#Japan #Tokyo #NOMA #City Promotion #Regional Happiness

City Promotion Award 2025: A Step Toward Local Happiness

The City Promotion Award 2025 has officially opened its entries, aiming to recognize efforts that enhance regional happiness across Japan. Initiatives and projects that promote the unique attractions and values of local communities are welcome, engaging not just municipal entities but also private organizations, educational institutions, and other groups, including high school and university students.

Overview of the Award

The aim of the City Promotion Award is to highlight effective city promotional activities that contribute to the well-being of local residents, especially in a society facing population decline. The campaign aims to showcase successful projects that have created meaningful connections between individuals and regions. It's an annual event that has been taking place since 2021, celebrating initiatives that tackle local issues, foster population retention, and build community ties.

Application Details

• - Application Period: August 12, 2025, to September 19, 2025
• - Eligible Participants: Municipal corporations, private companies, organizations, educational institutions, commerce chambers, and NPOs that have undertaken or are working on city promotion initiatives (including projects in planning stages). Those interested can submit their entries through the official application form available at City Promotion Award Entry Form.
• - After submitting, entrants must submit a 'project plan' by September 30, which will undergo further evaluation on scheduled hearing days.
• - The award ceremony is anticipated to take place in April 2026, following the announcement of the winners in January 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Chairing the evaluation process is Professor Takahito Kawai of Tokai University’s Faculty of Culture and Society, underscoring the importance of understanding how city promotion strategies can contribute to the happiness of the community.

The criteria for judging entries revolve around demonstrating how the initiatives have positively impacted local relationships and fostered community spirit. The committee encourages innovative and effective applications that reflect the essence of local culture and address significant challenges faced by communities.

Success Stories from Previous Years

Recent winners of the City Promotion Award include notable projects such as:

• - Machida City: Recognized for its extensive promotional materials detailing a comprehensive analysis of the city’s attractiveness.
• - Sayama City: Awarded for an interactive approach to improve community connection through ‘LINK SAYAMA’.
• - 3X3 Kuki Executive Committee: Focused on community building through basketball, creating an invigorating multi-generational community.
• - Honjo City: Acknowledged for its efforts that engaged citizens in ongoing promotional activities.
• - Memuro Town: Praised for creatively realizing the community’s dreams and showcasing them visually.

These examples showcase the potential and creativity within communities across Japan, offering inspiration to prospective entrants.

Getting Involved

For more detailed information on the award and the application process, entries can check the official site at City Promotion Award Official Site. Evaluative sheets and guidelines on submitting applications are also available for review.

This award provides a valuable opportunity for municipalities and organizations to share their stories and strategies to create happier, more connected communities. As the field of city promotion continues to evolve, award organizers anticipate seeing even more innovative ways of fostering relationships and improving the quality of life in cities throughout Japan.

Conclusion

The City Promotion Award 2025 represents not only a chance to gain recognition but also to contribute to the broader narrative of what makes regions thrive. By nurturing local happiness, we pave the way for a sustainable future that aligns with changing societal needs, paving the way to innovations in regional development. Join this exciting initiative and make a difference in your community!