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Tamron's Railway Landscape Contest: Call for Entries

Today marks the official launch of the 19th Tamron Railway Landscape Contest, organized by Tamron Co., Ltd., a comprehensive optical equipment manufacturer based in Saitama City, famously known as the "Railway Town Omiya." This annual contest has been dedicated to revitalizing the local community while promoting railway culture and photography since its inception in 2008.

The contest not only encourages the art of photography, but it also fosters a deeper appreciation for railway culture among participants and viewers alike. Over the years, the event has garnered significant attention, attracting around 7,000 entries annually and amassing a staggering total of 117,000 submissions alongside over 31,000 individual contributors. With such impressive growth, it’s clear that Tamron has successfully achieved its foundational goal of advancing railway and photography culture. However, in a poignant decision, Tamron has announced that the 20th edition of the contest, set for 2027, will be its last.

Honoring the Past and Looking to the Future

As we celebrate nearly two decades of creativity and community engagement, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and supporters who have contributed to the contest's legacy. The remaining two iterations promise to showcase the profound passion for railways expressed through the artistry of photography. We are excited to see your submissions that resonate with your love for railways!

In this latest iteration, the contest features various awards and opportunities for cash prizes—winners of the general category can receive up to 300,000 yen, while younger participants in the U-18 category have the chance to win significant prizes as well. Besides, selected works will grace digital signage displays at JR Omiya Station, ensuring that the brilliant artistry of railway photography continues to inspire the community.

Submission Details

Submissions for the contest are open from April 23 to September 1, 2026. Participants can enter their works through an online application form found on the official contest website. Only digital images in JPEG format under 10MB are eligible, and individuals can submit up to ten images. Notably, this year marks a transition to a fully digital submission process, eliminating physical prints to adapt to the evolving digital age.

Esteemed Judges

The contest will be judged by a panel of renowned figures in the photographic world:

• - Hirota Naoki, a freelance photographer since 1960, is celebrated for his passion for railway photography and fostering community bonds among railway enthusiasts.
• - Yano Naomi, known as the “original train geek,” blends photography and writing to capture the beauty of railway travel across various media.
• - Kanemori Masaki, a freelancer who began his railway photography journey in middle school, has a strong commitment to documenting Japan’s railway heritage, including an interest in model railways.

Categories and Awards

Participants can enter in two categories: the General Category for adults and the U-18 Category for those 17 years and younger. Awards range from significant cash prizes to Tamron lenses, ensuring participants are motivated to showcase their best work. Unique themes like the “Sakura Award” focus on capturing cherry blossoms in railway landscapes, highlighting the rich cultural ties of photography and Japanese spring.

Closing Remarks

As we close in on two decades of creative expression through railway photography, we encourage everyone to join in what promises to be a spectacular final chapter of the Tamron Railway Landscape Contest. Thank you for your continued support and for sharing your love for railways with the world!

For detailed information and to stay updated about contest developments, please visit the official Tamron website. Be sure to gather your favorite railway photographs and prepare to share your artistic vision with us!