#Japan #Tokyo #Photography #Fujifilm #PHOTO IS

Celebrating 20 Years of Connection at 'PHOTO IS'

The largest participatory photography exhibition in Japan, 'PHOTO IS - Connecting Feelings, You Are the Main Character of the Exhibition 2026,' hosted by Fujifilm Corporation, will take place from July 18 to December 20, 2026. This year marks its 20th anniversary, showcasing over 32,598 works that surpass previous submissions. The exhibition will run in multiple locations: Tokyo (July 18 - 23), Sendai (August 21 - 23), Osaka (September 19 - 22), and an online exhibition site (September 25 - December 20).

Originating in 2006, the exhibition promotes the preservation and development of photographic culture. Each participant’s work will be displayed at the venue they choose—a unique aspect of this event. Attendees can expect a diverse tapestry of themes captured in these photographs, from cherished travel memories with loved ones to stunning landscapes.

The event will feature engaging activities, including artist talks and interactive areas where participants can try out Fujifilm's latest products, such as the instax™ series and digital cameras. A highlight will be the enchanting atmosphere created with the new FP-ZUH12000 projector, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of various photographs. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to print their smartphone photos on the spot and capture family moments with professional photographers in a dedicated studio, thanks to a collaboration with the Smile Project.

Encouraging Communication Through Photography

A key theme of this year's exhibition is 'Connecting Feelings.' To foster interaction, a 'bonding mailbox' will be set up at all venues and the online site, allowing visitors to express their thoughts and feelings about the artworks they resonate with. After the exhibition concludes, these messages will be mailed to the artists, creating a new form of connection through photography.

Fujifilm's commitment to enhance happiness through photography is encapsulated in the 'Photography Happiness Theory' project. This initiative aims to amplify and share joy through various photographic processes: capturing, printing, displaying, and gifting. Fujifilm continues to respond to customer needs, focusing on the warmth of sharing memories and the joy of holding printed photos.

An Exciting Lineup of Contributions and Events

In celebration of its milestone anniversary, this year’s exhibition will introduce three new submission categories alongside seven traditional ones. Participants will have the chance to submit works that focus on 'Precious Memory Records' reflecting special moments with family and friends, 'Film Photography' capturing unique moments on Lomography, and 'Film Simulation' embracing works created using Fujifilm's GFX and X series cameras.

This year, nine corporate collaborations will showcase a variety of works reflecting family, pets, landscapes, and themes from music and television. Additionally, collaborations within the selected ten artist jurors will assess submissions to select '100 Heartfelt Works,' which will be displayed across all venues.

Attendees can participate in several exclusive events including:
1. Talk Shows: Featuring renowned photographers discussing various themes related to photography. Registration will be required on-site due to limited seating.
2. Product Experiences: Attendees will be able to explore the latest products, including hands-on printing experiences where they can take home mini prints of their smartphone photos.
3. Magical Projection Spaces: Enjoy immersive artwork displays powered by the new projector, available only at the Tokyo and Osaka locations.
4. Family Photo Sessions: Capture family memories with the help of professional photographers, allowing families to cherish their bonds.

Online Access and Additional Engagement

From September 25 to December 20, a dedicated online exhibition site will be active, showcasing selected artworks and enabling participants to search by categories and regions. The site will also feature the bonding mailbox for sharing thoughts about the photographs.

Furthermore, participants of the 'Instagram' submission category who visit the exhibition can receive a square print of their submitted image as a special gift.

As this celebrated event unfolds, Fujifilm invites everyone to connect through the stories shared in photographs, celebrating the emotions we hold dear.

For inquiries related to the exhibition, please contact the Fujifilm 'PHOTO IS' office at 0570-065469, weekdays from 10 AM to 5 PM. Further details can be found on their official website and social media platforms.