#Japan #Tokyo #Contest 2026 #Paper Recycling #Young Environmentalists

Introducing the 2026 National Paper Recycling Contest

The Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Promoting Paper Recycling, located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, is set to kick off its 2026 National Paper Recycling Contest targeted at elementary and junior high school students. Starting June 1, 2026, students from across the nation will be invited to submit their works for this important competition.

This contest, established in 2009, aims to deepen awareness regarding the recycling of old paper, and this particular edition marks the 18th occurrence of the annual event. The initiative focuses on “zagamiz” or miscellaneous paper—commonly overlooked materials that are often discarded as general waste despite their recyclability.

A Focus on Overlooked Resources

Our surroundings are rich with paper products such as newspapers, flyers, wrapping paper, and scratch paper. Among these, items like candy boxes, envelopes, and toilet paper cores fall under the category of zagamiz. Unfortunately, the reality is that many of them end up in the trash as burnable waste.

This contest brings attention to these overlooked materials, creating an opportunity for students to reconsider the importance of recycling old paper. Encouraging the recycling of items, particularly zagamiz, contributes to reducing general waste, resulting in improved environmental conditions for families, schools, and communities.

Changes Through Awareness and Action

The contest not only urges participants to understand recycling but also emphasizes actual practice in their daily lives, encouraging them to classify and collect paper effectively. Students are fostered to express their ideas and innovations through their artwork derived from the act of separating ordinary miscellaneous paper. This cumulative effort serves to transform their awareness and actions, prompting a proactive involvement in establishing a sustainable society.

Additionally, the foundation is currently executing a campaign called “Seek Out Zagamiz!” This initiative aims to shift the perspective of elements previously thrown away as burnable trash towards viewing them as valuable resources. The contest will play a role in promoting awareness, encouraging students to create and share their experiences, ideas, and methods regarding the collection of this type of paper. Ultimately, this will contribute toward reducing general waste and beautifying the environment, aligning with the goal of nurturing a sustainable society.

Resources for Participants

In supporting the submission process for this contest, relevant information such as entry flyers, entry forms, and manuscript paper is readily available on the foundation’s official website. Participants will find these materials available for easy printing, making it suitable for classroom-based or family-oriented initiatives. A clear and concise guide on tips and important points for submissions will also be offered, providing insight that can help craft thoughtful artwork.

History serves as a foundation too—participants can reference previous award-winning works published online as inspiration to enrich their creative approaches.

• - Official Center Website
• - Previous Award Winners

Contest Details

• - Name: 2026 National Paper Recycling Contest
• - Organizer: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation for Promoting Paper Recycling
• - Supported by: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
• - Submission Period: June 1 to November 27, 2026
• - Eligibility: Elementary and junior high school students from across the country
• - Categories:

1. Essay (Elementary)
2. Essay (Junior High)
3. Poster (Elementary)
4. Poster (Junior High)

• - Prizes:

- Minister of Education Award (Certificate, trophy, JPY 50,000 gift card)
- Gold Prize (Certificate, trophy, JPY 30,000 gift card)
- Special Gold Prize (Certificate, trophy, JPY 30,000 gift card)
- Silver Prize (Certificate, trophy, JPY 10,000 gift card)
- Bronze Prize (Certificate, trophy, JPY 2,000 gift card)
- Participation Prize (All applicants will receive a “Paper Recycling Notebook”).

Contact for Submissions and Inquiries

National Elementary and Junior High School Paper Recycling Contest Office (inside JOBOOT)
1-31-11, Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-0004, Japan
TEL: 03-6403-3383
FAX: 050-6875-7592
E-mail: [email protected]

We eagerly await the participation of many enthusiastic students and their contributions to our shared environmental future!