Announcement of the 65th Fujifilm Photo Contest

Fujifilm Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Teiichi Goto) is pleased to announce the 65th Fujifilm Photo Contest.

Since its inaugural event in 1950, this contest has become one of Japan’s most prestigious photography competitions, with a history spanning over half a century. As part of Fujifilm’s ongoing efforts to promote the value and power of photography and to support the preservation and development of photographic culture, the contest continues to attract a large number of participants nationwide.

The 65th Fujifilm Photo Contest will accept entries in five categories: two general categories—"Open Theme" and "Nature Photo"—and three special categories—"Series Photo," "Under 39," and "Student," the latter newly introduced in the 64th edition.

The "Open Theme" category welcomes photographs on any subject, including portraits, snapshots, sports, family life, traditional culture, and local performing arts. The "Nature Photo" category is dedicated to images of natural landscapes, wildlife, insects, and underwater scenes. The "Series Photo" category invites submissions of four-photo sets that tell a story, such as everyday scenes, children’s growth, or pet diaries. The "Under 39" category is open to photographers aged 39 and under (as of October 31, 2026) and encourages fresh, original perspectives. The "Student" category supports young talents and is open to all students enrolled in elementary, middle, high schools, universities, or vocational schools as of October 31, 2026. This category, introduced in the previous contest, received many unique and expressive entries from young photographers. Beginners are also encouraged to participate.

The top honor, the "Fujicon Grand Prize," will award 1 million yen to one outstanding work selected from all five categories. We invite participants to submit their most passionate and dedicated works.

Judging will be conducted by renowned photographers: Etsuko Enami (Open Theme), Tatsuo Hata (Nature Photo), Taichi Ozawa (Series Photo), Komuro Mihō (Under 39), and Mayuko Ukawa (Student). Winning entries will be exhibited in high-quality silver gelatin prints at four Fujifilm Photo Salons nationwide and published in an official anthology. Additional exhibition venues will be updated on the contest’s official website.

The contest also offers support for non-selected entries. Participants who request return of their submissions will receive them with a sticker indicating the selection stage reached (Round 1, 2, or 3) and, for a fee, a "One-Point Advice" from a Fujifilm Photo Advisor (*3). This service aims to provide constructive feedback to help photographers improve.

Fujifilm Group’s corporate purpose is "Enriching Lives, Enriching the World." Since its founding, Fujifilm has supported people’s smiles through photography. Through initiatives like this photo contest, the company will continue to contribute to the advancement of photographic culture.

*1: Eligibility for the "Under 39" category is limited to individuals aged 39 or younger as of October 31, 2026.

*2: Return service applies only to non-selected entries. A return shipping fee of 1,100 yen (tax included) is required.

*3: One work per participant eligible for advice. In case of multiple entries, the advisor will select one. The fee for advice and return shipping is 2,200 yen (tax included).

64th Fujifilm Photo Contest Fujicon Grand Prize: "Pink Sunset with Lightning," by Masami Kishi

Submission Period: September 1 (Tue), 2026 – October 20 (Tue), 2026 (postmark valid on the final day)

Categories and Photographer Judges (names listed without honorifics, in no particular order)

Judge Profiles (names listed without honorifics, in no particular order)

Etsuko Enami

Born in Kyoto. Graduated from the Department of Photography, Osaka University of Arts. Worked at Iwamiya Takeji Photo Studio before going independent. Notable photobooks and publications include "The Longevity Village of Japan," "Bijoux de Paris: The Jewel Box of Paris," "Enami Etsuko’s Marutekko-Style Ultimate Photography Lessons," "Tomorrow: Breath of Tohoku – Three Years After the Great East Japan Earthquake (2011–2014)," "Memory of Light: Seeing the Unseen – Living with Visual Impairment," "The Principal is 108!," "APATANI STYLE," and "Owarai Wind Festival in Etchu Yatsuo." Awarded the 37th Kodansha Publishing Culture Award for Photographic Works for her photobook "Little People." Vice President of the All Japan Photographers Federation. Full member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society and the Japan Photographic Society.

Tatsuo Hata

Born in Toyo Village, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture, in 1970. Worked at an automobile dealership and a motorcycle shop before pursuing photography to continue his family’s legacy, eventually deciding to become a professional photographer.

After serving as an assistant to photographer Toshinobu Takeuchi, he became independent. Won the 8th Fujimoto Shihachi Photography Award for his work "Arabiru Dena," documenting the Yudachi Kagura "Shimotsuki Festival" in his hometown. Published a photobook of the same title with Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. Other major works include "Mountain Island: Yakushima," "Yakushima Rainy Days," "Traces of Yakushima," "Fukō no Mine: Streams in the Clouds – Mountains of the Black River Source," and the essay "After Rain, More Rain – A Yakushima Story." He deeply resonates with Kato Buntaro from novelist Jiro Nitta’s "The Lone Man" and admires Frank Yasuda from "The Alaska Story." Full member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society and the Japan Photographic Society. Member of the Japan Scenic Photographers Association. Foxfire Field Staff. Lecturer at the Japan School of Photography and Art. Intel® Blue Carpet Project Member.

Taichi Ozawa

Born in Nagoya in 1975. Graduated from the Department of Photography, College of Art, Nihon University. After working as an assistant, he became independent. Primarily focused on portrait photography, he also writes for photography magazines and conducts workshops and lectures. His life’s work is photographing children around the world, and he has held numerous exhibitions.

Major photobooks include "Nauru Biyori," "SAHARA," "Equator White Paper," "HEROES," and "Kai." A petite photographer at 156 cm tall and 39 kg. Full member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society.

Komuro Mihō

Studied fashion at Bunka Fashion College and began a career in fashion. Inspired by handling cameras on set, she decided to become a photographer, completed an assistantship, and went independent. Her life’s work is street photography, capturing scenes and people around the world that resemble cinematic moments. She also writes, teaches, and shares content on YouTube, and is involved in operating "MONO GRAPHY Camera & Art." Full member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society.

Mayuko Ukawa

Born in Osaka Prefecture. Active in commercial photography, particularly portraits for advertisements and magazines. Also serves as a reviewer and judge. Her personal work focuses on urban