Nikon Imaging Japan Launches U-22 Photo Contest for Young Creators

Nikon Imaging Japan, a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, has announced the launch of the "Tokyo Camera Club U-22 Photo Contest 2026" in collaboration with the Tokyo Camera Club. This contest is specifically aimed at individuals aged 22 and under, as well as university students in their 20s, with the theme focusing on works captured by the next generation of creators. The goal is to enrich their creative activities and expand their horizons within the world of photography.

The "Tokyo Camera Club U-22 Photo Contest" was initiated in 2020 to foster innovative perspectives and fresh insights from younger generations. Over the course of six previous contests, more than 50,000 submissions have been received, with ten nominees selected as the "Tokyo Camera Club U-22" in each round. This seventh iteration promises to offer even more opportunities for budding photographers to showcase their talents.

Awardees this year will enjoy several benefits, including an invitation to participate in a monitoring project featuring Nikon's mirrorless camera, the Z series, and the chance to exhibit their works at the photo exhibition venue "THE GALLERY," managed by Nikon Imaging Japan. The organizers are eager for applications from creative individuals who represent the future of photography.

Contest Overview

- Application Period: July 23, 2026 – October 29, 2026, by 23:59 JST
- Theme: Works captured by the next generation of creators – All Genres
- Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 22 or under, or university students in their 20s
- Further Information: Contest Details

Application Process

1. Step 1: Follow Nikon Imaging Japan's official Instagram account @nikonjp and Tokyo Camera Club's campaign account @tokyocameraclub_cp26.
2. Step 2: Submit your photos on Instagram by adding the designated hashtag "#東京カメラ部10選U22フォトコンテスト2026" during the submission period.

Award Benefits

- Recognition as one of the top ten in the Tokyo Camera Club U-22 category (10 winners)
- Invitation to participate in the Z series mirrorless camera monitoring project
- Exhibition of winning works at Nikon Plaza Tokyo and Osaka's exhibition venue "THE GALLERY" featuring Z series monitored works

> Note: Award benefits may be subject to changes or cancellations. Winners may be disqualified if eligibility requirements are not met, regardless of the status of their nominations.

Announcement of Winners

The winners will be announced in late November 2026, with candidates being notified via Instagram direct message. Final selection will require submission of unedited data by the candidates. The award results will be published on the contest's official announcement page in late December 2026.

Contact Information

For inquiries, please contact the campaign office of Tokyo Camera Club via this link.

In addition, Nikon Imaging Japan will act as a supporting company for the Tokyo Camera Club's 2026 photo exhibition, titled "Expanding Worlds." The exhibition is scheduled to take place at Shibuya Hikarie from September 19 to September 22, 2026.

Photo Exhibition Overview

- Venue: Shibuya Hikarie 9F, Hikarie Hall AB
- Exhibition Period: September 19, 2026 (Sat) – September 22, 2026 (Tue, Holiday)
- Event Details: Exhibition Information