20th Annual 'My Train Stories' Elementary Newspaper Contest Kicks Off Soon

20th Annual 'My Train Stories' Elementary Newspaper Contest

The Japan Private Railways Association, led by President Kenhiro Sugiyama, is excited to announce the 20th edition of the 'My Train Stories' elementary newspaper contest. This initiative is designed to foster interest and understanding of trains among young children through the art of newspaper creation. This year, the submission period will run from July 1 to September 30, 2026.

Initiated in 2007, the contest has become a platform for elementary school students nationwide to explore their everyday railway experiences social aspects as themes for their learning and summer research projects. The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, alongside the National Elementary School Social Studies Research Association.

The contest invites students from all over Japan to submit their work on various themes, including their interests and questions regarding trains, accessibility issues, and eco-friendly railway practices. All participants will receive a 'participation prize,' while the best submissions will be honored at a ceremony scheduled to take place in Tokyo.

To promote engagement, the association will display contest posters in participating railway stations and trains during the submission period.

Contest Details

1. Title: 20th Annual 'My Train Stories' Elementary Newspaper Contest
2. Organizer: Japan Private Railways Association
3. Sponsors: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; National Elementary School Social Studies Research Association
4. Collaborators: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Traffic Ecology & Mobility Foundation
5. Submission Period: July 1 (Wednesday) to September 30 (Wednesday), 2026
(All entries must be postmarked by the due date.)
6. Eligibility: Open to all elementary school students nationwide
7. Themes: Topics include 'Life and Trains,' 'Accessibility and Trains,' or 'Eco-Friendly Trains.'
8. Format: Submissions can be in newspaper style, news article format, or illustrated diary format. Only grades 1-2 and students from special support classes can submit illustrated diaries.
Both handwritten and digitally created entries are allowed. Entries in newspaper or illustrated diary format must be on A3-sized paper, while news articles must be on A4-sized dedicated paper.
The application forms and dedicated papers can be downloaded from the contest's website.
9. Submission Method: Applications can be sent by mail or submitted online via the contest's website. Entries can be submitted individually or by school groups.
(Mailing Address):
15 Otsuka, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, 410-8770
Toppan Kurore, Japan Private Railways Association
10. Announcement of Results: Scheduled for mid-December 2026 on the Japan Private Railways Association's website.
11. Participation Prize: Original 'My Train Stories' notebook.
12. Awards:
- Individual section: Approximately 100 awards (Best Work Award, Gold Award, Silver Award, Special Jury Award, Accessibility Award, etc.)
- School section: Approximately 40 schools (Best School Award, Excellent School Award, etc.)
13. Award Ceremony: Planned to be held in January 2027 in Tokyo, where top award winners in both individual and school categories will be invited.

The 19th contest's best work was awarded the 'Minister of Education Award,' showcasing the remarkable creativity and thoughtfulness of young students motivated by railway topics.

As this year's contest marks its 20th anniversary, the association is considering updates to modernize it for future editions. Further details will be announced soon.