#Japan #Tokyo #Nikon Imaging #Nikkor Photo Contest #Mizuki Mano

The 73rd Nikkor Photo Contest: Celebrating Excellence in Photography

The Nikkor Photo Contest has a rich history dating back to 1953, and this year, it celebrated its 73rd iteration by receiving an impressive total of 12,139 entries. This renowned contest continues to attract both amateur and professional photographers, offering them a platform to showcase their work across a variety of categories.

This year's Grand Prize, the highest honor in the competition, was awarded to Mizuki Mano from Aichi Prefecture for her breathtaking piece titled "Kankyō no Mai" in the U-18 category. As a recognition of her outstanding talent, Mizuki will receive a cash prize of 500,000 yen along with a Z8 camera body as an additional award.

The contest features seven distinct categories including:

• - Open Category (Single Photo)
• - Open Category (Series)
• - Nature (Single Photo)
• - Nature (Series)
• - U-18 Category (Single Photo)
• - U-18 Category (Series)
• - Web Category (Single Photo)

With entries spanning all age groups, the contest encourages participation from anyone—regardless of their expertise or equipment. A panel of eight judges rigorously reviewed the submissions to select the winning images. These esteemed judges included notable figures from the photography and publishing industry such as Akiko Akiyama and Koji Ueda, alongside well-known photographers like Takahiko Nakato.

Those interested in exploring the award-winning pieces can visit the Nikkor Photo Contest website, where all the acclaimed entries are displayed. Additionally, the winning works will be showcased at Nikon Plaza Tokyo THE GALLERY starting from December 2, 2025, and will run until December 15, 2025. The Osaka venue will open later, inviting visitors from December 25, 2025, until January 14, 2026. Both locations will be open from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with some exceptions on Sundays and during the holiday season.

The award ceremony for this illustrious contest is scheduled to take place on December 6, 2025, at the Nikon headquarters and Innovation Center located in Shinagawa. The event is open to the public, allowing photography enthusiasts and community members to join in the celebration of creativity and talent.

A Brief History of the Nikkor Photo Contest

The Nikkor Photo Contest is one of the most prestigious photography competitions in Japan, revered for its extensive history and the opportunity it affords to photographers from all walks of life. The inclusion of a new Web category this year marks a significant development, encouraging newcomers to participate alongside seasoned photographers. This initiative aims to make the contest more inclusive, fostering a greater appreciation for the art of photography.

With such a vast array of entries and categories, the Nikkor Photo Contest continues to be a beacon of inspiration and creativity in the photography community. Whether you're a budding photographer or an experienced pro, this contest serves as an essential platform to showcase your talent and passion for capturing the world through a lens.

For more information about the exhibition and the contest, visit the Nikon Event Page.