[Saitama Prefecture] Applications Open for the 3rd "Saitama Workplace Reform Grand Prix Starting from Paternity Leave"

Saitama Prefecture will begin accepting applications from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the prefecture for the 3rd "Saitama Workplace Reform Grand Prix Starting from Paternity Leave" (formerly Saitama PX Grand Prix) starting Monday, May 18.

To encourage men to take paternity leave, this award recognizes companies in the prefecture that are implementing workplace reforms spurred by male employees' paternity leave. This marks the third time for the award, including its predecessor, the Saitama PX Grand Prix.

By widely publicizing the initiatives of the winning companies through award ceremonies and the prefectural website, we aim to help improve their corporate image and secure talent, while also promoting the adoption of these initiatives by other companies.

We look forward to receiving many applications from businesses.

Overview of the 3rd Saitama Workplace Reform Grand Prix Starting from Paternity Leave

1. Eligibility

- Must be an SME with a place of business in Saitama Prefecture.
- Must be registered as a "Male Paternity Leave Promotion Company"*.
- Must be certified as a "Diverse Work Style Practice Company"*.
- Must have a record of male employees taking paternity leave, etc.
- Must be implementing initiatives that can serve as a reference for other businesses and are expected to have a ripple effect.

*Applications may be possible even if not registered/certified at the time of application. Please consult with us separately.

2. Application Period

- Monday, May 18, 2026 - Monday, August 31, 2026

3. How to Apply

- Please download the application documents from the Saitama Work Style Reform Portal Site and submit them via email. For details, please check the portal site.

Saitama Work Style Reform Portal Site
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/workstyle/dannseiikukyuu/award.html

4. Selection Method

- Winners will be determined by a document screening conducted by a judging committee composed of experts and others.

5. Award Ceremony, etc.

- Winning companies will be announced in November 2026, with an award ceremony held in late November.
- The Governor is scheduled to present a certificate of commendation and a supplementary prize to the winning companies.

6. Contact Information

- Saitama Prefectural Government, Department of Industry and Labor, Employment and Human Resource Strategy Division, Work Style Reform Promotion Section
- Phone: 048-830-3963
- Email: a3960-03@pref.saitama.lg.jp

Results of the 2nd Saitama PX Grand Prix

1. Applicants
- 20 companies

2. Winning Companies
- Grand Prix: 1 company, Encouragement Award: 4 companies

Company Name / Industry
Grand Prix: SURPASS KOGYO K.K. (Gyoda City) / Manufacturing
Encouragement Award: Usuda Co., Ltd. (Saitama City) / Education, Learning Support
Encouragement Award: Gourd Co., Ltd. (Saitama City) / Medical, Welfare
Encouragement Award: Takasago Seimitsu Co., Ltd. (Kawagoe City) / Manufacturing
Encouragement Award: Matsumoto Kosan Co., Ltd. (Ogano Town, Chichibu District) / Manufacturing

3. Award Ceremony
- Held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Governor's official residence.
*For details on the initiatives of the winning companies and the award ceremony, please visit the website below.
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/workstyle/dannseiikukyuu/award2025.html

Related Prefectural Projects

1. Diverse Work Style Practice Company Certification System
- A system where the prefecture certifies companies that are actively working on creating a work-friendly environment and reforming work styles to balance work and personal life.
- For application methods and other details, please visit the website below.
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/workstyle/diversity/index.html

2. Male Paternity Leave Promotion Company
- Companies that promote male employees' paternity leave are registered as "Male Paternity Leave Promotion Companies" and are encouraged to promote male paternity leave both internally and externally.
- For application methods and other details, please visit the website below.
https://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/workstyle/dannseiikukyuu/senngen.html

3rd Saitama Workplace Reform Grand Prix Starting from Paternity Leave Application Flyer
d104306-951-533c5d01a1ca07f9bc868c747db6e314.pdf