Capture the Spirit of Martial Arts at the 2026 Tokyo Budokan Photo Contest

Capture the Spirit of Martial Arts: 2026 Tokyo Budokan Photo Contest

The Tokyo Sports Cultural Foundation is excited to announce the 2026 Tokyo Budokan Photo Contest, held in conjunction with the 23rd Tokyo Budokan Cup on February 11th, 2026. This contest invites participants and spectators to submit their best shots capturing the dynamic moments of the event. With the slogan, "Creating the Future of Tokyo through Sports," this initiative aims to highlight the beauty and intensity of martial arts.

Contest Theme

The central theme of the contest is "The Charm of Martial Arts Captured in Photographs". Participants are encouraged to capture the essence of martial arts through their lenses, depicting serious expressions, tense atmospheres, pivotal moments of competition, and the graceful post-match bows and smiles that define the spirit of martial arts. The aim is to convey aspects of martial arts that words often cannot express.

Submission Details

Entrants can submit up to three photographs showcasing their interpretation of the event. Winning submissions will receive attractive prizes. The contest runs from February 11, 2026, to February 28, 2026, with a deadline for entries at 23:59 JST on the final day.

- Eligibility: The contest is open to all participants and spectators of the 23rd Tokyo Budokan Cup, irrespective of age or gender. Both amateur and professional photographers residing in Japan are welcome to enter.
- Entry Requirements:

- Photographs should be in JPEG or PNG format.
- Each image must be under 3MB to facilitate email transmission.
- There are no restrictions on aspect ratios, allowing submissions from smartphones as well.
- Coloring and monochrome images are acceptable, and minor editing for adjustment is permitted.
- The filename of the submitted photo must include the submitter's name and photo title; sequential numbering is required for multiple submissions of the same title.

- Prizes: Winning entrants will be recognized with prizes, including:

- Director’s Award for 1 individual (10,000 JPY Amazon gift card + Tokyo Budokan merchandise)
- Excellence Award for 3 individuals (3,000 JPY Amazon gift card + Tokyo Budokan merchandise)
- Master’s Award for 3 individuals selected by qualified masters in Kendo, Judo, and Kyudo, who will each receive a 2,000 JPY Amazon gift card and Tokyo Budokan merchandise.

Winners will be notified by late March.

Event Overview

The 23rd Tokyo Budokan Cup event will occur on February 11, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The event schedule includes:
1. Opening Ceremony
2. Demonstrations featuring Aikido, Shorinji Kempo, Sumo, and Jukendo
3. Martial Arts Competitions for Kendo, Judo, Kyudo, Naginata, and Karate
4. Traditional Folk Performances

Awards for the winners will be presented at closing ceremonies organized by relevant martial arts bodies.

For more details about the contest and the event, you can visit the official Tokyo Budokan websites:

About the Tokyo Sports Cultural Foundation

Established to promote sports among Tokyo residents, the Tokyo Sports Cultural Foundation operates several public sports facilities, including the Tokyo Budokan. Their mission is to foster a rich cultural environment through various sports events and initiatives, including the recently held Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics in November.

To learn more about the foundation and stay updated about upcoming events, follow their official site, Twitter, or Instagram. Together, let’s create a vibrant sports culture in Tokyo!