"Glasses, Thank You Essay" Submission Begins: Seeking Gratitude and Memories About Glasses Nationwide

Fukui Prefecture Optical Association is pleased to announce the start of applications for the 9th "Glasses, Thank You Essay" contest. We are widely seeking essays that express episodes related to glasses and feelings of gratitude towards glasses that we use every day. Award-winning works are scheduled to be announced on the official Megane Fes website in late August. They will also be exhibited at the venue of the "Megane Fes" event to be held on September 19th and 20th. ■ Background of the Project Fukui Prefecture is one of Japan's leading eyewear production areas, producing over 90% of domestically made eyeglass frames. The "Glasses, Thank You Essay" was launched with the aim of drawing renewed attention to the manufacturing culture of the region and the presence of glasses that support our daily lives. Although we use glasses every day as a matter of course, they are an indispensable part of our lives, broadening our vision and allowing us to see precious moments. Through this project, we aim to share the richness of life with glasses by putting various memories and feelings of gratitude related to glasses into words. ■ 9th "Glasses, Thank You Essay" Submission To the glasses we always rely on. Please submit your thank-you notes and memories related to glasses in an essay. ○ How to Apply Please fill out the dedicated essay form and send it by mail to the Megane Fes Executive Committee. Dedicated forms are distributed at the Megane Museum (Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture) and GLASS GALLERY 291 (Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo), and can also be downloaded from the official Megane Fes website. ○ Application Deadline Must arrive by Friday, July 24, 2026 ○ Judging Method Judging will be conducted by the Megane Fes Executive Committee and individual bookstores in Fukui Prefecture. A "Bookstore Award for the City of Glasses" will also be presented by each bookstore. Participating Bookstores AKUSHU BOOK & BASE, Azuki Shobo, Fuji Shoten, HOSHIDO, Waon Shobo ○ Awards and Benefits The Grand Prize winner will receive a 50,000 yen eyewear exchange ticket valid at over 45 participating stores nationwide. In addition, award-winning works will be exhibited on the official Megane Fes website and at the Megane Museum, and will also be featured on a radio program. ○ Past Award-Winning Works Past award-winning works can be viewed on the official Megane Fes website. Please see the application guidelines on the official Megane Fes website for details. --- ■ Announcement for Exhibitor Recruitment "Megane Fes 2026" is now publicly recruiting exhibitors for food and beverage, food trucks, merchandise, and workshops. As an event promoting Fukui's eyewear culture, Megane Fes features a variety of appealing stalls, including food and goods themed around glasses. We look forward to unique ideas and "glasses love" from exhibitors, such as food and merchandise inspired by glasses. ○ How to Apply Please check the exhibitor recruitment page on the official Megane Fes website for details and apply via the application form. Application page: [Link removed as it's not functional in text format]