#Japan #Osaka #JTB #video contest #Kenmin Show

JTB Kenmin Show Travel Award 2026

The highly anticipated JTB Kenmin Show Travel Award 2026 has officially been announced, inviting individuals from across Japan to show off their local pride through short video submissions. Organized by the Kenmin Show Travel Award Executive Committee, which includes Yomiuri Television and Progress Corp. in collaboration with JTB, this contest aims to promote regional revitalization and celebrate the unique culture, cuisine, and experiences of all 47 prefectures in Japan.

An Invitation to All Residents

This year marks the second installment of the JTB Kenmin Show Travel Award, which seeks contributions from a diverse audience, including the general public, video creators, and local influencers. The theme continues to revolve around “Kenmin Love” (local pride), encouraging participants to creatively express what makes their area special. In 2025, the inaugural contest drew an impressive 8,432 video entries, highlighting local delicacies, tourist attractions, cultural nuances, and dialects that resonated greatly on social media platforms.

Categories of Awards

Not only will there be various awards recognizing outstanding submissions, but this year's contest also introduces new categories. A standout is the Student Creator Award, aimed at engaging the youth by offering practical video production opportunities through JTB's official social media channels. This initiative fosters the growth of young creators who will play a role in promoting regional narratives in the future. Also notable is the Show Drama Award, which seeks to honor submissions portraying local culture and community stories that go beyond conventional tourism and gastronomy themes.

With a total prize pool of 1 million yen, the Grand Prize will award 100,000 yen to the most outstanding entry across all categories. Other awards include the Gourmet Love Award, the Travel Spot Award, and the Kenmin Commonalities Award, all adding to the spirited competition while celebrating local uniqueness.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Engagement

JTB’s partnership in this event emphasizes their commitment to community-driven projects aimed at fostering connections among local residents, businesses, educational institutions, and consumers. The award serves as a platform not just for video submissions but as a means to boost regional identity and community interactions, demonstrating that local love translates into collective empowerment and revitalization.

A New Model for Regional Revitalization

The JTB Kenmin Show Travel Award is more than a competition; it's one of Japan's largest grassroots localization projects. By harnessing the pride and passion of individuals from all walks of life, the initiative aims to build a vibrant network of engagement that promotes and showcases local attractions, thereby drawing attention to the charm and cultural wealth found throughout Japan’s diverse regions.

The submission period begins on July 1, 2026, and runs until October 4, 2026, allowing anyone aged 13 and over with either a TikTok or Instagram account to enter. Interested participants are encouraged to express their “Kenmin Love” in a video, capturing unique aspects such as food, locales, dialects, cultural traditions, and narratives. By using the hashtags #JTBKenminShowTravelAward2026 and #YourPrefectureName, participants can readily share their local stories with the world.

JTB aims to leverage this award as more than a video contest; it seeks to provide a platform that enhances communication and connection between people and places. Those wishing to celebrate their local heritage and contribute to the collective expression of national pride are urged to participate and help bridge connections through creativity.

For more information and updates, interested parties can visit the official website or follow the award on TikTok, Instagram, and X. Let's come together and showcase the diverse and vibrant culture that makes Japan unique, one video at a time!