#Japan #Tokyo #Photography Contest #Canon Marketing #GRAPHGATE

Canon Marketing Japan's GRAPHGATE Audition

Canon Marketing Japan, headed by President Masachika Adachi, is set to launch the 4th GRAPHGATE audition for aspiring photographers and filmmakers starting April 1, 2026. This audition, initiated in 2023, aims to discover passionate new talents in photography and videography while providing them continuous support to foster their careers.

The Canon Group has over half a century of experience assisting visual creators. Notably, the Photo New Century initiative, sponsored by Canon Inc., has showcased the works of emerging photographers for three decades, resulting in numerous acclaimed professionals globally. Additionally, the SHINES audition served as a platform for novice artists until 2019, helping to publish various photo books. Both initiatives hold a shared vision: to discover, nurture, and support innovative artists pushing the boundaries of visual expression.

In response to the ongoing need for a robust framework to identify and nurture fresh talent, Canon MJ launched the GRAPHGATE audition. So far, the first three rounds of the audition have successfully selected 3 Grand Prix winners, 12 Excellence Awardees, and 26 Honorable Mentions, totaling 41 talented artists. Canon MJ continues to back these selected creators in their artistic pursuits, committing to contribute to the evolution of photography and videography culture.

Overview of the GRAPHGATE Audition

The upcoming 4th GRAPHGATE will follow a similar structure as its predecessors, requiring participants to select from three categories: People, Nature, or Creative, and then submit either photographs or video works. Candidates will go through three selection rounds where 5 Excellence Awardees and a variable number of Honorable Mentions will be chosen. From the Excellence Awardees, the Grand Prix winner will be selected during the final judging.

Winners will receive equipment support from Canon MJ, and opportunities for showcasing their works at Canon Gallery S in Shinagawa, as well as the Canon Gallery Ginza and Osaka. The audition is open to aspiring creators of all ages and experience levels, including both professionals and amateurs. The jury, composed of five notable figures from diverse fields, will undergo an enhanced selection process, assessing not just the quality of the works but also the candidates' communication skills, initiative, passion, and potential.

Audition Details

1. Application Method and Selection Process
- Application Period: From April 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM to June 3, 2026, at 3:00 PM.
- Potential participants can apply via the GRAPHGATE website by filling out an entry form detailing their previous creative endeavors and future aspirations, along with submitting their work data.
2. Selection Phases: The selection process consists of three rounds:
- First Round: Candidates will be evaluated based on the submitted work data and text.
- Second Round: Evaluation of portfolios or video projects.
- Third Round: Candidates will present their works on September 19, 2026, to the jury, who will select the Excellence Awardees and Honorable Mentions.
3. PUBLIC DISPLAY: Selected works from the Excellence Awardees and Honorable Mentions will be exhibited at the Canon Open Gallery at Canon MJ Headquarters in Tokyo.
4. Grand Prix Selection Event: On November 28, 2026, the Grand Prix winner will be revealed after evaluation and presentations from the Excellence Awardees.

Eligibility and Costs

• - There are no restrictions based on age or experience.
• - Applications from groups, organizations, or corporations are not accepted.
• - Eligible participants must be able to attend the in-person evaluations in Tokyo.
• - Application Fee: There are no fees to apply.

Jury Members

• - Taro Amano (Chief Curator, Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery)
• - Yasuhiro Ono (Nature Program Producer, Formerly NHK Enterprises)
• - Eiko Kataoka (Photo Editor, Newsweek Japan)
• - Seiichi Saito (Panoramix Founder, CEO of Abstract Engine)
• - Tiffany Godoi (Editor, Cultural Strategist)

Announcement of the Grand Prix

The winner will be unveiled at the Grand Prix selection event on November 28, 2026.

For further details related to application and selection, please visit the official GRAPHGATE website: canon.jp/graphgate. For inquiries, the Canon Marketing Japan GRAPHGATE office can be contacted through the provided link.