Call for Participants: First National Eco-Chil Study Forum to Highlight Children's Health and Environment

Introduction

The First National Eco-Chil Study Forum is set to take place from November 1st to 2nd, 2025, at the University of Tokyo in Hongo, with a strong emphasis on children's health and the environment. Organized by the Ministry of the Environment, this forum aims to create a dialog among youths, educators, and researchers on significant issues surrounding children's well-being and environmental safety.

Event Highlights

Throughout this dynamic two-day event, participants can expect:

- Research Presentations and Keynote Speeches: Children from elementary to high school, as well as university students, are invited to present their research capturing the essence of the forum's themes. These presentations will be judged by esteemed experts in the field, including epidemiologists and pediatric researchers.
- Art Exhibits: A call for submissions is open for students to showcase their calligraphy related to the Eco-Chil Study, encompassing themes of environmental health—selected entries will be displayed during the event.
- Tanka Poetry Contest: Students across all education levels can submit their tanka poetry (a traditional Japanese poem format) inspired by the Eco-Chil Study, showcasing their creativity and understanding of environmental issues. Winning pieces will be exhibited, with some honored through calligraphy works.
- Traditional Karuta Competitions: Integrating gameplay into learning, the forum will also host an exciting karuta competition based on the classic Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. This component of the forum will help deepen participants’ understanding of the Eco-Chil Study while enjoying a traditional Japanese card game.

Submission Details

Research Presentations:

- Eligibility: Open to students residing in Japan from elementary to university levels.
- Format Options: Choose between oral presentations or poster sessions. Topics should connect children's health with the environment.
- Deadline: All presentation proposals must be submitted by September 22nd, 2025.

Tanka Submissions:

- Eligibility: Open to elementary, junior high school, high school, and university students residing in Japan.
- Theme: Submissions must relate to the Eco-Chil Study and can be included in either the junior or university division.
- Free Entry: There are no fees to enter this poetry contest.
- Deadline: All entries must be received by September 28th, 2025.

Karuta Participants:

- Individual and Team Registration: Different categories will accommodate various age groups, culminating in both individual and team competitions. No entry fee is required, and team registration can include up to seven members.
- Deadline: Applications will be accepted until September 26th, 2025.

Event Overview

The overarching goal of the forum is to educate the public about the importance and impact of the National Eco-Chil Study, which examines how environmental factors affect children’s health. Through various presentations from distinguished researchers and industry professionals, the forum serves as a vital educational platform and space for self-expression for the youth participants.

- Dates: November 1st–2nd, 2025
- Location: The University of Tokyo Hongo campus, particularly at the Ito International Research Center and Yamamoto Hall, with easy access via public transportation.
- Sponsors: The forum is coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and supported by various educational organizations and foundations aiming to promote health and wellness among the younger population.

Conclusion

The First National Eco-Chil Study Forum promises to be an enlightening experience for participants eager to explore the intersection of children’s health and environmental factors. Parents, guardians, and the general public are welcome to attend, but prior registration is vital. Registration for attendance is open until October 31, 2025. For more details and registration forms, please visit the official forum website.