Ministry of Education-Sponsored 17th MAX 'Heart Staple Story' Contest Now Open for Submissions

MAX Co., Ltd. (Securities Code: 6454) is calling for submissions to the 17th 'MAX Heart Staple Story' contest, themed around 'What you want to staple in your heart right now.' We welcome short stories about cherished feelings and experiences you wish to keep in your heart forever—such as 'current happiness,' 'family bonds,' or 'memories with friends.'

Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, this annual initiative receives entries from a wide range of age groups. Many schools incorporate the contest into their curriculum, resulting in numerous group submissions from educational institutions.

Last year, 17,653 entries were received. Many stories highlighted experiences where participants received courage and kindness from family and others, or how a simple remark eased emotional tension and allowed them to be more genuine. These narratives emphasized the importance of communication and mutual support in human relationships.

Through a rigorous selection process, one outstanding work will be awarded the 'MAX Heart Staple Grand Prize.' Additionally, the 'MAX U-18 Grand Prize' will be awarded to one winner each in the high school, junior high, and elementary school (and younger) categories. Five exceptional works will receive the 'MAX Prize.' For all winning entries, North Village Hitoki—the artist behind the title calligraphy and illustrations for the 'Heart Staple Story' series—will create original illustrations. These will be published on MAX’s official website alongside the stories when results are announced.

The submission period runs from August 3, 2026 (Monday) to September 30, 2026 (Wednesday) at 17:00. For mailed entries, the postmark date will be accepted as valid.

We look forward to receiving your heartfelt stories this year.

Illustrator: North Village Hitoki

Born in Tokyo in 1981. Graduated from the Faculty of Liberal Arts at Tokai University. Currently a part-time lecturer at Kobe Design University.

An illustrator known for works such as the 'New Heart Supplement' series in the Mainichi Shimbun Sunday edition, illustrations for Gen Hoshino’s 'And Life Goes On,' and picture books including 'Ohi-sama de Tayo' and 'Kasha!'

17th MAX 'Heart Staple Story' Submission Guidelines

Submission Details

Theme

What you want to staple in your heart right now

Examples: 'current happiness,' 'family bonds,' 'memories with friends'

Please share feelings or experiences you wish to keep in your heart forever.

Eligibility

Open to all.

However, the MAX U-18 Grand Prize is only open to individuals aged 18 and under.

By submitting, you agree to the submission rules and privacy policy outlined below.

Submission Requirements

One entry per person. Only original, unpublished works are accepted.

Manuscripts should be approximately 400 characters. Format is free—use manuscript paper, stationery, etc.

For mailed entries, please write your address, name, phone number, age, occupation, and pen name on the back of your submission.

Submitted works will not be returned.

Submission Period

August 3, 2026 (Mon) – September 30, 2026 (Wed)

Submission Methods

＜Via Company Website＞

https://www.max-ltd.co.jp/about/cocoro_story/application/

※ The dedicated submission form will open at 10:00 on August 3, 2026 (Mon)

※ Scheduled to close at 17:00 on September 30, 2026 (Wed)

＜By Mail＞

c/o MAX 'Heart Staple Story' Secretariat Nihonbashi Kayabacho Post Office Japan Post Co., Ltd. 25 Nihonbashi Kayabacho Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025

※ Postmark on the day of the deadline is valid

※ Postage must be paid by the sender

About the MAX 'Heart Staple Story' Project

https://www.max-ltd.co.jp/about/cocoro_story/

Prizes and Awards

MAX Heart Staple Grand Prize

1 work

50,000 yen gift voucher + MAX stationery set

MAX U-18 Grand Prize (High School Division)

1 work

10,000 yen book voucher + MAX stationery set

MAX U-18 Grand Prize (Junior High Division)

1 work

10,000 yen book voucher + MAX stationery set

MAX U-18 Grand Prize (Elementary and Younger Division)

1 work

10,000 yen book voucher + MAX stationery set

MAX Prize

5 works

5,000 yen book voucher + MAX stationery set

※ The MAX U-18 Grand Prize is only for those aged 18 and under.

[Example of MAX Stationery Set]

※ Image for reference only. Prizes are subject to change.

16th MAX 'Heart Staple Story' Winning Entry

[Winner: MAX Heart Staple Grand Prize] Haru Honma, 31, Kanagawa Prefecture

"Sir, tonight there's a full moon."

The taxi driver spoke cheerfully, looking straight ahead as he slowly drove through the night city.

At the time, I was a new employee and had just made a major mistake at work. Thanks to my colleagues’ help, the situation was resolved, but I couldn’t stop crying over my own inadequacy. My considerate supervisor called a taxi for me. Even his kind words only deepened my sense of guilt.

The passenger is crying. I imagined the atmosphere inside the car must have been terrible. I myself was selfishly wishing, 'Please just leave me alone right now.' But then, the driver gently broke through the heavy silence.

"It’d be a shame to miss such a beautiful moon. Let’s just gaze at it quietly."

Before I knew it, I was smiling along with the driver’s light laughter.

Kindness isn’t only about saying something or giving something. Quietly being there beside someone is also kindness. That night, I wished to become an adult who could effortlessly offer that kind of comfort.

Judging and Announcement

Entries will be rigorously judged by MAX.

Results are scheduled to be announced in late February 2027.

Winners will be contacted directly, and winning entries will be published on the company’s website.

Submission Rules

Entries must be original and unpublished.

All copyrights (including rights under Article 27 and Article 28 of the Copyright Act) for submitted works—including secondary uses such as publication, film adaptation, stage production, broadcasting, and online distribution—will belong to MAX Co., Ltd.

By submitting an entry, participants agree not to exercise moral rights (author’s personal rights) regarding the work in relation to MAX or any third party designated by MAX.

Works created using generative AI are not eligible for judging.

Submitted works will not be returned.

Email submissions are invalid. Only submissions via the online form or by mail will be accepted.

Privacy Notice

Personal information collected will be used solely for the following purposes:

- Contacting winners and delivering prizes

- Collecting feedback and suggestions for improving the program

- Creating and publishing anonymized statistical data

All information will be properly managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Law and MAX’s Privacy Policy: https://www.max-ltd.co.jp/privacy_policy.html

※ The information in this press release is current as of the announcement date. Changes may occur, so please understand in advance.

※ Vaimo, POLYGO, MOTICK, and COLOLETTA are registered trademarks of MAX Co., Ltd.