#Japan #Kitakyushu #Z-Generation Contest #Youth Innovation

Unleash Your Creativity with the 2025 Z-Generation Contest

The Z-Generation Has an Opportunity to Blossom!
The city of Kitakyushu is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Z-Generation Contest, designed to empower young minds with a passion for creativity. Targeting the emerging generation born between April 2, 1996, and April 1, 2010, this initiative aims to bring fresh and innovative ideas to life. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, the contest encourages participants to step outside the box and showcase their ingenuity.

Contest Overview

This contest isn’t just about idea submission; it focuses on crafting and nurturing those ideas into viable projects. The local government of Kitakyushu will provide comprehensive support to participants before even the application process begins, assisting with workshops that refine and articulate ideas.

Key Support Features:

1. Financial Aid: Participants whose proposals are selected will receive grants of up to 3 million yen to fund their projects.
2. Expert Guidance: Besides financial assistance, the project will also offer expert advice aimed at helping contestants bring their ideas to fruition.

Overall, the initiative seeks to create an atmosphere where challenges can be embraced, aiming to establish Kitakyushu as the most supportive city for youth in Japan.

Who Can Participate?

The contest welcomes individuals or groups of the Z-Generation (ages 15 to 29). Applicants must ensure that their proposals bring originality and new perspectives, particularly in relation to elevating the community in Kitakyushu.

Supported Projects Include:

1. Creativity and Originality: Unique and innovative ideas that capture the essence of the youth’s perspective.
2. Community Engagement: Projects should resonate with the local community and enhance Kitakyushu's vibrancy.

Application Timeline

Important Dates:

• - Proposal Submission: From May 26, 2025, to July 6, 2025.
• - Contest Day: Scheduled for August 16, 2025.
• - Implementation Period: Projects should be realized between the end of the contest and March 2026.

Results from the First Contest

The first edition saw an active participation with:

• - Consultation Applications: 53 applications
• - Submitted Proposals: 29
• - Selected Projects: 3

Highlighted Projects:

• - Grand Virtual Coming of Age Ceremony: An innovative take on the traditional coming-of-age ceremony, merging VR technology with the real world. This event aims to embody the spirit of Kitakyushu’s vibrant culture.

• - Kokura Coffee Garden Project: Focusing on sustainable agriculture, this initiative aims to engage the youth in domestic coffee production.

• - Z-Care Future: A project centered around future welfare robotics, aiming to make this technology accessible to the younger generation.

Voices from Selected Participants

Participants from the first contest expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support they received, enhancing their projects significantly. Many noted how the connections made during the contest broadened their perspectives and built a lasting community.

Visit the Special Site

For detailed information on submission guidelines and pre-consultation meetings, please check the 2025 Z-Generation Contest special website.

About the Organizers

This initiative is sponsored by the Z-Generation Department of the Kitakyushu City Office, Fukuoka Prefecture. For more details, visit the official website.