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National High School Photo Summit 2026: An Unforgettable Experience

From January 30 to February 1, 2026, Nikon Imaging Japan hosted the "TopEye National High School Photo Summit 2026" at their headquarters. The event brought together 30 students from ten high schools across the country, all selected for their outstanding photography skills. These students participated in collaborative photography projects, creating thematic series under the guidance of professional photographers.

Event Overview

This unique summit included participants from the annual TopEye Photo Contest, which aims to support high school photographers. Each school contributed three students, enabling cross-school groups to foster teamwork and creativity. The schedule was packed with activities designed to enhance their skills and explore various photography techniques.

Day 1: Building Connections

On the first day, students engaged in school presentations and exchanged self-introduction cards to encourage interaction. They attended a lecture on thematic photo series presented by acclaimed photographer Hanako Akiyama. This set the stage for their upcoming shooting sessions, allowing them to learn valuable insights before hitting the streets.

Day 2: Hands-On Shooting Experience

The second day involved practical shooting sessions in three designated areas: Tennoz Isle, Hamamatsucho, and Marunouchi. Each group, accompanied by a professional photographer, received real-time advice while capturing images. They navigated through the entire photographic process, from theme selection to printing, culminating in the creation of a five-image series. The day concluded with a networking party and a special panel discussion, where participants contributed to a memory book reflecting their experience, followed by a moving memorial video presentation.

Day 3: Showcasing Creativity

On the final day, each group presented their photo series, discussing their themes and creative process. The event culminated in feedback sessions led by the guest photographers. This allowed students to appreciate not only their own work but also those of their peers, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and constructive dialogue about their artistic journeys.

Featured Works

One standout piece, "Everything Worked Out," was created by Group A and will be showcased in the upcoming web magazine TopEye (No. 327), scheduled for release at the end of February 2026.

TopEye Photo Contest Awards

The summit also featured the annual award ceremony for the TopEye Photo Contest, recognizing top entries in both individual and series categories. The winners included:

• - Best Award: Wakayama Prefectural Kamijima High School
• - Excellence Award: Yatsushiro Shirayuri Gakuen High School, Kumamoto Prefecture
• - Fighting Spirit Award: Kobe International University High School, Hyogo Prefecture

Each awarded school received Nikon mirrorless cameras and an Epson photo printer as prizes.

Participating Schools

The participating schools ranged from Kanagawa to Okinawa, showcasing a diverse array of talent and perspectives in photography:

• - Yokohama Seyama High School, Kanagawa
• - Nyu High School, Fukui
• - Toyokawa High School, Aichi
• - Ikuno High School, Osaka
• - Kosugi Engineering School, Osaka
• - Tezukayama Gakuin School, Osaka
• - Kobe International University High School, Hyogo
• - Wakayama Prefectural Kamijima High School
• - Yatsushiro Shirayuri Gakuen High School, Kumamoto
• - Urasoe Technical High School, Okinawa

Upcoming Exhibition

The winning works of the 2025 TopEye Photo Contest will also be displayed at Nikon Plaza in Tokyo and Osaka. An impressive collection of 184 pieces showcasing the creativity of high school students will be available to the public during the exhibition period.

• - Tokyo Exhibition: March 17 - March 30, 2026
• - Osaka Exhibition: April 9 - April 22, 2026

For further details, check the official URL: TopEye Exhibition

About TopEye

Established in 1979, TopEye is a photography magazine supporting high school students' passion for photography. Through various initiatives, including online contests and workshops with professional photographers, TopEye continues to encourage and nurture the next generation of photographic talent. Students interested in photography are invited to join this vibrant community and showcase their creativity.