[Kobito Zukan 20th Anniversary Special Project] "Kobito I Wish Existed" Grand Recruitment Campaign to be Held at Bookstores and Libraries!

Rokurinsha Co., Ltd. (Meguro-ku, Tokyo) will hold the "Kobito I Wish Existed" Grand Recruitment Campaign during the summer vacation period as part of the 20th anniversary project for the children's book series "Kobito Zukan".

In this project, children will submit their ideas for "Kobito I Wish Existed" using dedicated application forms distributed at participating bookstores and libraries.

Winning entries will be featured on the Kobito Zukan 20th Anniversary Special Website and elsewhere. The grand prize winner (1 person) will receive a signed colored paper with an illustration of their submitted Kobito, drawn by author Toshitaka Nabata, along with a set of merchandise. The excellent prize winners (10 people) will receive a signed colored paper with an illustration of their desired Kobito and a set of merchandise.

The "Kobito Zukan" series has served as a "trigger" for children to become interested in nature and various things around them. Imagining "there might be a Kobito here too" can make familiar scenery and everyday objects appear slightly different. Especially during summer vacation, we hope that families can enjoy such discoveries together and express their own unique Kobito with free imagination.

Past submitted Kobito works from the "Kobito I Wish Existed" project

[How to Apply]

Imagine a Kobito you wish existed, inspired by nature found on your summer vacation outings, your hometown, or your everyday life.

Visit a "Kobito Zukan Support Bookstore or Library" to obtain a dedicated application form.

* Application forms are only distributed at "Kobito Zukan Support Bookstores and Libraries".

* Please take only one form per person. You can use a photocopy of the application form to apply.

On the application form, draw a picture of the Kobito you wish existed and describe its ecology.

Place the completed application form in an envelope, affix a stamp, and mail it to the "Application Form Submission Address" below.

[List of Support Bookstores and Libraries]

Bookstore List:

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Library List:

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* As of July 9, 2026 (updated periodically)

* The number of participating facilities is being expanded sequentially.

* The availability of forms varies by facility. Please confirm with the facility before visiting.

[Application Form Submission Address]

153-0053 Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Gōtokuji 1-30-1-2A, Rokurinsha Co., Ltd.

"Kobito I Wish Existed" Campaign Office

* Applications are accepted only with the "physical application form". Please send via postal mail or courier.

(Digital submissions via email or internet are not accepted for this project)

[Application Period]

July 1, 2026 (Wed) - August 31, 2026 (Mon)

* Postmarks on the deadline date are valid.

[Announcement of Winning Entries]

Late September 2026 (scheduled)

[Prizes]

Excellent Prize (10 winners)

A set of Kobito Zukan merchandise + A signed colored paper with an illustration of your desired Kobito, by Toshitaka Nabata.

Grand Prize (1 winner)

A set of Kobito Zukan merchandise + A signed colored paper with an illustration of the "Grand Prize Kobito, newly drawn" by Toshitaka Nabata.

[Application Rules and Important Requests (Please Read Carefully)]

By submitting your work, the applicant (or their guardian if a minor) is deemed to have agreed to all of the following rules.

We cannot confirm receipt of works or answer inquiries about winning status.

Only "hand-drawn works" are accepted. Please send works drawn by hand using paints, crayons, colored pencils, etc.

The organizers are not responsible for any loss, damage, or water damage to works during postal transit.

Please send only "original drawings that you created yourself." The campaign organizers will not be held responsible for any disputes or legal issues arising from plagiarism of others' designs or works.

Submitted works cannot be returned (we recommend making copies or taking photos of your application work).

Upon submission, the copyright of the submitted work shall belong to Rokurinsha Co., Ltd.

Accepted and submitted works may be used by our company, free of charge and without restriction, in our publications, website, official social media, and related promotional activities.

★ This project is designed for everyone to enjoy drawing Kobito they "wish existed." The content of the submitted works will not be directly reflected in official works or books by Kobito researcher Toshitaka Nabata, nor will they be the basis for such works.

[Handling of Personal Information]

Personal information provided will be used solely for the purpose of judging this project, notifying selection results, and shipping prizes. It will not be used for any other purpose without the consent of the individual.

We look forward to encountering many Kobito born from the free imagination of our readers who have read the "Kobito Zukan" series and are sensitive to the presence of Kobito!

About "Kobito Zukan"

"Kobito Zukan" is a picture book and book series by Toshitaka Nabata, first published in 2006. This year, 2026, marks its 20th anniversary, and it is a popular children's book series with over 3.2 million copies in print.

The first picture book introduced the mysterious creatures "Kobito," which are neither insects nor plants, discovered by the protagonist "Boku." To date, 444 species have been announced. Although their initial visual impact can be startling, they have become "staple works" read in kindergartens, nurseries, and elementary schools, and are loved by children who purely believe in the existence of "Kobito" and their families.

Following the "How to Catch Kobito" introduced in the books and video series, the "Kobito Hunting" game has become a huge hit among children.

Their existence is often debated, causing concern for parents across Japan. Instead of saying "they don't exist," try listening closely and looking carefully.

You too will surely feel the presence of mysterious Kobito.

Kobito Zukan Official Website: https://www.kobitos.com/

Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobitosofficial/

Official X: https://x.com/kobitodukan

Official LINE: https://www.kobitos.com/line

Company Information

Rokurinsha Co., Ltd.

1-30-1 Gōtokuji, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0053, 2A

Inquiries:

TEL 03-6303-4153

Contact Form https://www.rokurin.jp/contact

Contact Person: Publishing Department