About Oxford Big Read
Oxford Big Read is a competition organised by Oxford University Press to get primary and secondary students excited about reading and writing in English.
Since launching in 2013, thousands of students from all over Japan have taken part and shared their enjoyment of reading in English.
Taking part is simple. Students in participating schools read an eligible book and create a poster based on what they read, and teachers select which posters to enter into the national competition.
Entries are judged anonymously by a panel of teachers and Oxford University Press staff.
Terms and conditions
For more information, including rules and eligibility, read the Terms and Conditions.
Who can enter
The competion is open to primary and secondary students.
There are four age groups - Elementary School (Grades 1-3), Elementary School (Grades 4-6), Junior High School, and High School.
Students in Private Language Schools may enter the category for their grade level.
Dates
- Late May 2026
- Registration opens
- Friday, 30 October 2026
- Submission deadline
- Late December 2026
- Winners announced
How to enter
1. Download the Starter Pack
Please read the Terms and Conditions and register via the button below. After completing your registration, please download the Starter Pack, including the entry form, consent form, and resources and ideas for creating entries.
2. Read and create
Students read a book from the list of eligible OUP readers, create a poster, and submit it to their teacher.
3. Submit your entry
Teachers select up to five posters per class and submit them for entry with the entry form and the consent form by file upload via the button below or email.
Reference videos
*These videos are from last year's competiton.
Big Read 2026 will be held exclusively within Japan.