals" to videos, apps, and websites. In the TC Award, these diversified contents are defined as "User Information" and will be broadly targeted for screening and awards.
Specific Examples of Eligible "User Information"
We are actively seeking not only traditional booklet formats but also content in software and web domains such as the following:
- Software/Web Services: Onboarding (initial introduction) screens and tutorials for SaaS and apps; Help centers and knowledge bases within web apps; API references and specifications for developers.
- Video/Rich Content: Product setup and utilization explanation videos distributed on YouTube, etc.; Operation guides for smartphones utilizing AR (Augmented Reality).
- Built-in Product/Packaging: Operation guides and error recovery procedures displayed on LCD screens of industrial equipment and home appliances; Quick start guides printed directly on packaging or the product itself.
April 9: TCA Special Seminar (Hybrid Format)
In this seminar, we will communicate how to improve the quality of your company's documentation through utilizing the award.
Part 1: TCA Special Seminar (Venue + Online Streaming via Zoom)
We will introduce how to utilize the "TC Award Japan." We will explain, with specific merits, how to connect objective feedback from expert judges to quality enhancement and production process improvements at your company.
Part 2: Individual Consultation (Venue Participation Only, No Zoom Streaming)
Experts will provide direct, face-to-face advice regarding specific challenges when applying.
* As the Part 2 consultation is an on-site, face-to-face individual session, there will be no streaming. Those who wish to consult should come to the venue.
Event Overview
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
Venue: Waseda Hoshien, Seminar House 101
2-3-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
https://www.hosh...
A "TCA Special Seminar" explaining how to utilize the TC Award Japan and offering tips on information design will be held on Thursday, April 9 at Waseda Hoshien (hybrid format).
Background of the Name Change: From "Manuals" to Evaluating All "User Information"
Information for using products and services correctly and safely is rapidly diversifying from traditional "paper instruction manuals" to videos, apps, and websites. In the TC Award, these diversified contents are defined as "User Information" and will be broadly targeted for screening and awards.
Specific Examples of Eligible "User Information"
We are actively seeking not only traditional booklet formats but also content in software and web domains such as the following:
- Software/Web Services: Onboarding (initial introduction) screens and tutorials for SaaS and apps; Help centers and knowledge bases within web apps; API references and specifications for developers.
- Video/Rich Content: Product setup and utilization explanation videos distributed on YouTube, etc.; Operation guides for smartphones utilizing AR (Augmented Reality).
- Built-in Product/Packaging: Operation guides and error recovery procedures displayed on LCD screens of industrial equipment and home appliances; Quick start guides printed directly on packaging or the product itself.
April 9: TCA Special Seminar (Hybrid Format)
In this seminar, we will communicate how to improve the quality of your company's documentation through utilizing the award.
Part 1: TCA Special Seminar (Venue + Online Streaming via Zoom)
We will introduce how to utilize the "TC Award Japan." We will explain, with specific merits, how to connect objective feedback from expert judges to quality enhancement and production process improvements at your company.
Part 2: Individual Consultation (Venue Participation Only, No Zoom Streaming)
Experts will provide direct, face-to-face advice regarding specific challenges when applying.
* As the Part 2 consultation is an on-site, face-to-face individual session, there will be no streaming. Those who wish to consult should come to the venue.
Event Overview
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 14:00 - 16:30
Venue: Waseda Hoshien, Seminar House 101
2-3-1 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
https://www.hosh...