Awagami Factory Announces Cat Photography Contest Celebrating Cats with Japanese Paper

Awagami Factory's Cat-themed Photography Contest: "Cats with Awagami"

The Awagami Factory, managed by the Awa Handmade Paper Cooperative, is excited to announce the second iteration of its cat photography contest, named "Cats with Awagami," following its successful first event held earlier this year. This contest invites participants to showcase charming moments shared with cats, reminiscent of the soft and tranquil essence of traditional Japanese paper, or washi, which boasts a 1300-year history.

Contest Overview

The contest centers around the theme "Moments with Cats." Participants are encouraged to capture and submit images depicting cats in various delightful scenarios. These can include:

- Cats enjoying quality time with their owners
- Playful interactions between feline friends
- The everyday lives of community cats observed with compassion

The aim is to portray the rich emotional depth and everyday beauty these moments embody. When paired with the gentle texture of washi, these photographs can evoke a heightened aesthetic that engages viewers on multiple levels.

Prize Details

Participants will have the chance to win exciting prizes:

- Grand Prize (1 winner): An A3-sized framed artwork printed on washi and a ¥10,000 coupon for the Awagami Factory online store.
- Silver Prize (1 winner): A hanging scroll printed on washi and an ¥8,000 coupon for the online store.
- Bronze Prize (1 winner): An A4-sized framed artwork printed on washi and a ¥5,000 coupon.
- Popular Vote Prize (3 winners): Each will receive a ¥5,000 coupon, awarded to those entries receiving the highest votes during the exhibition.

The evaluation criteria will focus on composition, expressiveness, and how well the photograph resonates with the characteristics of washi.

Submission Timeline

Interested participants can submit their entries from July 1 to September 30, 2026.

How to Enter

1. Capture a captivating cat photograph.
2. Visit the dedicated competition page and fill out the application form, uploading your photo.

Please note: Only digital submissions will be accepted, and printed works are not eligible. Changes to submitted data after application will not be permitted. Each participant may submit one entry only, meeting submission guidelines detailed on the official site.

Photo Specifications

- Acceptable formats: jpeg, pdf, png, heic.
- Recommended resolution: 150 dpi.
- Maximum file size: 5MB.
- Recommended dimensions: 1240 × 1754 pixels (roughly A4 size).
- Smartphone photos are welcome, provided they maintain quality.

There are specific guidelines regarding format; for instance, images must be print-ready for A4 sizes, with adaptability for any necessary cropping.

Exhibition Details

All submissions will be displayed printed on washi. If numerous submissions are received, a selection will be made for the exhibition. Following the event, all submitted images will be published on the website.

The photography exhibition for the second edition of “Cats with Awagami” will take place at Nine Gallery in Tokyo from December 8 to December 13, 2026. Experience special washi printing demonstration sessions during the exhibition!

Judging and Announcement of Results

- Judging Results for Grand, Silver, and Bronze Prizes: December 30, 2026.
- Popular Vote Results: December 15, 2026.
- Prize Shipping: Scheduled for January 2027.

Important Regulations

- Only original photographs will be accepted, and previously awarded works in other contests cannot be submitted.
- Extreme post-editing or AI-generated images are prohibited.
- The contest focuses on capturing living cats, not representations (like sculptures or paintings).
- Submitted works may be used for promotional activities related to the contest.
- Entrants remain the owners of their images and must ensure they do not infringe upon third-party intellectual property rights.
- Any disputes that arise must be resolved by the entrant at their own expense.

Entrants consent to the terms detailed in this announcement upon participating.
To submit your work, visit the official contest page.

Contact Information

For any inquiries related to the contest, please contact the Awagami Factory located in Yoshinogawa City, Tokushima Prefecture. Use the form available on the website, mentioning "Cat Photo Contest" in your message.

About Awagami Factory

With its 1300-year heritage, Awagami Factory is a flagship brand of Awa paper produced in Yoshinogawa City, focusing on preserving traditional techniques while innovatively blending them into modern life. For further insights into Awagami, explore our official site and social media platforms: