Poster & Video Contest "Mintsuku Mira-Can" for High School Students, Educators, and Parents, Ideal for Inquiry-Based Learning and Career Exploration, Now Accepting Applications

Pepec Inc. (General Incorporated Association, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo / Representative Director: Takeshi Shukunobe) announced the start of applications for the poster and video contest "Let's All Create the Future Medical Project: Future Canvas" (Abbreviation: Mintsuku Mira-Can), aimed at young people aged 15 to 19, from Friday, June 5, 2026. This project aims to make young people realize that 'illness' and 'healthcare,' which tend to feel distant, are surprisingly close, and to express this perspective through graphics and videos. To support its use as an achievement for "Comprehensive Study Time" and extracurricular activities at schools, a "Certificate of Participation" will be issued to all participants.

Background and Objectives of the Contest

We are in an era where 1 in 2 people experience cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 3 working individuals work while attending medical appointments. It is estimated that among high school students, 2 to 3 students in a class of 30 have an illness※. However, illnesses are often not outwardly visible, and while people with illnesses are present in workplaces and classrooms, for many without illnesses, healthcare remains a 'world far removed from oneself.'

On the other hand, in recent years, issues with infectious disease medical systems highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and discussions regarding the burden of social security costs for medical care and long-term care, require the formation of social consensus while listening to the voices of many citizens regarding healthcare.

Against this backdrop, this contest is being held for the first time with the aim of fostering a sense of civic participation in healthcare from the next generation. High school students will engage in online dialogues with people who have illnesses and those working in medical-related fields, and transform the 'realizations' born from these interactions into expressions through posters and videos. The emphasis is not on a 'hackathon to compete for solutions' or a 'class to learn medical knowledge,' but on delivering the 'questions' born from the sensibilities of high school students to society.

※Based on data from the National Cancer Center's "Cancer Statistics," the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's "Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions," and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "School Health and Safety Survey."

Features of the Contest

【For High School Students: A Genuine Creative Experience Where Your Work Reaches Society】

No specialized knowledge or prior production experience is required. Through dialogues with people who have illnesses and those working in the healthcare industry, you can experience diversity (diversity), which can change your perspective on society and broaden your dreams. Creators whose works pass the preliminary screening will be invited to an awards ceremony in Tokyo.

【For Educators and Parents: Ideal for Inquiry-Based Learning, Diversity Education, and Career Exploration】

・Issuance of Certificate of Participation: A certificate will be issued to all participants, which can be used as proof of achievement for inquiry-based learning and extracurricular activities.

・Comprehensive Online Support: To ensure students can participate with peace of mind, the secretariat and a diverse team will provide thorough support throughout the production process.

【Support from Learning to Production through 3 Online Workshops】

Instead of immediately asking for submissions, we provide opportunities for input. The workshops will be held in July-August 2026, and recordings will be available for those who cannot attend live.

① "Understanding the Daily Lives of People with Illnesses": Through dialogues with people who have illnesses, participants will recognize the diversity of society and gain a new perspective.

② "Understanding the Diversity of Healthcare-Related Professions": Participants will hear from professionals not only in medical institutions but also from people working in various industries and occupations such as statistics, design, human resources, and manufacturing, and consider what kind of future can be created by combining their dreams with healthcare.

③ "Learning Expression from Professional Creators": Participants will learn methodologies for conveying their feelings to others through expressions like posters and videos.

Contest Outline

Name

Let's All Create the Future Medical Project: Future Canvas (Abbreviation: Mintsuku Mira-Can)

Target Audience

Individuals aged 15 to 19 (as of April 2, 2026) ※Individuals of the same age group not currently attending school are also welcome to participate.

※Applications are accepted from individuals (1 person) up to teams of 3 people.

Schedule

・Application Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026

・Workshops (3 sessions): Late July to August

・Production and Support Period: September to mid-October

・Submission Deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026

・Public Exhibition and Preliminary Screening: November to December

・Final Screening and Results Announcement (Awards Ceremony): Around January 2027 (Held in Tokyo + Online)

Work Themes (Choose one of the following)

・Theme 1: "People with Illnesses Are Always Around Us"

・Theme 2: "My Dream x Healthcare = Future Healthcare We Create Together"

Submission Categories

1. Poster/Graphic Division (Convey your message with one A2-A3 size artwork)

2. Short Video Division (Convey your message with a 15-60 second video)

Organizing Body

Organizer: Pepec Inc. (General Incorporated Association)

Planning & Operation: Let's All Create the Future Medical Project: Future Canvas (Mintsuku Mira-Can)

Endorsed by: Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA)

Sponsors (in Japanese alphabetical order): CSL Behring K.K., EA Pharma Co., Ltd., Teijin Pharma Limited (in discussion with several other companies)

Application and Details

https://ppecc.jp/news/miracan2026

【About Pepec Inc. (General Incorporated Association)】

Founded in 2019. Aims to realize a society where "it's okay to have an illness." Established by patients with intractable diseases, cancer survivors, their families, and researchers. We support individuals with illnesses and collaborate with diverse people to convert the 'voices' of those with illnesses into value and deliver them to society.

https://ppecc.jp

【Contact Information】

Pepec Inc. (General Incorporated Association)

Mintsuku Mira-Can Secretariat, Future Medical Project

Contact: Eiichi Omura

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 03-6279-5669 (Reception Hours: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Address: 6-33-1-501 Minami-Karasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0062