Join the Second Memory Award Certificate Contest to Celebrate Kindness and Gratitude

Second Memory Award Certificate Contest

Starting on November 1, 2025, the Second Memory Award Certificate Contest is set to launch, inviting participants to reflect on their cherished positive memories through the medium of award certificates. In a world increasingly filled with negative news and social media criticism, the contest aims to shine a light on the traditions of gratitude and acknowledgement with a simple yet profound message: "Thank you" and "Congratulations."

The Contest's Vision

With a legacy of 131 years in producing paper products, Sasagawa Co., Ltd., headquartered in Osaka, is dedicated to reviving the values of appreciation and praise. This initiative stands as a reminder that certificates are not just pieces of paper; they are symbols that encapsulate the kindness and achievements in our lives. Through this contest, Sasagawa encourages participants to reflect on moments when they felt appreciated or acknowledged, promoting a culture of positive reinforcement and personal growth.

The contest encourages submissions that capture the essence of being recognized for one’s contributions, whether big or small. Sasagawa believes that such reflections can enhance self-esteem and contribute to a more compassionate society.

Creating a Compassionate Society

Sasagawa's mission goes beyond merely producing paper products; it encompasses a deep-rooted commitment to shaping a culture where gratitude and celebration are paramount. The company has always valued the power of paper to convey human emotions, whether through certificates, wrapping paper, or traditional gift protocols such as "noshi".

The contest also aims to redefine the perception of certificates, showcasing them as conduits for delivering hope and joy for a brighter future rather than mere memorabilia of past events.

Contest Details

Application Period: November 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026
How to Enter: Participants can submit their entries through a dedicated web form, with each individual allowed up to three submissions.
Submission Content: Participants are invited to share photographs of the award certificates they have received in the past, along with an accompanying story or message.
Announcement of Winners: Winners will be announced in April 2026.
Organizer: Sasagawa Co., Ltd.
Special Site: Sasagawa Memory Contest

Categories and Prizes

For this second edition, the contest will include four award categories to encourage diverse entries:

- Design Award: Recognizing aesthetically pleasing and stylish certificates.
- Story Award: Celebrating emotionally impactful or humorous background stories associated with the certificates.
- Rare Award: Honoring unique, historically significant, or prestigious certificates.
- Kids Handmade Award: Acknowledging heartwarming hand-crafted certificates created by children.

Each award winner will receive a certificate along with a cash prize of 30,000 yen. Additionally, there will be a "Lucky Draw Award" available for all entries, with five winners drawn to receive 5,000 yen and the first 100 entries receiving a special "Nenshi Note" for gift wrapping.

Remarkable Stories from the First Contest

The first edition of the contest saw an overwhelming response, revealing many touching stories. Notably, two entries that won the Story Awards particularly stood out:

- Adult Category: A handmade certificate awarded to a junior employee who could not attend their coming-of-age ceremony due to the pandemic, created with substantial support from colleagues across the company, received special praise for embodying a spirit of compassion and community.
- Children’s Category: A heartfelt certificate presented by a 10-year-old daughter to her mother, celebrating their unbreakable bond, resonated deeply with the judges and illustrated the powerful connections forged through recognition.

These stories exemplified the profound emotional connections that certificates can foster.

Learn More

For a glimpse into the emotional impact and success from the first contest, you can read about the results and experiences captured during that event at First Memory Award Results.

Company Overview

Sasagawa Co., Ltd.
Location: Chuo-ku, Osaka
Founded: 1894
President: Atsushi Sasagawa
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of gift wrapping materials (such as "noshi" paper, wrapping sheets), award certificates, and promotional materials for handmade craft makers.
Corporate Website: Sasagawa Official Site