#Japan #Kitakyushu #Youth Innovation #Z-Generation

The Z-Generation Contest 2025: A Platform for Youth Innovations

On August 16, 2025, the Z-Generation Contest, a unique initiative held in Kitakyushu City, Japan, will take center stage as young innovators present their groundbreaking ideas. This project aims to promote Kitakyushu as the ultimate city supporting youth, and it serves as a platform to ignite fresh ideas and proposals from the Z generation.

Contest Overview

The Z-Generation Contest encourages young individuals and groups, aged 15 to 29, to develop innovative solutions that can contribute to the vibrancy of the city. Contestants will compete for grants of up to 3 million yen, alongside expert advice to help bring their ideas to fruition. Eight finalists were chosen from a pool of 60 applicants. They will present their projects to a jury composed of industry professionals and community leaders.

Event Schedule

The event will kick off at 3:00 PM at the Riverwalk Kitakyushu’s Energy Court, diving right into the heart of innovative presentations:

• - Opening Declaration by the Mayor
• - Presentations by Eight Finalists
• - Judging and Scoring: Insights from Last Year’s Winners
• - Announcement of Top Three Projects
• - Commemorative Photos

The event will conclude around 5:00 PM, followed by interviews with the selected winners.

Meet the Innovators

This year’s contestants hail from various backgrounds and present diverse projects that tackle local issues and encourage cultural exchange:

1. Keita Takahashi - EATA WORLD KITAKYUSHU

Aiming to establish a new theme park centered around food and activities, Keita proposes to leverage Kitakyushu’s rich culinary culture to attract tourism and enhance local community value.

2. Daisuke Hitaka - THE KOKURA RUNWAY & NIGHT

Combining fashion, music, and community engagement, Daisuke suggests an innovative fashion show concept and a nighttime event featuring multiple music venues throughout the city.

3. Ayumi Murazane - Reverse Teacher!

Proposing a flipped approach, Ayumi’s project empowers Z-generation women to teach companies, fostering a new culture of learning and challenge while utilizing AI and social media.

4. Yuka Amamiya - Re: A Pre-Mortem Experience

In response to rising mental health issues among youth, Yuka’s event focuses on creating a simulated near-death experience for participants to re-evaluate the meaning of life and boost self-worth.

5. Airi Hisada - Ajiwau Kitakyushu

With a focus on culinary travel, Airi wants to create a website showcasing vegan and vegetarian options in Kitakyushu, providing essential information for travelers with dietary restrictions.

6. Aya Higa - Collaboration: Kokura Textile meets River Lace & Lingerie

Aya's project combines traditional Kokura weaving and lace from Osaka to create new, innovative lingerie that celebrates local craftsmanship.

7. Ririka Tamura - The Kitakyushu Masquerade

Aiming to facilitate deeper conversations in an often superficial online world, Ririka’s event encourages anonymous dialogue among participants, helping them recognize their self-worth.

8. Yura Kuriyama - Mogu Mogu Support Project

Focusing on revitalizing the Kaji-cho area, Yura plans to create a trading card system to promote local dining experiences, integrating digital solutions for sustained engagement.

Expert Jury

The contest's esteemed jury includes:

• - Ayane Arita, Copywriter at The Breakthrough Company GO
• - Yuusei Ooba, Brand Producer and Designer
• - Kiyoshi Matsuo, Chief Entertainment Officer of Kitakyushu
• - Mr. KEIKO, Drag Queen

Supporting the Next Generation

The city is committed to nurturing youthful ideas through financial support and expert guidance. Additionally, the contest is backed by the Minna no Bank, which has launched the 'Kitakyushu Z-Generation Cheer Box' initiative. This project allows participants to seamlessly connect their financial support to local initiatives while receiving a financial bonus themselves.

With vibrant proposals echoing the creative spirit of the Z generation, the Z-Generation Contest in Kitakyushu showcases the potential of youth-driven change, enhancing community engagement and cultural enrichment for years to come. Let's cheer for these young innovators as they take their first steps toward making their dreams a reality!

Conclusion

The Z-Generation Contest plays a crucial role in not only spotlighting innovative minds but also fostering a support system for young entrepreneurs. We look forward to witnessing the outcomes of this exciting event and how these ambitious young individuals will shape the future of Kitakyushu and beyond.