'Children's voices to society' — Gen Z's proposals drive city and prefectural policies. Awarding the Minister of Education and Minister of Environment Awards for the '6th Riviera SDGs Manga Award' selected from about 800 entries

Official Website: https://www.riviera.co.jp/npo_mirai/event/award_sdgs/ Official SNS: https://www.instagram.com/riviera_sustainability

**The Special Certified NPO Riviera Future Creation Project (Zushi City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Chairperson: Hanako Watanabe; hereafter "Riviera") held the award ceremony for the "6th Riviera SDGs Manga Award" on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Riviera Zushi Marina, honoring winning works selected from approximately 800 entries submitted nationwide.**

**At this award ceremony, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award, the Minister of the Environment Award, and the Kanagawa Prefectural Governor's Award were presented. Officials from administration, education, and business, including Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa, Zushi Mayor Satoru Kirigaya, Kamakura Mayor Takashi Matsuo, and Hayama Town Mayor Takahito Yamanashi, commended the award winners. Furthermore, the event concurrently hosted the "R Next Summit," an initiative evolving to move society, where Gen Alpha and Gen Z youth make direct proposals to governors and mayors. In the past, such voices have been genuinely reflected in actual policies and regional measures.**

### ■ Winning Works Selected from Approx. 800 Entries. Direct Commendation by Leaders in Various Fields

Winners selected through rigorous judging from approximately 800 entries drawn by a wide range of generations—from children to seniors—gathered at the venue, and various awards were presented by leaders from different fields, starting with Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa.

In addition, the winning works were exhibited at the venue, and attendees enjoyed taking commemorative photos and mingling while viewing the art. The numerous works submitted across generations visualized perspectives that treat SDGs as personal matters and raised awareness of issues in everyday life, bringing new insights to many visitors.

At the concurrently held "R Next Summit," Gen Alpha and Gen Z youth, the protagonists of the next generation, achieved direct dialogue with administrative and educational officials aiming to solve social issues. Sharp proposals based on real experiences were exchanged, making it a day that elevated SDGs from a mere "learning theme" to an "implementation action" that concretely moves society. The exhibited winning works provoked deep empathy and new questions among visitors, serving as an opportunity to further heighten awareness of co-creation toward a sustainable future.