The 34th National Japan Bowl T-shirt Design Competition is now CLOSED.

Each year, the National Japan Bowl features a special design on our t-shirts that students receive on the first day of the competition. This year, we’re inviting you – our students – to help shape that design! 

Submit your idea for a t-shirt design inspired by the cultural themes from this year’s Team Study Guide, the spirit of the Japan Bowl competition, or your general love of Japanese language and culture. The winning design will be featured on official National Japan Bowl merchandise, shared on our website and social media, and recognized at the competition in Washington, DC. 

Who can enter:

• Any high school student registered for (or planning to register for) the upcoming 34^th National Japan Bowl, including student competitors and student observers. 
• Any Japan Bowl alumnus who is still in high school at the time of the 34^th National Japan Bowl.

How to enter:

• Submit your design concept and a note explaining your concept and how it relates to this year’s Study Guide or competition themes through our online form (available from November 3).
• Only one submission per student. Submissions may be created individually or as a team. 

Guidelines:

• Use this year’s Team Study Guide topics, the spirit of the Japan Bowl competition, or your general love of Japanese language and culture as inspiration. 
• Designs must include (or allow for the addition of) the logos of the Japan Bowl and the Japan-America Society of Washington DC. 
• Use of Japan Bowl brand colors is encouraged.
• Designs should be submitted in an appropriate file format and image size as detailed in the official rules and guidelines.
• The chosen design will appear on the back of the official t-shirt. 
• Designs must be respectful, culturally appropriate, and non-political. 
• OPTIONAL: Students may also optionally submit a front design, which must include the year (2026 or “34th National”), the Japan Bowl logo, and space for co-host and/or sponsor logos.

Dates and Deadlines:

The submission form will remain open through December 31, 2025. The announcement of the winning design will be published on February 16, 2026.

Recognition:

The winner will be credited on the Japan Bowl website, social media, at the 34th National Japan Bowl competition.

Selection Process:

A judging panel of the Japan Bowl Team will review submissions based on:

• Creativity
• Cultural significance
• Effective use of themes
• Ease of use in design and printing