Tokyo Metropolitan Government Begins Soliciting 'Ikugyo Thank You Episodes'
Key facts
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Begins Soliciting 'Ikugyo Thank You Episodes'
- Tokyo has launched a campaign to collect stories of gratitude regarding parental leave to promote social understanding. Selected episodes will be adapted into manga for awareness-raising, with submissions open from May 29 to July 10, 2026.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 30, 2026
Direct answer
Tokyo has launched a campaign to collect stories of gratitude regarding parental leave to promote social understanding. Selected episodes will be adapted into manga for awareness-raising, with submissions open from May 29 to July 10, 2026.
- Citation
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Begins Soliciting 'Ikugyo Thank You Episodes' (May 30, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 30, 2026
Tokyo has launched a campaign to collect stories of gratitude regarding parental leave to promote social understanding. Selected episodes will be adapted into manga for awareness-raising, with submissions open from May 29 to July 10, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 30, 2026 at 04:53
- 🔍 Collected: May 29, 2026 at 20:03
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 29, 2026 at 20:25 (22 min after Collected)
Last fiscal year, the parental leave uptake rate for men in Tokyo reached 61.2%, meaning three out of five men now take parental leave, showing steady growth.
To accelerate this trend, we will produce and disseminate manga based on episodes of gratitude related to parental leave to help create a workplace atmosphere that supports it.
We invite you to share the episodes you have experienced.
1. Submission Period
From Friday, May 29, 2026, to 17:00 on Friday, July 10, 2026.
2. Eligibility
Those who live or work in Tokyo.
3. Submission Details
We are looking for messages of gratitude from individuals who took parental leave to the colleagues and superiors who supported them, or memorable episodes of being supported. We also welcome submissions from colleagues or superiors who supported those on leave, sharing new realizations or deepened team bonds experienced through the process.
*Selected episodes will be chosen by a selection committee and through online voting.
4. Prizes
(1) Approximately 10 works selected by the selection committee
Amazon gift card worth 3,000 yen
(2) A total of 4 works selected through online voting
Commemorative trophy and 3 printed copies of the manga produced based on the submitted episode.
5. Manga Production
Selected episodes will be used as awareness-raising manga for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Episodes may be edited as necessary.
6. How to Apply
Please check the application guidelines on the website and apply via the form.
https://kodomo-smile.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/st/ikugyo-thankyouepisode/
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Childcare Thank You Episode Campaign?
The purpose is to promote a mindset change, viewing childcare not as a 'break' but as 'important work', and to foster a workplace atmosphere that supports and encourages childcare.
What is the submission period?
From Friday, May 29, 2023, to Friday, July 10, 2023, at 17:00.
Who is eligible to apply?
Those who reside or work in Tokyo are eligible to apply.
What kind of episodes are you looking for?
We are looking for thank-you stories from childcare providers to their supportive colleagues or superiors, as well as stories of insights and bonds formed through supporting childcare.
How will the selected episodes be used?
The selected episodes will be chosen by a selection committee and internet voting, and are planned to be adapted into comics for use in Tokyo's awareness campaigns.