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Japan Wagamama Awards 2026: Empowering the Next Generation

The Japan Wagamama Awards 2026 is set to inspire and support Japanese teenagers as they embark on ambitious projects aimed at transforming their communities through technology. This year, the awards, hosted by IRODORI, have announced the involvement of eight official sponsors dedicated to empowering youth initiatives.

Event Details

The culminating event of the awards will take place on March 1, 2026, in Tokyo, followed by an international AI and Education Summit in July at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States. These significant platforms are aimed at enhancing the learning experience and offering opportunities for young innovators to showcase their ideas on an international stage.

During both events, the official t-shirts worn by participants and staff will feature the logos of sponsoring companies, which will also provide additional human resources and support to the participants. The sponsors play a vital role in the foundation of this initiative, contributing towards travel and accommodation costs to ensure equitable access for finalists from diverse regions across Japan.

Aiming to Bridge Regional Disparities

The primary objective of the Japan Wagamama Awards is to create an environment where adolescents, regardless of their geographical location, can confidently pursue challenges both domestically and internationally. Despite the positive enthusiasm, many students residing in rural areas face structural barriers due to the costs associated with traveling to competitions and attending international events in Tokyo and abroad. The involvement of the sponsors directly addresses this issue by providing financial assistance for transportation and accommodation, thereby promoting equal opportunities for all participants.

Moreover, the sponsors' contributions will be allocated to the following initiatives:
1. Creating Equal Opportunities: Financial aid for finalists to cover travel and accommodation expenses, ensuring all students can participate in the Tokyo finals and the world summit without financial burdens.
2. Establishing International Learning Opportunities: Collaborative workshops with the App Inventor Foundation in the U.S. and mentorship programs that offer unique insights from experienced professionals.
3. Maintaining a Safe and Sustainable Challenging Environment: Funds will also support venue setups, online streaming, and continuous operational systems to foster a safe environment for ongoing participation.

The logos on the official t-shirts symbolize sponsors' commitment to supporting the youth as they navigate their pathways to global challenges, demonstrating a collaborative effort between businesses and budding innovators.

Official Sponsors

The eight sponsors for this initiative include a diverse range of organizations committed to youth empowerment:
1. 90 Co., Ltd.: Providing innovative English coaching, redefining language learning experiences for students.
2. Nobuhiko Hayashi Certified Public Accountant Office: Supporting strategic growth for various enterprises, including startups.
3. Robert Rasmussen & Associates: Leading providers of LEGO® Serious Play® in Japan, offering insights in human resource development.
4. AcuRAY Co., Ltd.: Equipping startups and small businesses with governance and management solutions.
5. YuuYuu World Co., Ltd.: Focused on regional revitalization through logistics and trade.
6. Informatics Co., Ltd.: A pioneer in spatial information systems, delivering high-quality IT solutions.
7. Petula AK Co., Ltd.: Encouraging social transformation by supporting challenges for youth.
8. Braze, Inc.: A leading customer engagement platform facilitating connections between brands and consumers.

Looking Ahead

As the awards program gears up for the final presentation in March 2026, it stands as a testament to the capabilities of Japanese youth to make profound societal changes using technology and creativity. The Japan Wagamama Awards allow teenagers to engage with the community and problem-solve innovatively, building not only their skills but also inspiring a wave of change throughout Japan.

For more information and updates about the program, please visit Japan Wagamama Awards website. The hosting organization, IRODORI, is dedicated to fostering opportunities for every adolescent to contribute uniquely to their communities.

Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the awards, please reach out to the Japan Wagamama Awards Executive Committee at IRODORI by email at [email protected] or call +81-3-6823-0836.