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Entries Now Open for the 17th Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children
Entries for the 17th Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children are now open as of June 1, 2026. This year’s theme, “Let’s work together for our sustainable Earth!”, invites children to create artworks expressing their thoughts on protecting the precious global environment and what they can do to contribute to a better future.
Since its launch in 2010, the contest has been held based on Kao’s purpose, “To realize a Kirei World in which all life lives in harmony.” It aims to inspire people around the world to think about environmental issues through children’s paintings. To date, the contest has received more than 190,000 entries from children in nearly 100 countries and regions. Exhibitions of award-winning works are held both in Japan and overseas, with the hope that the children’s heartfelt expressions about the Earth’s environment and future will inspire people worldwide to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
For this contest, Kao donates 50 yen for each submitted artwork to environmental conservation activities selected by participants at the time of entry. These donations support three areas: (1) wildlife protection, (2) greening forest conservation, and (3) marine litter and waste leakage prevention measures—helping to turn children’s thoughts expressed in their artwork into meaningful action.
The prizewinners of the 17th contest will be announced on the Kao website in December 2026.
Magic Weaver of Environmental
Protection
Yeung Anya Lee (6)
Life From the Water
Biprojit Saha (10)
Nature is Life
Siriphum Meunaphai (14)
16th Contest Winning Works
Outline of the 17th Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children
- Theme
“Let’s work together for our sustainable Earth!”
What can we do to protect our precious global environment for the future, so that all living things can coexist? Please express your thoughts and ideas freely through your painting.
- Eligibility
Children between the ages of 6 and 15 (as of the end of August 2026)
- How to apply
Please submit your entry by either of the following methods;
Uploading an image of the work:
Photograph or scan your entry and upload the image via the entry website.
Sending the original work:
Send your work to
Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children Office
4-1-5 Higashi-Mukojima, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0032, JAPAN
*Local offices are also available in some regions. Please refer to “Q5. Can I apply from outside Japan?” in the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Entry deadline
Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. (JST) on Friday, September 4, 2026.
- Announcement of winners
Prizewinners or their schools/art classes will be contacted directly by the end of December 2026.
The results will also be announced on the official website.
- Jury panel
| Mr. Fumikazu Masuda | Chair of Jury, Design Consultant, President, open house inc. |
|---|---|
| Ms. Sumiko Okubo | Artist |
| Mr. Kei Matsushita | Professor, Tokyo University of the Arts |
| Mr. Leonhard Bartolomeus | Curator, Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media |
| Ms. Ayami | Recycled materials artist |
| Mr. Atsushi Tanaka | Director, Kao Eco-Lab Museum |
| Mr. Naoto Katahira | Vice President, Creative, Kao Corporation |
For further details, please visit the Kao group website, “Entry Information”.
About Kao
Kao, a Japan-based manufacturer of cosmetics, personal care and household products, as well as specialty chemicals, creates high-value-added products and services that provide care and enrichment for the life of all people and the planet. Through its brands such as Curél, SENSAI, and MOLTON BROWN cosmetics, Bioré and Jergens skin care products, Oribe hair care products, Attack laundry detergent, and Laurier sanitary products, Kao is part of the everyday lives of people across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Combined with its chemical business, which contributes to a wide range of industries, Kao generates about 1,690 billion yen in annual sales. Kao employs about 31,500 people worldwide and has more than 130 years of history in innovation.
Please visit the Kao Group website for additional information.
Media inquiries should be directed to:
Public Relations
Kao Corporation
Entry inquiries
Kao International Environment Painting Contest for Children Office
Office hours: 10:00–17:00 (JST), excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, summer holidays, and the year-end and New Year holidays.