Holding the 5th Art Contest with Official Partner "Paralymart" - Theme is "Individuality"

Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Shigehiko Kahara) will hold the 5th Art Contest together with the Japan Association for Promoting the Independence of Persons with Disabilities (Location: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Akihiro Matsunaga, hereinafter referred to as "Paralymart"), with whom it has concluded an official partnership agreement.

In this contest, participants will express their own ideas of individuality through two-dimensional works and explanatory text, with the theme of "Individuality." The method of expression is free within the scope of the application regulations, and creative works born from diverse perspectives will be widely solicited.

Mitsubishi Pencil aims to be the "World's Best Expression Innovation Company" that unleashes the individuality and creativity of all people worldwide through writing and drawing, and wishes to transform various differences that people are born with, such as gender, culture, and disability, into possibilities, creating rich expressions and new connections. Based on this philosophy, we will not only engage in business activities but also support the expression experiences of all people through "writing and drawing," contributing to the realization of a free and borderless society colored by each person's "uniqueness."

This initiative has been implemented annually since 2022 as an activity to broaden opportunities for expression, and this will be the 5th time it is being held.

[Art Contest Overview]

◆ Art Contest Theme

Drawing "Individuality"

Please express your own "individuality" through art.

◆ Eligibility

- Individuals registered as artists with Paralymart or those who meet the registration conditions.

* Registration as an artist with Paralymart is optional.

- Those who have confirmed and agreed to the application terms and conditions.

* There are no restrictions on age, experience as an artist, etc.

* Anyone with a disability can apply.

◆ Artwork Submission Format

- Works created on a flat surface, sized A4 or larger, but A3 or smaller (less than 1 cm thick).

- In the "Please describe your thoughts on the artwork" section of the artwork application form, please write an explanation of the submitted artwork (100-200 characters) such as "What is individuality = my own personality?" and "Why did this expression come about?"

- Please answer the "Art Material Questionnaire" in the artwork application form regarding the "art materials" you are using. The content of your answer to the "Art Material Questionnaire" is not related to the artwork judging.

◆ Application Requirements

Applications must be a set of "flat creative work," "explanation of the creative work," and "art material questionnaire."

◆ Artwork Submission Period

- July 1, 2026 (Wed) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

◆ Results Announcement

- Scheduled for early October 2026.

◆ Prize Money/Number of Winners

- Grand Prize: 100,000 yen - 1 winner

- Excellence Award: 50,000 yen - 2 winners

- POSCA Award: 5 winners

* Poster color marker Posca medium tip 15-color set

- EMOTT Award: 5 winners

* Water-based marker EMOTT 10-color set

- uni Award: 20 winners

* Pencil uni 2 pieces

<Event URL>

https://uni.paralymart.or.jp/apply_top

Official logo of Paralymart Gold Partner

[About Paralymart]

This is an activity by the Japan Association for Promoting the Independence of Persons with Disabilities, which provides artwork by persons with disabilities to companies and individuals and pays royalties to the creators. Its main purpose is to support individuals whose opportunities for social participation and activity are limited, and it promotes the social participation and economic independence of persons with disabilities through art. Registration for artists is free, and as of June 2026, approximately 500 people have registered.

Paralymart not only promotes the independence support of persons with disabilities but also continues to create places for them to demonstrate their talents and take on challenges.

Paralymart's Initiatives

Paralymart's strength lies in the fact that many athletes and celebrities have already endorsed the initiative as Special Supporters, and it is adopted by approximately 300 partner companies, from Prime Market listed companies to small and medium-sized enterprises. By adopting this initiative, partner companies can utilize it not only for displaying art but also for IR, PR, and marketing, such as product planning and event hosting. In the future, by contributing to the improvement of corporate brand value and sales growth through this business, we aim to establish a sustainable system for "active social participation and economic independence of persons with disabilities" and "promotion of SDGs for society as a whole."

◆ Homepage: https://paralymart.or.jp/association/

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