#Japan #Tokyo #Bento Day #essay contest #Culinary Memories

Celebrating Culinary Creativity: The Bento Day Contest Results

On February 12, 2026, Kyodo News Corporation, in partnership with the National Elementary School Home Economics Education Research Society and the All-Japan Junior High School Technology and Home Economics Research Society, announced the winners of the "Bento Day: Delicious Memory Episode" competition. This initiative invites elementary and junior high school students across Japan to submit essays reflecting their experiences in preparing their own dishes, accompanied by photos or illustrations.

This year, an impressive total of 2,503 entries were submitted from various schools nationwide. After a thorough review, the committee awarded several accolades, including the prestigious Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award for one outstanding piece. Additionally, there were several other accolades awarded: Kyodo News Award, the National Elementary School Home Economics Education Research Society Award, the All-Japan Junior High School Technology and Home Economics Research Society Award, and multiple awards from sponsors such as Kikkoman Corporation and Nissin Oilio Group.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 20, 2026, from 14:00 to 15:30, at the Kyodo News Corporation conference room. The event will honor winners, including a special recognition for 10 participants and two outstanding schools.

Event Details

• - Target: Elementary and middle school students nationwide
• - Theme: Essays on personal experiences related to making bento or cooking, alongside photos or drawings
• - Organizers: Kyodo News Corporation, in collaboration with relevant educational societies
• - Special Sponsors: Kikkoman Corporation, Nissin Oilio Group, WaO Corporation
• - Support: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

This initiative aims not only to celebrate students' culinary skills but also to rekindle fond memories associated with homemade meals. It beautifully captures the essence of bonding over food, as each essay conveys unique personal stories intertwined with culture and family.

Winners Highlights

The following is a selection of this year's prominent winners and their remarkable entries:

• - Minister of Education Award:

- Name: Karin Yoshida
- School: Beppu Nishimachi Junior High School, Oita Prefecture
- Title: "A Heartfelt Rice Dish"

• - Kyodo News Award:

- Name: Sota Akasegawa
- School: Ishikidai Elementary School, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Title: "Receiving Fish"

• - National Elementary School Home Economics Education Research Society Award:

- Name: Sawa Takao
- School: Enza Elementary School, Kagawa Prefecture
- Title: "Mom’s Beef Bowl"

• - All-Japan Junior High School Technology and Home Economics Research Society Award:

- Name: Yukihime Shimizu
- School: Koaka Academy Junior High School, Tokyo
- Title: "Emotion Behind Homemade Cooking"

These incredible stories reflect not only culinary skills but also cultural heritage and emotional bonds with family. As students shared their recipes and experiences, they celebrated traditions and created new memories through their culinary exploits.

In closing, the Bento Day initiative not only highlights the importance of cooking in education but also cultivates a sense of appreciation for the meals that bring families together. The contest serves as a reminder of the joyful experiences food can create and the lasting memories tied to them. As the awards ceremony approaches, anticipation builds for the stories that each winner will share, enriching our understanding of the power and love behind home-cooked meals.