[Results Announcement] The 3rd Mecha Design Contest was held!
Overview of the 3rd Mecha Design Contest
The 3rd event will be held in collaboration with "HANA・BIYORI"!
[Scroll to check the results!]
The application period for the 3rd contest has ended. Thank you very much for all your submissions!
The "Mecha Design Contest," implemented as a new project plan in Fiscal Year 2023. Anyone can apply, and all works are reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges, including Kunio Okawara, a mechanical designer from Inagi City, with awards given to outstanding works.
The 2nd event held in fiscal year 2024 received a great response as a collaboration project with "Yomiuriland."
For the 3rd time in fiscal year 2025, with the cooperation of Yomiuriland once again, a collaboration has been decided with the entertainment-style flower park "HANA・BIYORI" in the city, which is celebrating its 5th anniversary! The application theme is "The World of Flowers and Greenery as You Imagine It." Combine Inagi City's tourism resources "Mechanic" and "HANA・BIYORI" to create wonderful mechanical design illustrations with your own hands!
Application Theme: "The World of Flowers and Greenery as You Imagine It"
"HANA・BIYORI," adjacent to "Yomiuriland," which collaborated in the 2nd Mecha Design Contest. Boasting one of Japan's largest flower chandeliers, it offers surprises and new sensations in various areas.
Please design your idea of a "world of flowers and greenery" mechanically at this facility. This contest is, of course, for mechanics, plants, nature, and everyone who loves Inagi City to participate in.
[Examples of Submitted Works]
・Flower and Greenery Mecha Robot
- Mecha robots active at "HANA BIYORI (Flower Park)": facility guidance, plant explanations, watering and cleaning robots, etc.
・Green Guardian Hero/Heroine: Character design that protects the facilities and plants of "HANA・BIYORI"
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HANA・BIYORI Official Website(External Link)
For design reference, please be sure to visit in person!
The award ceremony for the 3rd Mecha Design Contest will be held!
After a rigorous screening process, four award-winning works have been selected!
The judges will honor the creators of the award-winning works at the stage section of the "16th Misawa River Cherry Blossom and Pear Blossom Festival."
[Date & Time] Saturday, March 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
[Venue] Special Stage at the First Parking Lot of Inagi City Hall
[Performers] Award-winning Work Creators and All Judges
For more details, please check the page below for the "Misawa River Cherry Blossom and Pear Blossom Festival" (internal link).
Note: The content and schedule of the stage program may change due to weather conditions on the day.
- Misawa River Cherry Blossom and Pear Blossom Festival
- The Award Ceremony for the 3rd Mecha Design Contest will be held!
Winning and Selected Works Here
Award-winning Works
Thank you for your many wonderful submissions this time.
Out of a total of 136 submissions (67 from junior high school students and younger, 69 from the general category), we are pleased to present the award-winning works.
Additionally, the works (replicas) will be exhibited at the Inagi Transmission Base Pair Terrace from noon on March 3, 2026, until April 26.
Kunio Okawara Special Award (Selected from works by junior high school students and younger)
Work Description
Guides you through HANABIYORI.
You can ride on top.
Has antennae like an ant.
Does not have armaments and runs in a line like ants.
If you say which flower you want to see, it will take you there.
There are many, like ants.
Even if there is no flower you want to see, there are also secret recommendations.
Kunio Okawara Award
Work Description
A mascot and guide robot that tours the world of flowers and greenery together, set in the flower park "HANA・BIYORI" adjacent to Yomiuriland in Inagi City. Slightly shy but very knowledgeable about flowers, it interacts with visitors by presenting quizzes related to the flowers in the park, driven by its desire to convey the charm of flowers to them.
Visitors attach Tsubomin to their smartphones with a clip, connect via Bluetooth, and by scanning the QR codes on signs throughout the park, they can search for and observe flowers while taking on quizzes. When they answer a quiz correctly, Tsubomin suddenly opens its flower petals that had been closed like a bud, its eyes sparkle with joy, and it praises the visitors with voice and text. Additionally, depending on the number of correct answers, visitors can exchange them for gifts at booths within the park.
Not just "seeing" flowers, but through the experience of "finding, thinking, and enjoying" together with Tsubomin, fostering a sense of closeness and interest in nature for everyone from children to adults.
Inagi Nashinosuke Award
Work Description
A large tank holds a substantial amount of fertilizer, which can be dispensed through a hose at the bottom, applying fertilizer tailored to the flowers. With this "nutrient-rich fertilizer" suited to each flower, the flowers can bloom vibrantly.
Additionally, it functions as a fire-extinguishing robot in case of emergencies, capable of dispersing fire suppressant to help ensure safety within the park. Equipped with the latest AI, it can operate autonomously without a human onboard.
Yomiuriland Award
Work Description
A small floating robot working at HANA-BIYORI. It favors flower crowns and is characterized by green wings. It performs tasks such as watering and alerting to abnormalities.
Selected Works
Although these are not award-winning works, we are pleased to introduce each judge's top recommended pieces as "Selected Works"!
Along with the award-winning works, the pieces (replicas) will be exhibited at the Inagi Communication Base Pair Terrace from noon on March 3, 2026, until April 26.
Selected Work 1 (Chosen by Kunio Okawara)
Work Description
These are guide robots located in each area of the park.
They provide information about the highlights of each area and ongoing events.
They wear costumes related to each area, designed to blend in with the area's atmosphere.
The flowers in the planters they hold on their arms are replanted each season.
Through the planter, visitors can learn about the seasonal flowers.
The "world of flowers and greenery" I envision is one where people continue to protect flowers and greenery into the future. To achieve this, I believe it is important for people to develop an interest in flowers and greenery. To realize this, I designed a robot that is not just a simple guide robot but also conveys the meaning of introducing the flowers of each season.
Selected Work 2 (Inagi Nashinosuke; chosen by Mr. Jet Inoue)
Work Description
The mascot character transforms into a giant robot.
Designed with the image of blooming from a bud, representing the transformation from prince to king.
Selected Work 3 (Inagi Nashinosuke; chosen by Mr. Inoue Jet)
Work Description
A pruning, watering, and cleaning robot inspired by the Asian small-clawed otter, the mascot of the flower park "HANA-BIYORI," fused with elements of a maid outfit.
Contrary to its adorable appearance, it is a high-performance robot responsible for managing the health of the park’s plants, daily maintenance, and cleaning tasks, making it an indispensable presence in maintaining the beautiful scenery of "HANA-BIYORI."
Selected Work 4 (Inagi Nashinosuke; Selected by Mr. Jet Inoue)
Work Description
Supporter robot for the 'BIYORIN' experience corner.
It transforms from a seed into a navigation robot, explaining and supporting everyone's creative work.
Selected Work 5 (Inagi Nashinosuke; chosen by Mr. Jet Inoue)
Work Description
There is a relaxation space where you can relax while viewing the flowers.
Outside, there is an observation tree offering a panoramic view of the flower fields, and indoors, a breeze flows along with refreshing leaves.
There is a tree from which melodies flow.
Selected Work 6 (Yomiuriland; HANA・BIYORI Selection)
Work Description
I drew a picture imagining if the Hanabiyori otter were a plant care robot.
Selected Work 7 (Yomiuriland; HANA・BIYORI Selection)
Work Description
A robot that waters flowers. Small but works hard to water the flowers.
On hot summer days, it also sprays water on people.
The water is cold in summer and warm in winter.
It stores water in its body and petal parts.
Its legs extend quite a bit.
When watering, it looks like it is bowing.
The face is a screen.
Selected Work 8 (Yomiuriland; HANA・BIYORI Selection)
Work Description
A mech that dances at HANABIYORI.
The light blue and purple parts of the face are speakers, and sound flows from there.
The pink, orange, and blue parts are lights that change colors randomly and continuously.
From the stem attached to the face, petals and leaves burst out like confetti.
The song is performed live, and with its colorful appearance, it makes viewers feel happy and joyful.
Selected Work No. 9 (Yomiuriland; HANA・BIYORI Selection)
Work Description
A robot that loves flowers and greenery, warmly watches over their growth, and deals with any troubles that arise.
It doesn't have many advanced functions but works steadily and diligently.
It is kind to those who love flowers and greenery but has a strict side toward those who destroy them.
All Submitted Works
Thank you very much for submitting your wonderful works, regardless of whether they won awards or were selected!
The submitted works will be published soon.
Exhibition of Works
Reproductions of award-winning and selected works will be exhibited for a certain period at the Inagi Transmission Base Pair Terrace.
Please come and see these impressive works up close!
[Application Closed] Application Guidelines
Recruitment Works
Unpublished original mecha design drawings based on the theme "The World of Flowers and Greenery as You Imagine It"
- Note: The size will generally be A3 (297mm × 420mm) or smaller.
- Note: There are no restrictions on the production method or submission medium, whether digital or analog. For digital works, please use JPEG, PNG, or PDF files (all within 5MB). Additionally, the use of generative AI (and AI assistance) in production is not allowed.
The recruitment has ended. Thank you very much for all your applications!
Application Method
1 Digital: Submit via application form
2 Analog: Scan or photograph the work and submit the data via the application form. Alternatively, mail it to the Tourism Division, Inagi City Hall (2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City, addressed to the Tourism Division, Inagi City Hall). When mailing, attach the same information as on the application form to the work.
[Closed] Application Period
From Tuesday, July 1, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026
Note: The application form will be available until 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026. For mail submissions, it must arrive at City Hall by Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Award
From the submitted works, the following awards will be decided, and certificates and supplementary prizes will be presented at the award ceremony.
- Kunio Okawara Award: One work will be selected from all submissions.
- Kunio Okawara Special Award: One entry from applicants junior high school age or younger will be selected. The runner-up prize will be an original illustration by mechanical designer Kunio Okawara based on the winning work (created from the awarded entry).
- Inagi Nashinosuke Award: One entry will be selected from all submissions.
- Yomiuriland Award: One entry will be selected from all submissions. The runner-up prize will be Yomiuri Group related products.
Past Award-Winning Works
The award-winning works of the 2nd contest are posted on the past pages.
Please be sure to take a look. Submitted works will also be posted later.
Examination
1. Examination Criteria
(1) Expression of the Charm of "Mechanical City Inagi" and "HANA・BIYORI"
(2) Compatibility with the recruitment theme
2 Examination Method
After format confirmation by the Tourism Division of Inagi City, the awards will be decided by the judges of this contest.
3 Judges
- Kunio Okawara (Mechanical Designer)
- Inoue Jet (Multi-creator, Official Character Promotion Advisor of Inagi City)
- Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd.
Application Terms
1. Notes
・You can apply for as many points as you want per person.
- Applicants' nationality and residence do not matter, but if the submitted work wins an award, please participate in the award ceremony held in Inagi City in principle, (scheduled for March 28, 2026).
- Applications from junior high school students and younger require prior consent from a Parent or Guardian.
・The review will be conducted only on the proposed ideas, and the review will not include the background of the proposer such as past career, past achievements, gender, age, etc.
・Submitted works may be used for public relations purposes, including exhibitions and merchandise production from fiscal year 2026 onward.
・Submitted works will not be returned.
・All costs related to the creation and shipping of the work must be borne by the applicant. The organizer assumes no responsibility for any damage that occurs during shipping.
・The organizer will take utmost care in managing the submitted works after acceptance, but will not be responsible for any natural disasters, unforeseen accidents, damage, or loss.
・If it becomes necessary to decide on matters not stated in the application guidelines, the organizer will make the decision. Applicants who do not agree with the content may withdraw their application, but all costs incurred for the application will not be refunded.
・If it is found that actions promoting the activities of antisocial forces have occurred, the application will be excluded from screening. Even if discovered after the award announcement, the award will be revoked without notice. Furthermore, no compensation will be provided for any damages arising in such cases.
2. About Copyright
・The copyright of the submitted works belongs to the applicant, but it is assumed that you agree to the following (1) and (2).
(1) Works selected for the Kunio Okawara Special Award will be refined by Mr. Kunio Okawara himself.
(2) Inagi City and related parties of this contest (such as judges) have the right to use the submitted works (reproduce, print, screen, exhibit, publish, etc.) free of charge and without confirming the creator's consent, for the purpose of promoting the city and this project.
・Please be careful not to infringe on the copyrights or other rights of third parties regarding your work. Any troubles arising from infringement of third-party copyrights will be the sole responsibility of the applicant. However, it is allowed to use the existing facilities of "HANA・BIYORI" and "Yomiuriland" as well as the official characters of Inagi City as references for creation.
・Items that violate public order and morals or other laws and regulations, include slander or defamation, or infringe on copyrights or other third-party rights will not be subject to review. Additionally, even after the announcement of awards, if it is found that these conditions have been violated, the award will be revoked.
・In the screening process and when applying for various rights for realization, inquiries may be made to applicants regarding their submitted works.
3. About Personal Information
・The selected individuals' names (pen names) and other details will be published in printed materials, exhibitions, websites, and various other media issued by the organizer.
・Personal information obtained at the time of application will not be used for purposes other than this project.
- Organizer: Inagi City
- Cooperation: Kunio Okawara, Jet Inoue, Yomiuri Land Co., Ltd.
- Planning and Management: Hogaraka LLC
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Inquiries about this page
Inagi City Department of Industry, Culture and Sports, Tourism Division
2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City, Tokyo 206-8601
Phone number: 042-378-2111 Fax number: 042-377-4781
Contact the Tourism Division, Department of Industry, Culture, and Sports, Inagi City