NTT Docomo's New Creative Competitions for Children
NTT Docomo is bringing innovation and creativity to the forefront with the launch of two exciting competitions: the
25th Future Museum and the
4th Future Lab. These initiatives aim to inspire children across Japan to express their ideas related to safety and their vision for the future, fostering creativity in both visual art and programming.
A Celebration of Imagination at the 25th Future Museum
The
25th Future Museum, which celebrates its quarter-century milestone this year, invites young artists aged 3 to middle school to submit their artwork. This contest has a rich history, accumulating over
2.26 million entries since its inception in
2002.
It's an exceptional platform for children to explore their imagination, with the theme
“Our Future Lives” allowing them to visualize their dreams and aspirations through art.
How to Participate
Submission Period: The contest runs from
June 29, 2026, to September 13, 2026. Entries can be submitted easily through the official website, and children can participate in two categories: digital paintings and traditional art.
This competition is not only an artistic endeavor; it serves as an excellent opportunity for families to bond through creativity, making it ideal for summer projects. A special commemorative movie titled
“The Baton to the Future” has been released, highlighting the joy of creative expression through children's art.
Link to 25th Future Museum:
Official Website
Discover, Create, and Innovate in the 4th Future Lab
In addition to visual arts, NTT Docomo is promoting programming skills among young learners with the
4th Future Lab. This programming contest is built on the concept that
“Everyone Can Have Fun, Even Beginners!” and invites children to explore coding with their smartphones or tablets. The theme for this year's contest is
“Innovations of the Future,” inspiring kids to transform their imaginative ideas into tangible programming projects.
Future Lab Details:
- - Submission Period: Like the Future Museum, this contest runs from June 29, 2026, to September 13, 2026.
- - This competition empowers young minds to nurture their creativity and problem-solving skills, making programming accessible and enjoyable.
Link to 4th Future Lab:
Official Website
Special Celebrations for the 25th Anniversary
As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, NTT Docomo will be unveiling a series of special events and content, highlighting the connection between parents and children through creativity and shared dreams. The commemorative film emphasizes how the art produced by young creators can lead to a bright future.
Important Safety Notice
Participants are advised to be vigilant against phishing scams pretending to be associated with the Future Museum. Reports indicate that some scammers are prompting people to vote for artworks through fake messages. To prevent potential personal information theft, avoid clicking suspicious links and entering sensitive details.
NTT Docomo urges participants to stay informed about genuine communications regarding these contests. Rest assured, there will be no public voting involved in the selection process for the Future Museum and Future Lab competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates about these competitions and the upcoming events to celebrate creativity and innovation!