'Miss High School Contest 2026' and 'Miss Junior High Contest 2026' Announce First-Ever Collaboration with Harajuku-Based Idol Project 'KAWAII LAB.'

with t Inc., the organizer of the 'Miss High School Contest' and 'Miss Junior High Contest'—two of Japan's largest pageants to determine the 'cutest high school girl' and 'cutest junior high school girl'—announces a collaboration with 'KAWAII LAB.'. This project, operated by ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd., which promotes Harajuku's "KAWAII" culture to the world, will establish the special 'KAWAII LAB. Award.'

Winners of the KAWAII LAB. Award will be granted the right to join 'KAWAII LAB. MATES,' the development organization for the idol project 'KAWAII LAB.'. A key feature of this collaboration is that the opportunity extends beyond the finalists to include the top 500 participants who did not make it to the final round.

Background of the Collaboration

### About Miss High School Contest (JK MissCon) and Miss Junior High Contest (JC MissCon) The 'Miss High School Contest' began in 2012 as a regional event in the Kanto area and has since evolved under the concept of 'let's all choose the cutest high school girl in Japan.' It expanded nationwide in 2015 and has become Japan's largest contest of its kind, with over 43,000 applicants annually, utilizing social media platforms like LINE, Instagram, X, and TikTok for judging. The 'JC MissCon' started in 2017, following a similar model, and has become a gateway to the entertainment industry, having produced numerous talents, models, and actresses.

### About KAWAII LAB. 'KAWAII LAB.' is an idol project launched by ASOBISYSTEM in 2022. With the slogan 'From Harajuku to the World,' it aims to develop and produce idols who can globally promote Japanese 'kawaii' culture. The project has launched successful groups like FRUITS ZIPPER and CANDY TUNE. 'KAWAII LAB. MATES' is the organization responsible for discovering and nurturing the next generation of talent for the project.

The two companies have come together based on a shared vision of 'discovering talent' and 'nurturing kawaii to shine on the world stage.'

'KAWAII LAB. Award' Overview

### Eligibility - **Finalists**: One or more winners will be selected for the 'KAWAII LAB. Award' at the Grand Prix event. Winners are guaranteed a spot in 'KAWAII LAB. MATES.' (It is possible that no winner is selected.) - **Top 500 Participants (Non-finalists)**: Contestants who did not make it to the finals also have a chance to join 'KAWAII LAB. MATES,' with no upper limit on the number of selections. (It is possible that no one is selected.)

### Prize Winners of the KAWAII LAB. Award will receive the right to participate in 'KAWAII LAB. MATES,' where they can take vocal, dance, and other lessons to aim for a future idol debut.

Comments

**Keita Miyagi, CEO of with t Inc.** 'By opening the door to the world not only for the finalists but also for the raw talent among the top 500, I am confident that the potential of the contest will expand even further.'

**Yusuke Nakagawa, CEO of ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd.** 'With a perspective that values the unique charm of each individual beyond just skills—something KAWAII LAB. has always cherished—I look forward to finding new members to join 'KAWAII LAB. MATES.' Together, let's deliver the future of 'KAWAII' to the world.'

Future Schedule (Tentative) - Application/1st Screening Period: Dec 1, 2025 - Jul 30, 2026 (JK) / Aug 6, 2026 (JC) - Top 500 Announcement: Aug 7, 2026 (JK) / Aug 14, 2026 (JC) - Top 500 Screening Period: Aug 7-16, 2026 (JK) / Aug 14-23, 2026 (JC) - Top 100 Announcement: Aug 19, 2026 (JK) / Aug 26, 2026 (JC) - Top 100 Screening Period: Aug 27 - Sep 23, 2026 (JK) / Sep 3 - Sep 27, 2026 (JC) - Finalist Announcement: September 2026 - Grand Prix Event / KAWAII LAB. Award Announcement: November 2026 - KAWAII LAB. MATES Activities Start: TBD