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Idemitsu Art Award 2027

Japan's long-running open competition for flat works by artists aged 40 and under (formerly the Shell Art Award), with a ¥3,000,000 Grand Prix and an exhibition at the National Art Center, Tokyo. The 2026 call closed 31 July; the 2027 call is expected in June.

Deadline: Not stated
Entry fee: JP¥7,000 ≈ £37

View on iaa.h-and-a.co.jp

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Your eligibility

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Who can enter

Location: Open worldwide
Age: 40 and under
Career stage: Any
Mediums: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Textile & fibre, Mixed media, Collage
Work made: Within the last 2 years
Work: Previously unexhibited work only
Size limits: Maximum 162 x 162 cm including temporary frame, 15 cm thick, 30 kg; flat works hung by wire only.
Submission: Online, then physical if shortlisted
Also: Born on or after 1 April 1986 (2026 rule); any nationality but must handle delivery and return within Japan. No sculpture, video or collaborative works.

About

Established in 1956 as the Shell Art Award and renamed in 2022, the Idemitsu Art Award is an annual juried competition for wall-hung flat works (painting, photography, textiles, embroidery, relief) by artists born on or after 1 April 1986. Open to all nationalities provided the artist can deliver and collect work within Japan. Works must be made in the last two years, not previously selected in another juried exhibition, and no larger than 162 x 162 cm (S100) including temporary frame, 15 cm deep and 30 kg.

Prizes (2026): Grand Prix ¥3,000,000; five Jury Awards of ¥300,000; one or two Student Special Awards of ¥100,000; 40–50 selected works; Audience Award and SNS Award. Selected and prize-winning works are shown at the National Art Center, Tokyo (2026 exhibition 9–21 December 2026).

The 2026 entry period was 1 June to 31 July 2026 via the online portal, with physical delivery in late August. Fees: ¥7,000 for one work (free for artists aged 25 and under), ¥11,000 for two, ¥14,000 for three. The 2027 guidelines have not yet been published.