#Japan #Tokyo #Children Education #Car Recycling #Yoshiro Kojima

9th Annual 'Car Recycling' Contest Winners Announced

The Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, the Car Recycling Promotion Center (JARC), headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, recently revealed the winners of the 9th Annual 'Car Recycling' art contest aimed at elementary school students. This initiative encourages young minds to express their understanding and awareness of car recycling through creative works, such as slogans and posters. Its primary goal is to foster a circular economy and promote environmental conservation among future generations.

This year’s contest was marked by an unprecedented level of participation, accumulating a total of 15,915 entries from across the nation. Students were invited to submit their artistic interpretations of what automotive recycling means to them and why it is essential for society. Through this creative endeavor, the contest not only raises awareness about recycling but also helps students to think critically about Japan's industrial practices and environmental sustainability.

The entries were rigorously evaluated by a panel of judges, which included notable public figures and educators committed to environmental education. Winners were chosen in both the slogan and poster categories. Additionally, a special award, the Yoshiro Kojima Award, was presented, recognizing two exemplary pieces. Yoshiro Kojima, a prominent comedian, served as a special judge for this year’s contest, lending his voice to the crucial message of environmental responsibility for younger audiences.

Top Winners

Poster Category

• - Grand Prize: Nonoka Nawa (6th Grade, Sapporo Shiseikan Elementary School)

Slogan Category

• - Grand Prize: Seiichiro Nikawa (5th Grade, Kita Ward Takino River Third Elementary School)

Additional Awards

• - Children’s Newspaper Award:

- Kotaro Maeda (6th Grade, Sagamihara Kamitsuzukuma Elementary School)
- Honoka Tsuboi (4th Grade, Kitamoto Kita Elementary School)

• - Special Jury Award:

- Riho Harada (6th Grade, Toyota Wakazono Elementary School)
- Hina Urasaki (5th Grade, Miyakonojo Shukukichi Elementary School)
- Reimi Waki (5th Grade, Shizuoka Ando Elementary School)
- Ryosuke Miura (5th Grade, Ikoma Ikoma Elementary School)
- Mao Shinmoto (5th Grade, Osaka Kita Onkashima Elementary School)
- Miyu Suzuki (5th Grade, Tokyo Gakugei University Koganei Elementary School)

• - Yoshiro Kojima Award:

- Airina Tanase (6th Grade, Ishigaki Inoda Elementary School)
- Jun Takatori (3rd Grade, Kasai Uin Elementary School)

• - Group Award: Musashimurayama City Seventh Elementary School (Tokyo)

Contest Overview

1. Host: Car Recycling Promotion Center (JARC)
2. Supporters: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of the Environment, and various educational organizations nationwide.
3. Eligibility: Elementary school students residing in Japan.
4. Categories: ① Slogan ② Poster
5. Total Entries: 15,915

For more details about the winners and entries, please visit: JARC Contest Page

The event highlights the crucial role education plays in cultivating an environmentally conscious generation, reinforcing the message that sustainable practices start from a young age. The exchange of ideas among young participants reflects a growing commitment to tackle environmental challenges and promote recycling, which is increasingly vital in today’s world.