2026 Theme
Upholding the Rule of Law:
What does seeking justice for all look like?
We are living in unprecedented times today, where the Constitution is being challenged, rule of law is being upended, and companies, universities, immigrants and other marginalized people are being demonized. If Minoru Yasui were alive today, what hopeful actions would he take for democracy, civil rights, and social justice?
Coming soon!
2026 themebook, judging rubric, & educational resources.
“If we believe in America, if we believe in equity and democracy, if we believe in law and justice, then each of us, when we see or believe that errors are being made, has an obligation to make every effort to
correct them.”
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— Minoru Yasui (1916 - 1986)
Rule of Law:
Rule of law is a principle under which all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are:
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Publicly put into effect by official proclamation.
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Equally enforced.
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Independently made using formal official rulings.
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And consistent with international human rights principles.
Source: Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. (n.d.). Overview – Rule of Law. U.S. Courts.
The Minoru Yasui Student Contest for middle and high school students is an art contest for youth in grades 5th – 12th. Students can express their thoughts about the prompt in a visual art piece and artist's statement. Technical arts background not required.
Submission deadline: February 22, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. PST
Organized by the Minoru Yasui Legacy Projectin collaboration with the Japanese American Museum of Oregon, the Minoru Yasui Student Contest offers middle and high school students the opportunity to explore societal topics in connection with the legacy of Minoru Yasui, the only Oregonian to have been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and who fought courageously to defend human and civil rights—and justice for all—throughout his life.​
