Call for Entries: 25th Kotonoha Awards

We are accepting submissions of 'kotonoha' (words) that express the joy, happiness, and emotion of parenting, children, and family in a single phrase. Please write freely without being constrained by format. We look forward to many entries from everyone.

○ Submission Content
'Kotonoha' (words) that express the joy, happiness, and emotion of parenting, children, and family in a single phrase.

○ Eligibility
Residents of Japan.

○ Categories
'General Category', 'Kokoro Category (for those aged 18 and under)', 'Group Category (groups of 5 or more, such as workplaces or schools)'.

○ Deadline
October 12, 2026 (Monday, national holiday). Postmark valid on the day.

○ Awards
Shimane Prefectural Governor's Award: 2 (1 General, 1 Kokoro)
Shimane Prefectural Council for Youth Development Chairperson's Award: 2 (1 General, 1 Kokoro)
Excellence Award: 10 (5 General, 5 Kokoro)
Honorable Mention: 5 (General)
Kokoro Award: 5 (Kokoro)
Group Award: 2 groups (Group)

○ Announcement
Scheduled for around February 2027.

○ Organizers
Shimane Prefecture, Shimane Prefectural Council for Youth Development.

○ Sponsors
JA Shimane, JA Agri Shimane Co., Ltd., Kanatsu Giken Kogyo Co., Ltd., Toyo Solar Co., Ltd., Tsuruha Group Drug & Pharmacy West Japan Co., Ltd., Tanabe Tatara no Sato Co., Ltd., Kitsuki Dairy Co., Ltd., Nakaura Food Co., Ltd., Izumo Takahashi Co., Ltd., Nagae Flour Milling Co., Ltd., O.R.C Co., Ltd., Takasago Soy Sauce Main Store Co., Ltd.

○ Reference
[Total entries for the 24th Kotonoha Awards (FY2025)]
3,872 entries (General: 3,411, Kokoro: 461)

○ Other
We are also simultaneously accepting 'Kotonoha Episodes' about impressions of past works or changes in behavior through the works.
For details, please visit the website (https://www.kotonoha-award.com/).