Application Period : Friday, February 20 to Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Application form is under preparation
Schedule
June 10 (Wed)- 22 (Mon), 2026
*Closed on June 16 (Tue)
10:00 to 18:00 *Ends at 14:00 on final day
Admission
Free
Supporters
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, The Asahi Shimbun Company, Boku-un-do, China Academy of Art, The Xiling Seal Art Society
(The above supported the 24th Exhibition)
Awards
Foreign Minister’s Award, MEXT Minister’s Award, Tokyo Governor’s Award, Asahi Shimbun Company Award, Bokuun-do Award, International Sumi-e Association Award, Art News of China Award, etc. (Performance at the 24th Exhibition)
Venue
2F Gallery A, The National Art Center, Tokyo (7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Host
International Sumi-e Association
Chairperson : Katori Kinsui
1-33-8 Unane, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Japan 157-0068
Tel：+81-3-5727-2282
Judges
-AJIOKA Yoshindo (Chinese artist and former senior researcher at The Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya)
-Ding ru xia (Dinghelu Yanjiuhui chairman and direct descendant of the founder of The Xiling Seal Art Society)
-HATANAKA Koukyo (Japanese-style painter, Indian art researcher, former professor at Kyoto University of the Arts)
-KATORI Kinsui (Sumi-e painter and International Sumi-e Association chairperson)
-ISHIZAKA Miho (Sumi-e painter, Gongbi painter and International Sumi-e Association Vice Chairperson)
Submission Regulations
１．Submission category
Sumi-e (Ink painting / Suiboku-ga / Bokusai-ga): The work must be primarily composed of Sumi-ink.
２．Eligibility
This is an international open-call exhibition; no specific nationality or qualifications are required. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
３. Exemption from Examination
Applicants who have previously received either the Foreign Minister’s Award or the MEXT Minister’s Award are exempt from examination.
４．Number of Entries
Up to two entries per applicant.
５．Acceptable Paper Sizes
*Choose from the sizes listed above. Minor variations due to paper type or manufacturer are acceptable.
６．Exhibition fee
- If two works of different sizes are submitted, the larger work will be considered the first entry.
- The exhibition fee includes the review fee, museum display fee (venue costs, etc.), and transportation to and from the venue, but does not cover scroll-mounting or frame-mounting fees.
- The exhibition fee includes a review fee of ¥3,300 (tax included). If a work is not selected, the exhibition fee will be refunded minus the review fee.
７．Mounting
Mounting will be arranged through a professional contractor by the association. Applicants must choose one of the following options: (1) Scroll mounting, (2) Rental frame, or (3) Purchase frame.
(1)Scroll mounting
- Scrolls will be mounted using the standard “Te-Ura-Uchi Ichimonji” method.
- The fabric for mounting will generally be chosen by the contractor; however, applicants may specify pattern, plain fabric, or color. *Please note that your preferences may not always be accommodated.
- The mounting fee includes packaging. *Works will be returned collect on delivery; shipping costs for the return are the responsibility of the applicant.
- For scroll mounting, fees are determined by the width of the work. Wider works may incur higher costs.
(2) Rental frame
- Frames will be the standard flat type with aluminum edges.
- The framing fee includes Te-Ura-Uchi mounting, pasting, removal, packaging, and return shipping.
- Upon return, the work will be removed from the backing board and only the artwork will be returned.
(3) Purchase frame
- Frames will be the standard flat type with aluminum edges and matting.
- The framing fee includes Te-Ura-Uchi mounting, pasting, and packaging. *The framed work will be returned collect on delivery.
８．Catalog
- A5-sized, full-color catalog featuring all selected works. Price: ¥2,200 (tax included) per copy.
- One copy will be gifted to regular members of the International Sumi-e Association.*
- Regular members are those who have paid the annual membership fee.
- Catalogs already ordered can be picked up at the exhibition venue or the Shibuya Classroom. For those unable to attend, catalogs will be mailed after the exhibition.
*From June 10, 2026, catalogs will also be available for purchase at the Shibuya Classroom year-round.
９．Shipping Address & Payment Details
Please calculate the total amount for the entry fee, mounting fee, and catalog (if ordered) and transfer it to the following account by the submission deadline.
[Address for sending artwork]
International Sumi-e Association
1-33-8 Unane, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 157-0068
Tel：+81-3-5727-2282
[Bank Account]
Bank Name : MIZUHO BANK, LTD.
Swift Code : MHCBJPJT
Branch Name : Tamagawa BRANCH
Deposit Type : FUTSU
Beneficiary's Account No. : 613-1199404
Beneficiary Name : IPPANSYADANHOUJIN KOKUSAISUMIEKAI
* For international payments, please use a direct bank transfer, PayPal, or Wise.
１０．How to Apply
Application form is under preparation.
Precautions for Work Creation and Submission
１．When Creating Works
- No plagiarism or appropriation.
- Works must not be defamatory or damage the exhibition’s dignity.
- Only unpublished works are accepted.
- When using gansai or traditional Japanese watercolors, take measures to prevent bleeding or running
(e.g., use pigments containing glue).
- Additional fees apply for fans and silk canvases.
- Edges of the paper will be slightly covered by mounting. Avoid placing names, seals, or markings at the very edge.
２．When Submitting Works
- Fold lightly or send rolled in a cylindrical tube. Do not strongly crease the paper. Thick paper should not be folded.
Packing materials are not returned.
- Works will be returned via delivery service. All works (except rental frames) will be sent collect on delivery.
Collect on delivery: the recipient pays the shipping charge upon receipt.
- For submissions from outside Japan, the sender bears return shipping costs.
３．Other
- The sponsor will take utmost care in handling works but is not liable for accidents, including damage from force majeure or bleeding during backing.
- Once payment is made, exhibition fees, scroll-mounting, and frame-mounting fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
- All review results will be notified in writing. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
- No formal complaints or appeals regarding review results or the exhibition will be accepted.
- Landscape works (e.g., F6, F7, Hansetsu) may be displayed one above the other.
- Review results may be invalidated in the event of violation of entry regulations.
- If the exhibition is cancelled for reasons beyond the association’s control, exhibition and mounting fees will not be refunded.
- Personal information provided for entry will only be used for purposes related to this exhibition.
- Copyright remains with the artist, but the sponsor reserves the right to publicize works.
- The sponsor also reserves the right to use entries in publications of prize-winning works, newsletters, and similar materials.
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