#Japan #Tokyo #Inclusive Education #Educational Materials #Contest 2026

The 4th Inclusive Educational Materials Contest

The All-Japan School Teaching Materials Cooperative and the Tsukuba University附属Otsuka Special Needs School are pleased to announce the opening of submissions for the 4th Inclusive Educational Materials Contest, backed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The contest runs from August 1 (Friday) at 12:00 PM until October 16 (Thursday) at 6:00 PM.

Contest Theme

This year’s theme is "Turning Materials for One Child into Materials for All." This initiative aims to facilitate the sharing and appreciation of handmade educational materials created by dedicated teachers and supporters of special needs education. While many educators craft innovative tools for teaching, they often lack platforms to showcase their work, leading to a disconnect amongst educators and the larger community.

Judging and Awards

Entries will be fairly evaluated by a panel of distinguished experts involved in special needs education and materials development. Categories for awards include:

• - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Prize: 1 Winner
• - Excellence Awards: 1 Winner for each evaluation category
• - Special Awards: 3 to 5 Winners

Moreover, there is potential for winning entries to be commercialized, broadening their reach and impact. Information about all submitted materials will also be shared widely, contributing to collective knowledge in the educational community.

Submission Details

• - Eligibility:

- Educators from kindergartens, elementary, middle and high schools, universities, and special needs schools (including part-time aides)
- Individuals involved in child support services (e.g., after-school programs, social welfare facilities)
- Others, such as parents and students

• - Submission Theme: Educational materials created during daily teaching practices and student development, including both analog and digital formats.

• - Submission Categories:

1. Intellectual Disabilities
2. Developmental Disabilities
3. Target Classes: preschool, elementary, middle, high school
4. Applicant Types: Educators (group A) or General Applicants (group B and C)

Prizes and Perks

Awards:

• - Ministry Prize: A choice of materials worth 100,000 yen from the "inCLum Inclusive Educational Material Catalog," along with a certificate, trophy, and bonus.
• - Excellence Prize: A selection of materials worth up to 30,000 yen, plus a certificate and trophy.
• - Special Prize: Materials chosen up to 10,000 yen, a certificate, trophy, and bonus.

Participant Benefits

• - Official contest stickers.
• - Access to view submitted materials.

Participants can exchange ideas and gather inspiration for creating materials, as all submissions will be available on a dedicated website where they can leave comments on each other's work. This fosters a supportive community atmosphere among educators.

Co-organizers

• - All-Japan School Teaching Materials Cooperative
• - Tsukuba University附属Otsuka Special Needs School

Official Support

• - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
• - Tsukuba University

Get Involved

Join us in this enriching event and contribute to a more inclusive educational environment. For more information and to submit entries, visit the official contest website and follow their social media for updates:

• - Official Website
• - Instagram

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the Inclusive Educational Materials Contest Office:

• - Address: 4-11-8-6F, Chuo, Edogawa-ku, Tokyo 132-0021
• - Phone: 03-6231-4177
• - Fax: 03-6231-4220
• - Email: [email protected]