#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo Exhibition #National Calendar #Calendar Contest

77th National Calendar Exhibition: Call for Entries

The National Calendar Exhibition, organized by the Sankei Shimbun and the Japan Printing Industry Association, is set for its 77th edition. This prestigious competition recognizes outstanding calendars and is currently accepting submissions until December 3, 2023. The winning entries will be showcased in exhibitions held in Tokyo and Osaka in January 2026, celebrating the top achievements in printing technology, design creativity, functionality, and practicality.

History and Significance

The exhibition commenced in 1950, with the aim of honoring calendars that reflect excellence in the printing craft and innovative designs. By inviting experts from creative backgrounds and academia, the selection process ensures a rigorous analysis and judgment of the entries, making it a notable event in the realm of printing.

Last year’s edition, the 76th National Calendar Exhibition, featured the highest award, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award, given to the standout calendar of the event. Such recognitions elevate the importance of calendars not just as tools for time management but as art forms that communicate creativity and strategic messaging.

Entry Requirements

Entrants are invited to submit practical calendars intended for use in 2026, which must be printed or commissioned by Japanese printing companies. The formats accepted include all printing methods, such as digital and inkjet printing. The competition is divided into three distinct categories:

• - Category 1: BtoB calendars, designed for distribution to businesses and organizations.
• - Category 2: BtoC calendars, aimed at general consumers.
• - Category 3: Calendars intended for publication and retail sales.

Submission Fees

The entry fee is set at ¥15,000 (pre-tax) per calendar. For series submissions consisting of four pieces, the fee totals ¥60,000 (pre-tax).

How to Enter

Interested participants can find more details and submit entries through the Japan Printing Industry Association's official website. To ensure timely participation, submissions must arrive by the deadline of December 3, 2023.

Exhibition Details

Mark your calendars for the upcoming exhibitions:

• - Tokyo Exhibition: January 26 to January 30, 2026, held at the Brick Gallery located in the Tokyo Sankei Building, Otemachi.
• - Osaka Exhibition: February 17 to February 26, 2026, hosted at Heiwa Paper's Paper Voice in Osaka City.

Award Ceremony

An award ceremony will take place in late January 2026, celebrating the talented individuals behind the winning submissions.

Support and Sponsorship

This year's exhibition is organized by the Japan Printing Industry Association and the Sankei Shimbun, with support from various prestigious institutions, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.

The National Calendar Exhibition stands as a testament not only to the art of calendaring but also the synergy between creativity and commercial strategy. Do not miss this opportunity to contribute to a tradition that has beautifully blended together craftsmanship and innovation for over seven decades.