Riviera's Manga and Haiku Contest Promotes SDGs Among All Ages in Japan

Promoting SDGs Through Art: The 6th Riviera SDGs Manga Contest

The Riviera Future Creation Project, based in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, is excited to announce the opening of its 6th Riviera SDGs Manga Contest. This initiative encourages participants aged 4 to 88 from across Japan to express their thoughts and ideas regarding the theme "For Our Future and the Earth". The deadline for submission is October 31, 2025.

For years, this contest has served as a vibrant platform where individuals from all walks of life can convey their messages about sustainability through the mediums of manga, haiku, and reports. In this year's call for entries, Riviera is especially targeting not just elementary school students – who have been the primary demographic – but also middle schoolers, high schoolers, university students, and young professionals. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to make their voices heard regarding social challenges and to envision a better future for the planet.

Participants are invited to submit three types of works: SDGs Manga, SDGs Haiku, and SDGs Reports. Each of these avenues allows for creative expression which can convey personal insights and feelings, making the concept of sustainability relatable and actionable for various audiences.

Evaluation and Awards

Works submitted will undergo evaluation by a panel of experts, with several prestigious awards on the line, including the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize, the Minister of the Environment Prize, and the Kanagawa Prefectural Governor's Prize. Award winners will not only receive recognition but are also invited to the award ceremony where they can present their ideas and engage with the community, further amplifying their messages.

The works collected will be publicly showcased online in March 2026, providing a significant platform for participants to share their visions of a sustainable future.

Inspiring Action Through Art

The contest serves a dual purpose: it allows participants to draw, compose, and report, which collectively fosters critical thinking and awareness about sustainability. Through drawing with a four-panel comic, participants can illustrate local issues in an accessible and often humorous way. Haiku offers a chance to distill everyday observations and emotions into a succinct form, while reports allow deeper exploration of topics and initiatives, backed by data and research.

This multifaceted approach not only emphasizes individual creativity but also enhances the capacity for generational learning and collective action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attendees can utilize this contest for various educational pursuits, including school projects, internships, or community service, thus bridging learning with societal impact.

Building Connections Between Education and Society

In today’s educational sphere, there is a growing emphasis on developing skills that enable individuals to identify challenges, reflect critically, and express their ideas. The Riviera SDGs Manga Contest aligns with UNESCO’s ESD for 2030 initiative and promotes inquiry-based learning, welcoming participants from homes, schools, communities, and workplaces.

The recent reports from the United Nations indicate that approximately 18% of the SDGs have regressed, highlighting the ongoing challenges we face. Yet, it is clear that individual learning and expression can catalyze broader societal movements. The aim is to create an environment where young people can flourish as change-makers, sharing knowledge across generations and communities.

A Contest for Everyone

Importantly, this national contest is open to anyone, without restrictions on age, profession, or residence. Whether you're a student or a senior, come one and all! Family entries, school groups, circles, businesses, and volunteers are all encouraged to participate. The everyday insights captured here have the potential to transform into robust visions of the future – this is the essence of the Riviera SDGs Manga Contest.

For those interested in joining this exciting initiative, please visit the official website for more details on how to apply and participate.