#Japan #Tokyo #community support #Traffic Safety #Kokumin Kyosai

Announcing the Results of the 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project Contest

Kokumin Kyosai Coop, under the leadership of Chairman Akikazu Uchikoshi, has been dedicated to the protection of children from traffic accidents through the '7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project' since 2019. As a part of this initiative, the Coop collaborated with note to host the contest '# Considering Children's Safety' from May 13 to June 1, 2025.

This contest attracted an overwhelming response, with 2,943 entries focusing on themes such as community vigilance along school routes and the relief provided by carrying yellow crossing flags. The heartfelt nature of these submissions underlines the importance of safeguarding children while commuting to school. The project emphasizes that protection can come from various individuals in the community, not just parents.

Winning Entries

Grand Prize

Title: The Magic of 'Have a Good Day' from the Green Aunt

Author: Therapeia_Kokolun
URL: Link

Judges' Comments:
This entry was unanimously awarded the grand prize for its emotional depth. The narrative centers around a mother standing on a morning school route who does not just care about traffic safety, but also the emotional state of each child. Her assertion that a simple smile saying 'Have a good day' can lighten children's burdens resonated strongly with the jury, highlighting the critical role of community support.

Kokumin Kyosai Coop Prize

Title: Who Protects Children When Their Parents Can’t See Them?

Author: Ankoromochi
URL: Link

Judges' Comments:
This introspective piece discusses the guardianship present in the community. The author, concerned for her daughter who returns home alone, meets lively local elders who gather daily to ensure children's safety during their commutes. The judges praised the story's comforting vibe, underlining the power of simple, collective action.

Traffic Safety Project Prize

Title: What Adults Can Do to Keep Kids Safe

Author: Minako
URL: Link

Judges' Comments:
Minako draws from past experiences of near-misses with vehicles to express the dangers of commuting. Her participation in local safety initiatives reveals her commitment to becoming the 'adult eyes' children need today. The judges noted that her honest reflections about safety underscored the necessity for community awareness.

Reflection on the Contest

This contest reminded us of the importance of community in safeguarding children. The heartfelt submissions were deeply personal and showcased contributions from parents, educators, and volunteers. Each entry illustrated the collaborative efforts essential for creating a nurturing environment for children to confidently say 'I'm off' and return home safely with smiles.

Moving forward, Kokumin Kyosai Coop reaffirms its commitment to working with everyone to cultivate a traffic accident-free society that protects our precious children, ensuring they can enjoy their everyday adventures safely.

About note

note is a media platform that allows creators to share and enjoy content ranging from text to multimedia, fostering a space for safe and diverse creation. Launched in April 2014, it has amassed approximately 60 million works and 10 million users by June 2025. More info can be found at note's official site.

The 7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project

The unfortunate reality is that children newly entering elementary school are vulnerable to traffic accidents. Gorila data indicates that first graders show significantly higher pedestrian accident rates due to their lower vantage point and still-developing awareness. In response, Kokumin Kyosai Coop initiated the '7-Year-Old Traffic Safety Project' in March 2019, donating over 1.55 million crossing flags to schools and community centers nationwide. We have also collaborated with Kanazawa University to develop a unique traffic safety hazard map specifically for young children.

Through various initiatives such as those mentioned above, Kokumin Kyosai Coop strives to enhance the community's role in safeguarding children while increasing traffic safety awareness among parents and guardians. We believe that a collective effort is crucial in ensuring that children can embrace their daily journeys with peace of mind.