The International Art Festival for Children around the World is run mainly by students of Tohoku Fukushi University. Until 2020 it was known as the Street Children Art Festival, and it took its current name out of a wish to welcome a wider range of children. Through drawings by children, it aims to share with people around the world the existence, feelings, dreams and messages of children living in hardship because of disasters, conflict and poverty.
Its core activity is making and selling charity calendars from children’s drawings, and this year marks the 20th year of production. After necessary costs, proceeds are used, through Peace Winds Japan, which works around the world, for the communities where the children who drew the pictures live. The theme of the 2026 edition is “Moments (Toki),” featuring works from children in 11 countries.
Besides calendars, the group creates chances to share its work throughout the year, with exhibitions of original drawings, original goods, and booths at Global Festa, other fairs and university events. In Sendai it also holds street sales in front of a department store and elsewhere.
Key points
- Students at Tohoku Fukushi University make charity calendars from drawings by children around the world
- After necessary costs, proceeds go to the communities of the children who drew the pictures
- Exhibitions and booths such as Global Festa share the children’s feelings through art
Why this organization stands out
Drawings carry children’s feelings across languages and borders. Picking up a calendar becomes, in itself, a simple way to support children far away.
That students have carried on this work by themselves for 20 years is another strength. It is a useful example of an entry point into international cooperation for young people.
Editor's comment
At the Global Festa booth, the students told us they hope people will first learn about children’s situations. International cooperation begins by thinking of the children behind the drawings.
Please use the calendars and exhibitions as a way into their work.