#Japan #Hiroshima #Contest #Fairytale #Andersen

Andersen's 44th Fairytale Award

The Andersen Bread Living Culture Research Institute, headquartered in Hiroshima, Japan, is excited to announce the call for submissions for the 44th Andersen Fairytale Award, starting on September 2, 2026. This annual contest invites participants to showcase their creativity through captivating tales that can warm the hearts of readers.

Overview of the Contest

The Andersen Fairytale Award was established in 1983 as a commemorative project celebrating the 35th anniversary of Andersen. At the time of its inception, despite the abundance of material goods, the emotional richness of life was lacking. The initiative aims to explore what can truly enhance the quality of life for people. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, the renowned Danish fairytale writer, we aspire to share dreams and hopes through the medium of stories.

Each year, the contest features a unique approach where distinguished illustrators with varied styles select the stories that inspire them to create illustrations. The chosen works, paired with the artists' imaginative illustrations, culminate in the publication of a book titled the “Andersen Fairytale Library,” effectively expanding the realm of original fairytale narratives.

Submission Details

• - Eligibility:

- General category: Middle school students and older
- Children's category: Up to 6th-grade elementary school students

• - Theme: Participants are encouraged to write freely about their daily experiences, emotions, and imaginative thoughts.

• - Word Count:

- General category: Up to 8,000 characters
- Children's category: Between 800 and 2,000 characters

• - Submission Period:

- From September 2, 2026, to December 10, 2026
- (Postmark of submission must be on or before December 10)

• - Submission Methods:

Participants can submit their entries using either a web application form or a printed submission form. All works must be sent to the contest office.

• - Announcement Date:

- Winners will be announced on April 2, 2027, which also marks the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen.

Important Guidelines

• - All entries must be original, unpublished works written in Japanese.
• - Works that are under consideration for other fairy tale competitions are not eligible.
• - Submissions generated by AI will not be considered.
• - The copyright for the Grand Prize and Excellent Awards will belong to Andersen Bread Living Culture Research Institute.

Prizes

General Category

• - Grand Prize: 1 recipient will receive a prize of 300,000 yen and a pair trip to Denmark.
• - Excellent Awards: 3 recipients will receive a prize of 100,000 yen each.
• - Winning awards: 5 recipients will receive a prize of 30,000 yen each.

Children's Category

• - Grand Prize: 1 recipient will receive an encouragement grant of 50,000 yen and a pair trip to Denmark.
• - Winning Awards: 2 recipients will receive an encouragement grant of 10,000 yen each.

A Message from the Office

The Andersen Fairytale Award has a long-standing history of soliciting original storytelling, attracting a diverse range of participants from children to adults. Over the years, many heartwarming tales that capture everyday observations, imaginative worlds, and empathy for others have been submitted. We eagerly anticipate seeing the creative and thoughtful entries for the 44th award edition and look forward to sharing meaningful stories that resonate with readers. We invite you to express your imaginative prowess!

For inquiries regarding submissions:

• - Office of Andersen Group Public Relations:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 082-240-1003 (Reception hours: 10 AM to 5 PM, excluding weekends and holidays)

Additional Information

• - Previous Participants:

The contest has seen an impressive total of 76,098 submissions up to the 43rd year. Additionally, 215 distinguished individuals have served as judges over the years.

As we embark on this new chapter with the 44th Andersen Fairytale Award, let your imagination flourish and share your stories that inspire creativity and joy!