#Kodansha #Everystar #Aoi Tori

A New Opportunity for Young Storytellers

The journey to becoming a published author is often a challenging and competitive one, particularly for young writers. However, there's a thrilling opportunity awaiting aspiring authors in Japan! The 9th Aoi Tori Bunko Novel Awards is opening its doors for submissions from May 1, 2026, to July 31, 2026, a contest designed by Kodansha, a major publishing house, in collaboration with Everystar, a popular online novel submission platform.

This contest specifically targets children’s literature for middle and elementary school students, inviting submissions across various genres. Whether your story revolves around mystery, horror, survival, romance, or educational themes that intrigue young readers, the Aoi Tori Bunko team is eager to discover unique and engaging narratives that resonate with today's youth. The goal is clear: create stories that are not just entertaining but also enriching and thought-provoking.

Prizes for Outstanding Work

Participating in this contest not only offers a chance for young authors to showcase their talents but also significant prizes for winners:

• - Grand Prize: A prestigious award trophy, a cash prize of ¥500,000, guaranteed book publication, and a critique from renowned authors of the Aoi Tori Bunko.
• - Gold Prize: An award certificate, a cash prize of ¥200,000, guaranteed book publication, and writer’s feedback.
• - Encouragement Prize: An award certificate along with a cash prize of ¥50,000.

Additionally, the best works will receive evaluations from celebrated Aoi Tori Bunko authors like Kaoru Hayamine, known for the **