Celebrating Winners of the 'Sazae-san Family Morinowa' Speech Bubble Contest

Announcing the Winners of the 'Sazae-san Family Morinowa' Speech Bubble Contest

The much-anticipated results of the 'Sazae-san Family Morinowa Speech Bubble Contest' have been revealed, marking a significant occasion for this year’s event, now in its third iteration. In a competitive field, a total of 1,087 entries were submitted from across the nation. This year’s contest was made possible through the collaboration with the Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum, organized alongside the Forestry Agency's annual 'Green Appreciation Festival'.

Contest Overview

Running from April 10 to May 30, individuals were invited to insert dialogue into the speech bubbles of the beloved 4-panel comic strips of 'Sazae-san', focusing on themes pertaining to forests, trees, and the sustainable use of timber resources. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the idea of 'cutting, using, planting, and nurturing' forest resources while conveying the lively spirit that characterizes the Sazae-san family. The judging committee evaluated entries based on three key factors: the promotion of the significance of forests, the coherence of the dialogues with the comic’s narrative, and the overall feel that resonates with the Sazae-san family spirit.

Winners Announced

After careful consideration by an expert judging panel, four exceptional entries have been awarded:

- Forestry Agency Minister's Award (2 winners)

- Naoko Nawa with the piece titled 'It’s Okay to Take Your Time'. This humorous entry showcases Sazae-san’s quirky yet relatable quest to plant trees while minimizing movement to reduce CO2 emissions, ultimately delivering an entertaining punchline characteristic of Sazae-san’s charm.
- Ryo Takebun with the work titled 'Role of Forests'. This insightful entry illustrates Sazae-san’s exploration of the various roles forests play, sparking curiosity and effectively conveying the importance of understanding and appreciating forests.

- Green Appreciation Festival Chairperson’s Award (1 winner)

- Yuichiro Mishima for his work 'What We Can Do'. This thought-provoking piece encourages readers to consider their contributions to wood resource utilization, cleverly weaving in the concept of 'Wood Change' which culminates in a line about free cutting boards, showcasing Sazae-san’s humor and relatability.

- Hasegawa Machiko Art Museum Award (1 winner)

- Yuichiro Shimizu with his title 'Bat'. This friendly work emphasizes the importance of using wooden products over time in the context of carbon storage, while also addressing the need for resource circulation through Katsu-san's humorous request for new bats.

Looking Ahead

The award ceremony is set for November 4, 2025, where the winners will be officially recognized for their creative contributions. As the contest continues to evolve, it not only highlights the artistic talents of participants but also promotes vital discussions surrounding the importance of forestry and environmental stewardship through the lens of beloved cultural icons.

In summary, the 'Sazae-san Family Morinowa Speech Bubble Contest' serves not just as a creative outlet, but as a vessel for education, awareness, and appreciation of our forests—reminding us all of the vital connections we have with nature. The talent exhibited by the winners inspires future generations to engage with environmental issues in a light-hearted, yet meaningful way.