\Big Cat Art Contest\ The Art of Cats Makes the World Round

The Izumi City Kubosho Memorial Art Museum in Osaka Prefecture is hosting the 'Big Cat Art Contest / The Art of Cats Makes the World Round' exhibition to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the city's establishment. This event welcomes cat lovers, artists, and children from across Japan, connecting all generations through their shared love of cats expressed in art.

From Izumi City, Osaka—a city known for its vibrant art scene.

🐱 70th Anniversary of Izumi City. The 'Cat-Loving Mayor' is the Mastermind! 🐱

This project stems from the deep affection for cats held by Izumi City Mayor, Hiroyasu Tsuji. An avid cat lover who actively participates in cat rescue activities, the mayor initiated this project with the vision of 'creating a gentle connection between people and the community through cats.' Rather than fostering competition (creating sharp edges), the goal is to 'round' the world through cats—sending a uniquely modern message from Izumi City to the world.

Entrance of the Izumi City Kubosho Memorial Art Museum

🐱 Grand Prix Prize: 70,000 yen (nyan-nyan)! 🐱 We'll display cat art from across Japan at the Kubosho Art Museum!

Selected works will pass through a preliminary screening and be exhibited in the Civic Gallery of the Izumi City Kubosho Memorial Art Museum, home to many renowned masterpieces. The jury includes renowned artists such as Togo Higashi and Sae Ko. The Grand Prix winner will receive 70,000 yen. This art program offers the joy of creation and the joy of exhibition.

Let cat art make the world round!

🐱 A Participatory Art Contest for Cat Lovers 🐱 The 'Big Cat' depicted in Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s 'Kakurakubeki no Muda-gaki,' part of the museum’s collection, symbolizes free and expansive creativity. This contest inherits that spirit, with judging criteria emphasizing not just technical skill, but also the ability to bring smiles to viewers and make the world 'rounder' and more fun!

🐱 77 (nyan-nyan-juu-nyan-nyan) young artists make their 'museum debut' in the Junior & Kids Division 🐱

While museum exhibitions usually have high barriers to entry, this exhibition will display all entries from the first 77 participants (ages 0 to junior high school) in the Kids & Junior Division. The experience of seeing their artwork displayed in a museum will surely become a significant source of confidence for children.

Sae Ko, Artist from Izumi City

🐱 This summer, join the workshop 'Cat Behavior Research Institute' (7/26) Registration now open!

On July 26 (Sunday), artist Sae Ko will host a workshop on the campus of Momoyama Gakuin University in Izumi City. Artworks created during the workshop can be directly submitted to the contest. For details, visit the official website.

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【Event Overview】

□ Event Name: 70th Anniversary of Izumi City Establishment \Big Cat Art Contest\ The Art of Cats Makes the World Round

□ Submission Period: July 21 (Tue), 2026 – August 17 (Mon), 2026

□ Exhibition Period: September 19 (Sat), 2026 – September 27 (Sun), 2026

□ Venue: Civic Gallery, Izumi City Kubosho Memorial Art Museum

□ Eligibility: Open to professionals and amateurs. Individuals and collaborative entries accepted.

□ Categories: General Division (2,200 yen per entry) / Kids & Junior Division (1,100 yen per entry)

□ Official Website: https://neko-art.studio.site

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【For Media Professionals】

A city where art and community become completely united through cats—this is Izumi City, 'the city with an art museum.' We invite you to cover our initiatives to build an artistic future starting from the 70th anniversary of city establishment.

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Inquiries: PR Contact

1-4-21 Senrihama, Chuo-ku, Osaka City

Production Committee 'The Art of Cats Makes the World Round' Inside Ichihachi Co., Ltd.

Mika Murakami

06-6214-4015 [email protected]