The U-22 Exhibition 2026: A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Imagery
A remarkable showcase is set to take place at THE GALLERY, run by Nikon Imaging Japan, starting April 14, 2026. This exhibition entitled "Next Generation's Capture of the World 2026" features the best works selected from the Tokyo Camera Club’s six-year collaboration, highlighting the incredible talent of young photographers under 22 years of age.
Since 2020, the Tokyo Camera Club has hosted a photo contest that encourages youth by providing them with a platform to exhibit their creativity. Over this time, a staggering total of 51,312 submissions have poured in, each brimming with inspiration and vision. From these entries, standout pieces are chosen, leading to the celebration of 60 individuals across six years who have impressed with their unique perspectives and skills. The selected artists from 2025 utilized Nikon’s latest mirrorless cameras from the Z series to create innovative work, which will be prominently displayed alongside former honorees, bringing the total number of exhibited artists to 33.
Visitors to THE GALLERY will witness the diverse interpretations of reality captured through the lenses of the next generation. The thoughtfully curated selection promises to encapsulate a myriad of themes and emotional expressions, inviting all attendees to immerse themselves in the youthful creativity showcased.
Featured Artists (In Alphabetical Order)
- - U-22 2025: Maika Izawa, Mai Ichinose, Tomohiro Katayama, Masaki Kitahara, Hiroki Samanosuke, Haku, Nonoko Hase, Haru, Yusuke Matsuki, LuqK (Rua), Shiba Watanabe.
- - U-22 2024: Sojiro Tsusaka, Miyuki Nagasaki, Minu, Nitto, Kusanoki Mizutani, Renon, Hikari Watanabe.
- - U-22 2023: Aya, Kota Kuraba, Takumi Takemura, Kazuyoshi Hirata, Hiroki Yokokawa.
- - U-22 2022: Kanon, Saishun, Ryo Nakajima.
- - U-22 2021: Takumi Ikeda, Kazuki Kodama, Hiroki Sato, Naka, Daigo Hasegawa, Shun Moroi.
- - U-22 2020: Yusei Sakai, Kaito Takahashi, Tomosaki.
About the Tokyo Camera Club
The Tokyo Camera Club is a formidable social media photography community in Japan, boasting over 5.75 million followers and an impressive tally of 77 million posts. Their mission is to offer a free platform that encourages creative expressions worldwide. Members benefit not only from the sheer volume of submissions but also from the high-quality caliber that the submissions maintain. Through social media giants like Instagram, Facebook, and X, the options for participation remain open to all.
Exhibition Details
- - Venue: Nikon Plaza Tokyo & Osaka - THE GALLERY
- - Exhibition Dates: Tokyo: April 14 (Tuesday) to April 27 (Monday), 2026; Osaka: May 8 (Friday) to May 20 (Wednesday), 2026
- - Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Sundays, final day closing at 3:00 PM).
Talk Event Announcement
Join us for an engaging talk event with the U-22 exhibitors at the Nikon Plaza showrooms in both Tokyo and Osaka!
- - Tokyo: April 18 (Saturday) from 2 PM to 3 PM
- - Osaka: May 9 (Saturday) from 2 PM to 3 PM
THE GALLERY Overview
Established in 2017, THE GALLERY aims to elevate the appreciation and dissemination of photography culture. Regular exhibitions showcase high-quality works crafted by renowned photographers using Nikon equipment and feature member exhibitions from the Nikkor Club and various photography associations, making it a valuable asset for art lovers and aspiring photographers alike.