We are engaged in services deeply related to the environment, including ISO 14001 assessments and the verification of GHG emissions. In this context, we have been holding this contest since 1999 under the auspices of the UNICEF Tokyo Office. We hope that the contest will provide an opportunity for children worldwide, who are responsible for the future, to think about the global environment, draw inspiration from the rich nature, and bring out their full potential.
This contest received the “Environment Minister's Award for Global Warming Prevention Activity” sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan, in 2016, which greatly encouraged us to continue the contest.
The submitted works come not only from elementary and junior high schools in Japan but also from all over the world. To date, we have accepted works from more than 100 countries through the UNICEF, Embassies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the International Certification Network (IQNET). Since many children in developing countries are drawing pictures for the first time, we also received many comments of gratitude that the contest is a great opportunity for children to think about the global environment through learning.
Crayons and drawing paper are provided by JQA to encourage participation.
Judgement meeting (FY2022)Judgement meeting (FY2022) Mr. Koji Kinutani, a Japanese painter, has been serving as Chairman of the Judging Committee since the first contest.
Mr. Koji KinutaniMr. Koji KinutaniBorn in Nara, Japan in 1943. Graduated from the Oil Painting Course in the Department of Painting at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1966, and completed a post graduate course at the university in 1968. In 1971, after graduating from university, went to Italy on overseas study program and engaged in research of classical fresco techniques in Venice. In 1974, became the youngest winner of the Yasui Prize, one of the most prestigious awards of Art in Japan, and was expected to become a rising Western-style painter. After studying in Mexico, became Professor of Tokyo University of the Arts in 1993, to bring up the next generation. In 2000, became a member of the Japan Art Academy. In 2010, became Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of the Arts. His numerous major works include the official poster for the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano.
I always look forward to this opportunity to judge the entries for this annual contest. It is because I get to look at works of art that I would otherwise never have the chance to see. All drawings are produced with what comes from the heart of the children.
We as the judges use our intuition to select from our heart. My mentor Ryohei Koiso taught me that "it is important to choose drawings not based on the skill level but based on whether you like it or not; and to draw what you like." (The rest is omitted.)
Works containing messages from children are exhibited at art museums, zoos, children’s centers, and events across Japan. We sincerely hope that this will encourage further efforts to hand over this beautiful earth to the future generations.
Exhibition at The Kasama Nichido Museum (Ibaraki, Japan)
