From 20 October to 20 December 2026, the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO is accepting applications for the MITSUBISHI ASIAN CHILDREN’S ENIKKI FESTA 2026–2027, one of the largest cultural and educational projects for children in the Asia-Pacific region.

The festival brings together young participants from 24 Asian countries and regions, offering children a unique opportunity to share their lives, families, traditions and cultures with the world through the universal language of art.

The project was launched in 1990 through the initiative of the Public Relations Committee of Mitsubishi Corporation, the Asia-Pacific Federation of Clubs and Associations for UNESCO, and the National Federation of Associations for UNESCO in Japan. Over more than three decades, over 878,000 children have participated in the festival, and outstanding works have been featured in international exhibitions held in Japan and other Asian countries.

The festival is rooted in the Japanese tradition of Enikki - illustrated diaries that combine drawings with short essays about everyday life. By bringing together images and text, children can share their thoughts, feelings and personal experiences, introducing their peers from different countries to their cultures and ways of life. For many years, this format has helped foster intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and friendship among children across Asia.

For the 2026-2027 edition, participants are invited to create three illustrated diary entries on the theme:
“My Life, Which I Want to Share with Everyone in Asia.”

Children can write about their families, friends, school life, favourite games, traditions, local nature, festivals or any event that reflects their everyday lives and that they would like to share with children from other countries. The most important elements are sincerity, individuality and the opportunity to showcase the uniqueness of their culture.

A distinctive feature of the festival is that the international jury does not evaluate artistic skill alone. Instead, it focuses on the child’s ability to convey the characteristics of their local culture, national traditions and surroundings, as well as their own thoughts and emotions through their work.
Children aged 6 to 12 at the time of application are eligible to participate.

Each entry must consist of three illustrated diary pages, created by hand on A4-sized sheets of paper. On each page, the drawing should be placed in the upper section, with a short essay written below it. The use of digital technologies in creating the entries is not permitted.

Following the completion of the national selection, an expert jury in Kazakhstan will select the four best entries to represent the country at the international stage in Japan. These entries will then be reviewed by the International Selection Committee, comprising renowned artists, art critics, journalists and cultural figures.

Following the international selection, a Grand Prix winner will be chosen in each participating country. The winner, accompanied by one person, will be invited to Tokyo, Japan, to attend the official award ceremony and participate in an international cultural programme in summer 2027.

Application period: 20 October – 20 December 2026

The original copies of all three entries, together with the completed application form, must be sent to the following address:
Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO Office 512, 5th Floor, Stanitsa Business Centre 71 Chaplin Street, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan Rules and Application Form

Link to the regulations and application form:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XAX07XuTwCA0qH6vQWnggJrNNmZApp8T?usp=sharing

Organising Committee Contacts
Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO
Tel.: +7 700 394 32 32
E-mail: art.kazfuca@gmail.com
Instagram: @unescoclubs_kz