The 19th 'My and Mintetsu' Student Newspaper Contest Announced

Announcing the 19th 'My and Mintetsu' Elementary School Newspaper Contest

The Japan Private Railway Association (J.P.R.A.), based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has officially opened entries for the 19th edition of the 'My and Mintetsu' elementary school newspaper contest. This initiative aims to inspire children to deepen their understanding and curiosity about railways through newspaper creation. The contest runs from July 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

Background of the Contest

Since its inception in 2007, the 'My and Mintetsu' contest has sought to engage elementary school students nationwide in exploring railways as a social matter, incorporated within their lessons and summer research projects. Now celebrating its 19th year, this contest has received support from crucial governmental bodies, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the National Council for Social Studies in Elementary Schools.

Contest Details

1. Contest Name: 19th 'My and Mintetsu' Elementary School Newspaper Contest
2. Organizer: Japan Private Railway Association
3. Support: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; National Council for Social Studies in Elementary Schools
4. Sponsors: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Traffic Ecology and Mobility Foundation, TOPPAN Kurore Co., Ltd.
5. Application Period: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025 (postmarked by the deadline)
6. Eligibility: All elementary school students nationwide
7. Themes: 'Life and Railways', 'Barrier-Free Railways', or 'Environmentally Friendly Railways'
8. Format: Newspapers, news articles, or illustrated diaries
Note: Illustrated diary submissions are limited to grades 1-2 and students from special needs classes/schools. Entries can be hand-drawn or created via PC/tablet.
9. Submission Method: Entries can be sent to the contest's office by mail or can be submitted through the official contest website. Participations can be grouped by schools or as individuals.
Mailing address:
410-8770
Topan Kurore Co., Ltd.
15 Otsuka, Numazu City, Shizuoka, Japan
Japan Private Railway Association 'My and Mintetsu' Contest Office

All necessary templates for applications, including submission forms and PC creation formats can be downloaded from the contest's official website.

10. Announcement of Results: Scheduled for mid-December 2025 on the Japan Private Railway Association's website.

Award Categories

The contest will recognize approximately 100 individual entries and about 40 schools. Awards include:

- Best Work Award (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award): 1 winner
- Mintetsu Work Award: variable number
- Gold Awards: Approximately 6 winners
- Silver Awards: Approximately 6 winners
- Special Jury Prize: Approximately 4 winners
- Barrier-Free Award: 3 winners
- News Article Award: 5 winners
- Illustrated Diary Award: 3 winners
- Bronze Awards: 20 winners
- Effort Awards: 42 winners
- Wakakusa Award: 10 winners

In the school category, one school will receive the Best School Award (Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award), and other awards will be distributed accordingly.

Awards Ceremony

The awards ceremony is set to take place in January 2026 in Tokyo, where the above-mentioned award winners will be invited.

Participation Prize

Every participant will receive a set of five highlighters as a participation prize (one per group entry).

Get Involved

For previous ceremonies results and winning entries, visit the contest's official website, along with resources for deeper learning about railways at Mintetsu Kids.