#Japan #Tokyo #Car Recycling #Yoshio Kojima #Children Contest

The 9th Car Recycling Competition: A Call for Entries

The Japan Automobile Recycling Promotion Center, located in Minato City, Tokyo, is excited to announce the start of entries for the 9th 'Car Recycling' competition. This event aims to engage elementary school students from across Japan, encouraging them to explore the theme of vehicle recycling through creative expressions such as slogans and posters. The competition will conclude on January 31, 2026, and everyone is welcome to participate!

This initiative is designed to foster an understanding of the automotive industry and environmental preservation among young students. It is increasingly important that the future generation comprehends the significance of recycling automobiles, both for the environment and the economy. Through their artwork and slogans, contestants can voice what they believe is essential for others to understand about car recycling. The inclusion of humor and creativity can make a substantial difference in how this topic is perceived.

Special Judge Yoshio Kojima

This year, the competition has an exciting twist: renowned comedian Yoshio Kojima will serve as a special judge. Known for his engaging comedic style, Kojima is set to bring a fresh perspective to the evaluation process. He will also bestow a newly created 'Kojima Award' to the most creative submission in each category, further incentivizing kids to participate and think outside the box.

Competition Highlights

Last year’s competition saw an impressive 4,915 entries, with students creating slogans that highlighted the importance of vehicle recycling, such as 'Most Cars Are Recycled' and 'Creating Cars That Are Easy to Recycle.' Given the enthusiasm shown in previous years, the organization anticipates a similar or even greater number of entries for this year's event.

Competition Details

Organizer:

• - Japan Automobile Recycling Promotion Center

Supported by:

• - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
• - Ministry of the Environment
• - Federation of Prefectural Boards of Education
• - Federation of Municipal Boards of Education
• - National Council of Social Studies Research of Elementary Schools
• - National Art Education Federation
• - Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
• - Japan Automobile Dealers Association
• - Japan Used Automobile Dealership Association
• - Japan Automotive Service Promotion Association
• - Japan Steel Recycling Industry Association
• - Japan Automobile Recycling Organization
• - NHK
• - Yomiuri Shimbun
• - Yomiuri KODOMO Shimbun

Eligibility:

• - Open to elementary school students residing in Japan.

Categories:

1. Slogan Category
2. Poster Category

Submission Guidelines:

• - Slogan Category: Entries can be submitted via mail, fax, or web. Participants can express their thoughts (maximum 100 characters) along with the slogan (no strict format for 5-7-5).
• - Poster Category: Entries must be submitted via mail on a sheet of drawing paper, size A4 or smaller, using any medium (collage not accepted).

Submission Address:

104-0032, 6F Gunsei Building, 3-17-6 Hachobori, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

For any inquiries, please contact the 'Car Recycling Competition' office (within Plus M) at 03-6222-5250 (Weekdays from 10 AM to 6 PM) or by fax at 03-6222-4823.

Deadline:

All entries must arrive by January 31, 2026.

Awards Announcement:

Results will be revealed in late March.

Prize Breakdown:

• - Grand Prize: 1 winner per category (certificate and a bookstore gift card worth 20,000 yen)
• - Elementary School Newspaper Prize: 1 winner per category (certificate and a bookstore gift card worth 10,000 yen)
• - Judges’ Special Award: 3 winners per category (certificate and a bookstore gift card worth 10,000 yen)
• - Kojima Award: 1 winner per category (certificate, a bookstore gift card worth 10,000 yen, and a special gift)
• - Excellence Award: 50 winners (certificate and a bookstore gift card worth 5,000 yen)
• - Group Award: 10 schools (certificate and a bookstore gift card worth 50,000 yen)

To learn more about the competition, please visit here.

Let’s inspire the next generation to take an active role in preserving our environment! With support from the community and innovative minds in the classroom, the awareness and understanding of car recycling can flourish.