About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026: International Art Competition for Contemporary Artists
The Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026 is an international art competition inviting artists to develop contemporary interpretations of ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese woodblock printing art. The competition offers selected artists an opportunity to collaborate with professional Japanese carvers and printers to transform original designs into handmade woodblock prints.
Organised by the Adachi Foundation for the Preservation of Woodcut Printing, the award aims to discover emerging artistic talent while preserving and advancing Japan’s centuries-old woodblock printing tradition.
Artists from around the world are welcome to apply, and no previous experience in Japanese woodblock printing is required.
Competition Details
Competition: The Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026
Organiser: The Adachi Foundation for the Preservation of Woodcut Printing
Application deadline: 25 December 2026
Expected results: Late February to early March 2027
Eligibility: Artists aged 15 and above
Geographical scope: International
Application fee: JPY 2,000 (non-refundable)
Official website: https://foundation.adachi-hanga.com/en/
About the Adachi UKIYOE Award
Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art form that uses carved wooden blocks to print images onto paper. Its production traditionally involves three key specialists: the eshi (artist), who creates the original design; the horishi (carver), who carves the wooden blocks; and the surishi (printer), who produces the final print.
The Adachi UKIYOE Award invites contemporary artists to take on the role of the eshi, bringing their individual styles, ideas and visual approaches to this historic art form.
In its 18th edition, the competition will give the first- and second-prize winners the opportunity to develop new original designs in collaboration with professional carvers and printers in Japan.
The selected designs will be produced by hand at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints using traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 15 years old.
Applicants under 18 must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Be willing to submit images of three to five previously created artworks.
Submit two-dimensional artworks, which may be handmade, digitally created or mixed media.
Disclose any use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating the submitted works.
The competition is open to international applicants. Artists do not need specialist knowledge or previous experience in Japanese woodblock printing to participate.
What Applicants Must Submit
Applicants are required to submit images of three to five artworks they have previously created.
These works will help the judges assess each applicant’s artistic style, individuality and potential to create contemporary ukiyo-e.
The submitted artworks will be used for evaluation only; they will not be reproduced as woodblock prints as part of the application process.
Artists may submit traditional, digital or mixed-media two-dimensional work. Any AI involvement in the creation of the submitted artwork must be disclosed.
Benefits and Opportunities for Selected Artists
The award offers more than recognition in an international art competition. It provides selected artists with an opportunity to engage directly with traditional Japanese printmaking craftsmanship.
The first- and second-prize winners will:
Develop new, original designs specifically for woodblock printing.
Collaborate with professional Japanese woodblock carvers and printers.
Work with specialists at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints.
Experience the traditional, handmade production process of Japanese ukiyo-e.
Explore how contemporary artistic expression can be combined with historic Japanese craftsmanship.
The award seeks to support new artistic talent while helping ensure that traditional woodblock printing remains relevant to contemporary audiences.
Application Fee
The application fee is JPY 2,000 and is non-refundable.
An application is considered complete only after both the application form and the required fee have been received. Applicants should review the official application instructions carefully before submitting their materials.
How to Apply for the Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026
Interested artists can follow these steps:
Visit the official Adachi Foundation website.
Locate the Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026 announcement and application instructions.
Prepare images of three to five previously created two-dimensional artworks.
Review the eligibility requirements and disclose any AI use in the submitted works.
Complete the official application form and pay the JPY 2,000 application fee.
Ensure both the application form and payment have been received before the deadline.
Application deadline: 25 December 2026.
Applicants should consult the official website for the current application form, submission specifications and any additional instructions.
Why This Competition Matters
The Adachi UKIYOE Award provides a distinctive opportunity for contemporary artists to connect their creative practice with one of Japan’s most recognised traditional art forms. By bringing together modern artistic ideas and specialist woodblock printing skills, the competition supports cultural preservation through innovation.
For artists interested in illustration, fine art, digital art or mixed media, the award offers a way to explore a new artistic process without requiring previous experience in Japanese woodcut printing.
Artists who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to review the official guidelines and prepare their applications before the December deadline.
Official website: https://foundation.adachi-hanga.com/en/
SEO meta description: Apply for the Adachi UKIYOE Award 2026, an international art competition for artists aged 15 and above. Deadline: 25 December 2026. Application fee: JPY 2,000.
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