#Japan #Contest 2025 #Kitakyushu #Z Generation

Z Generation's Out-of-the-Box Contest 2025

The city of Kitakyushu, proudly promoting itself as the most youth-friendly city in Japan, recently held the Z Generation Out-of-the-Box Contest 2025. This initiative is designed to draw out creative ideas from the younger generation and support their realization, demonstrating the city's commitment to fostering innovation among its youth.

On August 16, 2025, the final screening of this exciting contest took place, where three applicants out of a total of sixty participants were selected. Each winner will receive a subsidy of up to 3 million yen from Kitakyushu City and will benefit from personalized support from experts to bring their visions to life.

Grand Prize Winner

The crown went to Tomo Yura Kuriyama (20), whose project, "Mogutto Oshi Katsu! Project," focuses on revitalizing the Kaji-machi area by rediscovering and enhancing the appeal of local restaurants. The initiative involves creating trading cards that highlight dining establishments and their staff as 'stars' to encourage enjoyment and exploration in the city. Additionally, the project aims to digitize card information to foster a sustainable engagement model for visitors.

Second Place Winner

Airi Hisada (23) claimed the second spot with her innovative website titled "Ajiwau Kitakyushu," which aggregates vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu options available within the city. This platform serves as a valuable resource for international travelers with dietary restrictions, allowing them to gather reliable information before their trips.

Third Place Winner

The third prize went to Saya Higa (28), who proposed a unique collaboration titled "Feeling Tradition at Hand—The Fusion of Kokura Weaving, River Lace, and Lingerie." This project blends the traditional Kokura textile with lace-making expertise from Takarazuka, Hyogo, to design and showcase a new line of lingerie, bringing together heritage and modern fashion.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the selected winners will proceed with subsidy application procedures, which can be submitted continuously, with project implementation scheduled to begin after the subsidy approval set for August 2025 and continuing until March 2026.

Contest Overview

The Z Generation Out-of-the-Box Contest 2025 was open to individuals or groups of the Z Generation (ages 15 to 29), both from within and outside the city. Proposals were encouraged to demonstrate originality and novelty while contributing to the vibrancy of Kitakyushu.

Application Statistics

A total of 60 applications were presented, significantly increasing from the previous year. Various demographics were represented among the applicants, including high school students, university attendees, and young professionals ranging from ages 15 to 29.

City Support

Kitakyushu City provided aid to the winners, with the maximum subsidy set at 3 million yen per project. Moreover, the city initiated support programs involving expert consultations to help navigate the realization of these innovative ideas.

Notable Past Winners

Recapping previous winning projects highlights the city's ongoing dedication to youth engagement. For instance, an award-winning virtual reality event brought attention to Kitakyushu's unique culture, while the "Ogura Coffee Garden Project" aimed at sustainable agriculture for the younger generation.

Overall, the Z Generation Out-of-the-Box Contest 2025 exemplifies Kitakyushu's proactive approach to empower its youth, foster creativity, and transform innovative ideas into tangible community projects.