Kids Poster Design Contest 2026: Inviting Young Creatives
MCD Co., Ltd., led by CEO Malik Roumane, has exciting news for young artists! The company is launching the second phase of the Kids Poster Design Contest 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, with themes that inspire creativity and align with sustainability goals. The contest invites elementary school students to share their unique designs from July 1 to September 18, 2026.
New Themes for the Contest
Following the success of the initial theme, “Showcase the Treasures of Your Town,” which started on June 1, MCD Co., Ltd. has introduced two new exciting themes. The first theme, sponsored by Morinaga Confectionery, is focused on “Future Snacks leading to SDG Goals.” The second theme, supported by fishing tackle manufacturer Blue Blue Co., is themed around “Fishing.”
Theme: Future Snacks for Achieving SDGs
The Morinaga Confectionery theme encourages kids to explore sustainability while having fun. Their initiative aims to educate young students about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a blueprint for a better future for our planet through 17 global goals. This aims to spark curiosity and creativity in children as they conceptualize their ideal snacks that contribute to a sustainable world.
Theme: Let’s Go Fishing!
The second theme invites students to think beyond merely catching fish. It encourages kids to contemplate questions like, “Where could the fish be?” and “What bait would attract them?” The objective is for children to express the excitement and anticipation that fishing can evoke—whether it's dreaming about the catch of the day or the joy of simply being by the water. Designs for this theme should convey the fun and adventure fishing offers to enthusiasts of all ages.
Showcase Your Town’s Treasures
Continuing from the previous phase, participants are reminded to focus on showcasing their local community treasures. This could include beautiful parks, delicious local food, or vibrant community life. The aim is to create a poster that illustrates what makes their town special in a way that inspires excitement in others.
Competition Details
Eligibility:
The contest is open to all elementary school students residing in Japan, regardless of nationality.
Contest Schedule:
- - Submission Period: July 1, 2026 - September 18, 2026
- - Announcement of Winners: Approximately December 2026
- - Award Ceremony: Early December 2026
- - Display of Winning Designs on MCD Co.’s advertising media (exact locations and timing to be confirmed for December 2026).
Award Categories:
- - Lower Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards for grades 1-3.
- - Upper Grade: Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards for grades 4-6.
- - Special Jury Award.
Submissions:
Posters should be designed in A3 format or larger and in portrait orientation. Entries can be submitted through postal mail or via the official contest site. Be sure to check for specific submission guidelines at
Kids Poster Contest Site.
About MCD Co., Ltd.
MCD Co., Ltd. is a joint venture between the French company JCDecaux and Mitsubishi Corporation, established in 2000. With operations across 43 cities in Japan, they are dedicated to providing aesthetically pleasing and innovative outdoor advertising solutions, including bus stops and shopping malls. With international reach, JCDecaux operates in over 80 countries, setting a standard for advertising media worldwide.
This year's Kids Poster Design Contest aims to support young minds in expressing their creativity while aligning with global sustainability goals. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to share their visions and showcase the treasures of their environment. Parents and teachers are encouraged to inspire students to participate and unleash their imaginations in this engaging contest!